Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) comprises various pathologies characterized by acute and chronic inflammation of the intestine and that include rectal ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease.
These diseases are especially common in industrialized countries—so much so that, in the last 10 years, such diseases have affected up to twenty times more individuals. Moreover, these numbers continue to grow steadily. In Italy, experts have calculated that approximately 200,000 people presently suffer from these pathologies1,2.
The most common symptoms of IBD are: acute abdominal pain; diarrhea; and problems with the absorption of nutrients; and, at times, anemia. The causes that lead to the onset of these diseases remain unknown. Yet, the most accepted hypothesis has identified one key trigger: the immune system’s excessive reaction to substances it regards as harmful to the intestine. Such substances may be produced by the bacteria that make up the intestinal flora bacteria.
Current treatment aims to reduce intestinal inflammation; inhibit the immune system; and prevent or halt the development of harmful bacteria in the intestine. To do so, cortisone-based products are currently used, as well as immune suppressants and antibiotics. Patients with IBD pay strict attention to their diet, even if little is known about the effects of nutrition on these pathologies. Since scientists have yet to devise a cure, scientific research is actively striving to develop new treatment methods that can improve patients’ quality of life.
A recent study—conducted in the research laboratory of Professor Longo at the University of Southern California, and published in the prestigious journal Cell Reports—have demonstrated that following the cycles of the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) has significant effects on mice with IBD3.
Conducted on mice, the study analyzed the evolution in intestinal inflammation after 2 cycles of the FMD, each cycle lasting 4 days and then followed by a normal diet. The results have demonstrated that this eating plan alone can alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease. Indeed, in the study the FMD produced a more substantial regeneration of the intestinal epithelium, due to the activation of stem cells, as well as greater control of the immune response, and an increase in the “good” intestinal bacteria, notably Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae.
Surprisingly, the results obtained with the FMD were more significant than those obtained by following a traditional fasting diet consuming water only. Such results underline how the nutrients in the FMD eating plan—for example, certain prebiotics—play a key role in maximizing anti-inflammatory activity and in regulating the intestine’s microbiota, especially compared to the classic fasting diets.
Researchers on Longo’s team have already demonstrated, in previous studies, that patients with elevated values of C-reactive protein (CPR), an indicator of inflammation, were able to effectively reduce their inflammatory profile after following the cycles outlined by the FMD4.
The data collected in previous studies, when considered with this most recent study, indicate that following the cycles of the FMD reduces indicators of systemic inflammation in humans and has the potential to prove effective in patients with diseases characterized by intestinal inflammation, including Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
To this end, the authors of this study maintain that in order to determine the safety and effectiveness of the study on humans, it is first necessary to conduct a randomized clinical trial that tracks the effects on patients with IBD following the FMD. This study is currently being developed at the Università degli Studi di
Genova (University of Genoa) in Italy.
Sources:
Luca Genovese, Ph.D.
Nutritionist
Often both children and their parents struggle to follow more traditional diets which tend to be too restrictive. This problem can be overcome by first off identifying the child’s incorrect eating habits. Once understood, it is time to correct them, gradually and consistently, and according to what each child, adolescent can handle.
For this reason, we advise not radically changing the eating habits of our children but introducing small changes that gradually lead to a healthy diet and weight.
Begin with a Food Diary
The first step is to understand the eating habits and lifestyle of your child or adolescent. The diary entails keeping track of food and lifestyle habits for a week or more. These entries help us to reconstruct your child’s typical daily diet.
These are guidelines applied by professionals with whom I collaborate. They all report excellent results from three different clinical studies involving overweight and obese children. Other information and guidelines can be found in the new Italian book by Valter Longo: La Longevità inizia da bambini (The Road to Longevity Begins with Childhood, trans.)
According to recent data reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), in the last 40 years, the number of obese school-aged children and adolescents world-wide has skyrocketed: from 11 to 124 million—a tenfold increase! Meanwhile, the number of overweight children has reached 216 million.
On the Italian peninsula, 42% of young boys and 38% of young girls are overweight, and 21% of the boys and 14% of the girls are obese. These figures are surprisingly very similar to those in the US, where 35% of children are overweight and 26% are obese (numbers that at times decrease to as much as 18%, but most likely because very severe cases of obesity are not reported, according to the CDC or Center for Disease Control and Prevention).
