In this historical phase of Italy, uncertainty and insecurity are invading the lifestyle of millions of people. The individual and collective concerns come from COVID-19, where "CO" stands for corona, "VI" for virus, "D" for disease and "19" indicates the year in which the virus occurred which each day is the absolute protagonist of the news. What exactly are coronaviruses? Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause mild to moderate diseases, from the common cold to respiratory syndromes such as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
Scientists appear divided on the extent of the virus, but in fact there is no vaccine against Coronavirus to date. One thing is certain: better to be found in good health with an effective and strong immune system. Can we do something through daily nutrition and some precautions at the table? To this and other questions answered prof. Giovanni Spera, Endocrinologist and Full Professor of Internal Medicine of La Sapienza in Rome.
“Let's go in order: we are facing an epidemic of the flu type, but which raises obvious additional concerns related to its slightly more mysterious characteristics. As with all viral infections, there is no pharmacological cure except the possibility of prevention by vaccine which is not yet available for this new virus. It is also evident that this, like all viruses, is aggressive in a different way towards individual individuals or different categories of individuals, especially on the basis of age and general health conditions. This is probably related to the immune system's reaction and defense capacity. Today there is much evidence that the intestinal microbiota's health is better,
How do we improve the responsiveness of our immune system? Does science give us any indication of our eating habits?
“The scientific world has now taken note of the irrefutable correlation between the effectiveness of the immune response and the state of health of the so-called intestinal microbiota. It is an assembly of billions and billions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that colonize the intestinal mucosa of each individual, positively or negatively conditioning, now it is well-known, not only the digestive function, but many other functions including metabolic and even intellectual . Ketogenic diets, those that have extremely reduced carbohydrate intake in common, are real therapeutic tools that find application in specific pathologies and in various areas. Managed carefully by competent specialists, they make a decisive contribution to the treatment of Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, of Migraine, but also as adjuvants in the treatment of neuro degenerative and oncological diseases. In all cases, however, the use of protocols based on ketogenic diets has demonstrated a clear reduction in the generalized inflammatory state common to all the pathologies mentioned and above all a real reset of the intestinal microbiota, which by virtue of the new balance between the bacterial populations, contributes to the achievement of individual therapeutic goals ".
So is it true that we can defend ourselves against Coronavirus with diet?
“It is neither proven nor proven, but it is plausible that at least indirectly it is possible. I clarify better! Nutritionists know and tell us that to improve the intestinal microbiota and consequently its balance we must eliminate the abuse of foods that 'inflame' the body, such as the excess of carbohydrates and simple sugars often able to create the so-called ' intestinal dysbiosis. It is certainly plausible that if we eat healthy, with little salt, with selected protein sources (fish, legumes) with a good supply of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as those of dried fruit, fish and olive oil, as well as with abundant use of vegetables rich in trace elements and especially fiber, we optimize the composition and function of our intestinal microbiota and consequently its ability to implement the defensive effectiveness of the immune system against all external pathogens. So also against Coronavirus, why not? ".
Scientists appear divided on the extent of the virus, but in fact there is no vaccine against Coronavirus to date. One thing is certain: better to be found in good health with an effective and strong immune system. Can we do something through daily nutrition and some precautions at the table? To this and other questions answered prof. Giovanni Spera, Endocrinologist and Full Professor of Internal Medicine of La Sapienza in Rome.
“Let's go in order: we are facing an epidemic of the flu type, but which