The US witnessed a significant increase in overweight children and adolescents between 2 and 18 years old, between 1999 and 2018. The trend seems to be escalating more rapidly every year, especially among the youngest, namely boys 2-5 years old, a group that hit a peak in severe obesity, between 2015-2016. In the same period, overweight adolescent girls rose from 36% to 48% in just two years.
Overweight youth represents a health emergency that must be addressed immediately. Yet, as asserted by Professor Valter Longo, “a new nutritional strategy must be deployed”. Indeed, Professor Longo recently unveiled an innovative nutritional program that involves experts and families alike, with the goal of raising healthy children and adolescents who have the opportunity to live until 110 years old.
For more information see: “La longevità inizia da bambini” (Longevity Begins in Childhood, trans.)
by Professor Valter Longo.
Many scientific studies show that obesity and excess weight constitute risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. A recent study, conducted at the Sahlgrenska Academy of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, identified a correlation between obesity during adolescence and the emergence of myocardial diseases in adulthood. The findings were published in the scientific journal Circulation (May 2019) of the American Heart Association.
CORRELATION BETWEEN EXCESSIVE WEIGHT and CARDIOMYOPATHY
Researchers analyzed a large pool of 1,668,893 Swedish males, between the ages of 18-19, and who had done their military service between 1969 and 2005. For these individuals, data regarding weight, height and BMI were taken from an official enrollment registry of that period. Then, two national databases were examined, analyzing the number of individuals admitted for treatment (and reasons) as well as the number deceased. The researchers’ aim was to determine whether the ex-military personnel suffered from heart disease as adults, through the age of 46.
The findings showed that 4,477 of these male youth later developed cardiomyopathy at the median age of 45.5. Cardiomyopathy is a disorder that strikes the myocardium and may result in insufficient heart function, and even sudden death. Cardiomyopathy is comprised of two forms: dilated and hypertrophic. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart weakens and can no longer pump blood. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart grows rigid and cannot take in enough blood. In both cases, cardiac functioning is diminished and can result in cardiac insufficiency or heart failure.
WHAT THE FIINDINGS SHOW
This study underscores that individuals who were overweight as adolescents, with BMI equivalent to 34 (which corresponds to mid-range obesity) had 8 times the chance of developing dilated cardiomyopathy as adults. In contrast, the Swedish male subjects who were thin (BMI less than 20) at 18 years old had a low risk of developing cardiomyopathy. This risk, however, increased gradually as their body weight increased.
Of course, it should be noted that the study was limited to male youth, and, thus, applying the findings in a broader sense would require further and analogous studies of the female population.
By Corinna Montana Lampo
For further scientific data and information on the topic of healthy lifestyles and eating habits, visit the website of the Valter Longo Foundation, FONDAZIONE VALTER LONGO, where various clinical studies can be found.
SOURCES
On April 9 th , the Italian Obesity Barometer Report 2019 was published in Obesity
Monitor, on the occasion of the 1 st “Italian Obesity Summit – Changing ObesityTM Meeting”, held in Rome at the Residenza di Ripetta (Bernini Meeting Hall) and organized by the IBDO Foundation (Italian Barometer Diabetes Observatory). At the summit, key data collected by the IBDO Foundation together with ISTAT (Istitute of statistics) was presented on obesity and excess weight in Italy, providing a clear picture of the gravity of the current situation in Italy.
The report demonstrates that more than 1 out of 3 Italians is overweight, and, more notably, one out of 10 is obese. Considering that obesity is constantly on the rise and constitutes a key risk factor for chronic diseases—like type 2 diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and tumors these figures are alarming. Indeed, obesity represents a major public health problem today.
Let’s take a deeper look at the details of the report on obesity in Italy. It shows that 46% of adults (18 years and older), comprising more than 23 million individuals, and 24.2% of children and adolescents (aged 6-17), or 1 million and 700,000 individuals, are overweight. These figures reveal discrepancies in gender: women show lower rates of obesity (9.4%) than men (11.8%). Among children and adolescents, this discrepancy is even more notable: 20.8% of girls are overweight compared to 27.3% of boys.
Geography reveals further differences: the problem of excess weight is more widespread in the South of Italy and the islands, especially among young people. In the South and islands, 31.9% and 26.1% of children and adolescents, respectively, are overweight. The figures decrease moving north: 22% in Central Italy; 22.1% in the North East; and 18.9% in the North West. Among adults, geographical differences are less significant: 11.8% of adults in the South and islands are overweight; 10.6% in the North East; 10.2% in the North West; and dropping to 8.8% in Central Italy. Besides the gap between the North and South in Italy, there is a substantial difference between urban and rural areas. In small towns (i.e. fewer than 2,000 inhabitants), as many as 12% are obese, while in the big cities the percentage of obese individuals drops to 8.8%. However, in recent years (2001-2017), the greatest increases in obesity have been seen in metropolitan areas (6.8 to 8.8%) and in the suburbs (8.2% to 10.9%).
Two other critical trends emerge from the report. The first regards sedentary lifestyles, with a major gap between the North and South. In general, more than one third of young people in the South of Italy and the islands (with the exception of Sardinia) do not practice sports or do physical activity (42% in Sicily; 41.3% in Campania; 40.1% in Calabria). In addition, it appears that education plays a key role in determining obesity rates: a degree in higher education constitutes a safeguard against obesity, especially in terms of prevention. Only 6.6% of those with college diplomas are obese, while figures climb to as much as 14.2% for those with only a middle school diploma. Moreover, 18.5% of children of parents with college degrees are obese, a figure that grows to 29.5% for children of parents who have little formal education.
The findings of the report underscore the need for strategic programs that focus especially on prevention and treatment of this illness, as the latter grows increasingly more costly for healthcare, the economy, and society. Indeed, obesity constitutes a health emergency, with dire repercussions for the health of the individual— namely quality of life and longevity, but also with serious consequences for society, in terms of economic costs. Thus, the 1st Italian Obesity Summit – Changing Obesity TM Meeting offers a crucial starting point for debate, especially on the institutional level by demanding attention from policymakers. One aim of the IBDO Foundation in publishing the Italian Obesity Barometer Report was, in fact, to share key data and other useful information that can form the basis of new policy, guarantee access to treatment, and ultimately promote better health by endorsing a healthy lifestyle and diet.
by Corinna Montana Lampo, journalist
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Povertà Sanitaria in aumento
Per la propria salute le persone povere in Italia possono spendere solo da 4 a 14 volte in meno rispetto al resto della popolazione
Il 4 dicembre 2019 è stato presentato dalla Fondazione Banco Farmaceutico il 7° Rapporto sulla Povertà Sanitaria. Quest’anno, quasi 500mila italiani non hanno potuto acquistare medicinali di cui avevano bisogno per motivi economici. Inoltre, la richiesta di farmaci da parte degli enti di assistenza sanitaria ha raggiunto il picco (rispetto agli ultimi 7 anni) con +4,8% rispetto al 2018, con oltre 1 milione di confezioni di medicinali richiesti.
Il direttore dell’OPSan (Osservatorio Povertà Sanitaria di Fondazione Banco Farmaceutico) riporta dati davvero preoccupanti per l’Italia, dove circa 5 milioni di persone vertono in condizioni di povertà assoluta. Una situazione che non consente nemmeno di affrontare le spese per le cure. Anche le famiglie non povere, però, nell’ultimo anno si sono viste costrette a limitare le spese sanitarie. In particolare, hanno ridotto tale quota il 19% delle famiglie non povere e il 37% delle famiglie povere.
Per comprendere le condizioni in cui si trovano queste ultime, basti pensare che in media possono spendere solo:
Per rendersi conto della esiguità di queste cifre, si possono confrontare con quelle del resto della popolazione, che risultano essere da 4 a 14 volte maggiori:
La situazione risulta ancora più grave se si pensa che sono proprio le famiglie con figli minorenni a dover fronteggiare i maggiori problemi di accesso al diritto alla salute. Condizione che sta contribuendo a ingigantire il record tutto italiano di obesità infantile (ogni 10 bambini e ragazzi, ben 4 sono in sovrappeso e di questi, 2 sono obesi).
Questo accade perché spesso il cibo più economico è anche quello meno sano, ovvero più ricco di grassi saturi, zuccheri e proteine animali, ma povero di nutrienti essenziali, come vitamine e minerali. Il cibo a buon mercato, infatti, non è per nulla completo e nutriente, ma anzi contribuisce ad aumentare il grasso sia negli adulti sia in bambini e ragazzi.
I minorenni in condizione di povertà assoluta sono 1 milione 260mila, ovvero il 12,6% degli under 18 residenti nel nostro Paese. In questo scenario, le famiglie che si trovano in condizioni di ristrettezza economica, per un supporto nell’affrontare un problema di salute, possono rivolgersi ad associazioni e fondazioni onlus, che rappresentano un servizio sanitario sussidiario al Sistema Sanitario Nazionale, costruito grazie alla generosità di questi enti.
È proprio con lo scopo di aiutare chi è più in difficoltà, per motivi di salute e/o per motivi economici che le due fondazioni onlus fondate dal Professor Valter Longo (Fondazione Valter Longo e Create Cures Foundation) sono nate e cercano strategie serie e creative.
In particolare, le due Fondazioni offrono visite nutrizionali a prezzi agevolati per tutti e gratuite per chi è meno fortunato, senza nessuna distinzione di sesso, età, razza, credo religioso, ecc.
Le attività delle due Fondazioni si fanno promotrici di offrire assistenza nutrizionale, programmi di sensibilizzazione, educazione alimentare, seminari e consulenze, nell’ottica di offrire a tutti l’opportunità di una vita sana e longeva e di avere anche un impatto positivo sul miglioramento della salute pubblica.
Fondazione Valter Longo e Create Cures Foundation vogliono assumere questo impegno pubblico verso la parte della popolazione che sperimenta le maggiori difficoltà sociali ed economiche.
Per maggiori informazioni: [email protected] e [email protected]
The following simple tips can help you enjoy the holidays without over-indulging—or feeling guilty:
If you need help preparing a simple and healthy Christmas lunch, we can help!
We have created a Christmas Menu just for you that is abundant in tasty, seasonal ingredients and features easy recipes from the book Alla tavola della longevità by Prof. Valter Longo.
Serves 6
Trim the greens, keeping only the leaves. Wash and chop, then lightly salt and let sit to drain for 15 minutes. Mix with the cheese, breadcrumbs, a pinch of pepper and 2 tablespoons of oil. Mix the flour with water, 2 tablespoons of oil and a generous pinch of salt until a dough forms. Divide in half and roll out two sheets of dough that are just are slightly bigger than the tart pan. Brush the pan bottom lightly with oil, and position the first sheet of dough in the pan. Pour the mixture of greens and cheese over the bottom sheet, and spread until even. Cover with the second sheet of dough, pressing the edges of both sheets together to seal. Brush the dough with plenty of oil and then use a fork to poke holes in the surface. Bake in the oven at 200 °C until the tart crust is golden in color.
Serves 4
Lightly saute the minced shallot in a pot with oil, until the shallot is softened. Add the pumpkin (cut into slices). Pour the wine over the mixture, and when the wine evaporates, add a little salt. Cover and let cook on a low flame for 10 minutes, stirring now and then. In the meanwhile, bring the broth to a boil. Add the rice to the pumpkin mixture, toasting lightly in the pot. Cook the rice mixture by adding small amounts of broth in intervals. When the rice is cooked, stir in the butter and grated cheese and sprinkle with minced parsley. Serve with freshly ground pepper.
Serves 4
Descale and clean the fish, and then cut into slices. Arrange in a terracotta dish and cover with the wine and raisins (soak the raisins first in warm water to plump up; then squeeze the water out). Add the minced parsley and garlic, the onion (cut into rounds), and finally the bay leaf (torn in half). Flavor with salt and pepper, and let marinate for an hour. Then place the dish on the stove top and cook on a low flame for 10 minutes. Gently remove the fish from the terracotta dish and transfer to a serving dish. Continue cooking the sauce until thickened. Pass the sauce through a sieve, and then pour over the fish. Finish with a drizzle of raw olive oil.
Serves 4
Trim the cauliflower and divide into florets. Rise and blanch in a little water with a pinch of salt (the cauliflower should remain firm in texture: do not overcook). Drain and dress immediately with the vinegar, oil, olives, capers, and pepper (cut into strips).
Serves 8
Soak the raisins in the wine, which should be lukewarm. In the meantime, sift the chestnut flour and then add 600 ml of room-temperature water. Add a pinch of salt and the olive oil, then work the dough until it is malleable and not too dense. Add the chopped walnuts and pine nuts, the raisins (drained and pressed to eliminate the excess wine), and finally the rosemary needles. Spread the mixture onto a baking tray coated in oil (the dough should be no more than 2 cm thick). Brush a bit of oil over the dough, decorate the top with a few rosemary needles, and bake at 180 °C for about 40 minutes, or until little cracks begin to appear on the surface.
Dr. Gina Forrisi
A well-balanced diet provides an adequate intake of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, that can boost our immune system. Many studies point to their positive health effects, and specifically highlight the importance of vitamin C, D, and Zinc.
Vitamin C stimulates the body to increase its defenses against respiratory diseases. It’s found in citrus fruits (lemons, oranges), red fruits (currants and strawberries), kiwi, pineapple, cherries, watermelon, melon, and papaya. Green leafy vegetables are also rich in vitamin C: broccoli, cabbage, spinach, chard, turnip greens, rocket, lettuce, chicory, and parsley; as well as solanaceae like peppers and raw tomatoes.
Vitamin D also stimulates the immune system and prevents infections and lowers inflammation levels. 80% of it is obtained through sun exposure, while the other 20% is obtained from food. Foods rich in vitamin D are blue fish, such as mackerel, sardines, hering, anchovies, seas bass, tuna, salmon, and red mullet, as well as in eggs and mushrooms. Additionally, it can be found in dried fruits like almonds and walnuts, and in whole grains, beans, and green leafy vegetables.
Zinc plays an important role for the immune system: it promotes function of the thymus, especially against flu viruses, cooling symptoms, and bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. It is found mainly in shellfish and fish, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), dried fruit (almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, cashews and peanuts) and oilseeds (sesame, poppy, pumpkin and sunflower), as well as in mushrooms and cocoa.
Iron, Copper and Selenium also help us develop an efficient immune system.
Iron introduced in the diet is found in two forms: “heme” and “non-heme”. The first is present in animal products, such as liver, horse and beef red meats; as well as in blue fish (anchovies, sardines, anchovies, sea bass), seafood (clams, mussels and oysters), crustaceans, and egg (yolk). Non-heme iron, on the other hand, is present in plants and must be combined with vitamin C in order to be absorbed. Whole grains, legumes, especially lentils and beans, and green leafy vegetables, like rocket, spinach, parsley, and broccoli are rich in iron. Plums, raisins, apricots, and dates, as well as cashews and pistachios are good sources of iron. To best absorb it, it’s advised to combine these foods with vitamin C, such as lemon juice, tomatoes, peppers, and kiwis. Some substances, however, inhibit the absorption of iron: tea, coffee, chocolate, yogurt, cheese, and foods rich in calcium.
Copper stimulates the immune system since, in addition to promoting thyroid function, maintains an adequate amount of white blood cells, capable of fighting viruses and bacteria. It is found in molluscs, crustaceans, eggs, and meat, as well as in dried fruit (walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts), oilseeds (sunflower and pumpkin), legumes, whole grains, mushrooms, and cocoa.
Selenium, along with vitamin C, stimulates the immune system’s defenses, and can protect individuals against flu viruses, infections and seasonal diseases. It’s found in blue fish, molluscs, eggs, dairy products and red meat. Additionally, selenium is found in plant sources such as whole grains, legumes, dried fruit, oilseeds, mushrooms and vegetables.
Other vitamins that are important for the immune system are vitamins A, E and B-vitamins.
Vitamin A, in the form of retinol, along with carotenoids, acts as an antioxidant, boosts the immune system, and fights lung infections. The carotenoids are found in orange-red vegetables and fruits: carrots, squash, pepper tomatoes, apricots, peaches, melon, and medlars. As well as in green leafy vegetables and spices such as paprika. Retinol is found in blue fish, egg, yogurt, cheese and meat.
Vitamin E also helps support the immune system. It is found especially in dried fruit (almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts), oil seeds (sunflower, flax), green leafy vegetables, avocado, blackberries, chestnuts, olives and extra-virgin olive oil.
Finally we must mention the B-vitamins which are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. They are found in fish, crustaceans, eggs, dairy products, meat, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, dried fruit, oilseeds. Vitamin B12 is found strictly in animal sources, so those who follow purely plant-based diets should consult a nutritionist for valid supplements that ward off their deficiency. Eating fish 2-3 times a week, together with legumes, many seasonal and possibly organic vegetables, whole grains and seasonal fruit, as suggested by the Longevity Diet, helps us give our body all the nutrients that it needs.
SOURCES
LARN – Livelli di assunzione di riferimento per la popolazione italiana: VITAMINE. Assunzione raccomandata per la popolazione (PRI) e assunzione adeguata (AI): valori su base giornaliera – Società Italiana di Nutrizione Umana-SINU, 2014
LARN – Livelli di assunzione di riferimento per la popolazione italiana: MINERALI. Assunzione raccomandata per la popolazione (PRI) e assunzione adeguata (AI): valori su base giornaliera – Società Italiana di Nutrizione Umana-SINU, 2014
A study conducted on March 4th by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) examined the data on the first Italian patients who died from COVID-19: 73 in Lombardy, 21 in Emilia-Romagna, 7 in Veneto and 3 in Marche. After analyzing the results by age group, it is evident that:
– 42.2% of deaths occurred between 80 and 89 years
– 32.4% between 70 and 79
– 14.1% over 90
– 8.4% between 60 and 69
– 2.8% between 50 and 59
As a result, the average age of those who have died from the virus is 81 years old, about 30 years more than the average age of those who have only been infected: 51 years old, of which 73.3% are men. (see article HAND CORONAVIRUS DATA)
Furthermore, over half of the individuals that died were already suffering from one or more diseases (comorbidities). In particular, the average number is over 3 associated diseases; 3.4 to be exact. In more detail:
– 15.5% of the sample suffered from 0-1 diseases,
– 18.3% from 2 diseases, and
– 67.2% from 3 or more diseases.
In this new analysis, it was evident that the most recurrent pre-existing diseases are hypertension (74.6%), followed by ischemic heart disease (70.4%), and diabetes mellitus (33.8%). As commented by the president of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Silvio Brusaferro: “These are very fragile people, who often live in close contact with others, and whom we must protect as much as possible”.
In Italy, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus (also referred to as type 2 diabetes) are among the most common conditions. Along with cancer, they are responsible for over a third of diseases and premature deaths. So much so that 36.9% of men and 18.5% of women who suffer from these preventable diseases die before the age of 75. They can be avoided because most of the risk factors associated with these diseases could be reduced by making changes to diet and lifestyle, and maintaining an adequate weight.
Unfortunately, the data of the latest Italian report on overweight and obesity (Italian Obesity Barometer Report 2019 – IBDO Foundation data in collaboration with ISTAT – see article OBESITY IN ITALY), indicate that almost 50% of Italians are overweight, about 25 million people; and one in ten is obese. Additionally, around 4 in 10 children are overweight or obese. As shown by studies in “The Seeds of Longevity are Planted in Childhood” by Professor Valter Longo, children and adults alike consume too much starch and protein. Starches, sugars, and proteins are at the core of accelerated aging, and contribute to the development of various diseases.
Hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and type 2 diabetes are the main risk factors linked to premature death. Along with genetic predisposition, they are also directly connected to bad habits such as poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol abuse. However, scientific studies show that age is the main risk factor in developing these diseases. We are observing something analogous in regards to Coronavirus infection. That is, those who are older are more fragile and get sick more easily. Intervening directly on aging over time, therefore, could prevent many diseases. This is more effective than interventions that are currently implemented, which aim at curing diseases at the time of their diagnosis. A process, however, which cannot be applied quickly or urgently, and which must be understood in the long run.
During this COVID-19 outbreak, the ministerial and international measures that have been put out must be strictly followed: wash your hands often; do not touch your mouth, nose, or eyes; in case of sneezing or coughing, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue to be thrown away immediately, or use the crease of the elbow; avoid contact with people who have flu symptoms; avoid handshakes and hugs, keeping a distance of at least 1 meter; avoid crowded places, and preferably do not leave the house; if you have symptoms, do not go to the emergency room but contact your doctor.
In any case, a significant and valuable strategy is the one represented by the innovative approach (based on the 5 PILLARS OF HEALTHY LONGEVITY – see article) proposed by the Valter Longo Foundation. This strategy is focused on the mechanisms that help slow down aging and promote healthy longevity. This can be implemented immediately to strengthen the immune system both in the short term (see article VITAMINS AND MINERALS TO SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM), especially in this serious health emergency, and in the long term, so as not to find us unprepared for future health challenges.
The team of Nutritionists of the Valter Longo Onlus Foundation is always available, especially in this difficult period, to help those who may need it: children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, as we continue to offer everyone the opportunity for a long and healthy life.
For more information: [email protected]
SOURCES:
1.https://www.iss.it/web/guest//comunicati-stampa/-/asset_publisher/fjTKmjJgSgdK/content/id/5286166
3. La Longevità inizia da bambini. Vallardi editore, 2019
4. NSIS, Nuovo Sistema Informativo Sanitario
5. AIOM, Associazione Italiana Oncologia Medica
6. IDF, International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes Atlas
7. La Dieta della Longevità. Vallardi editore, 2016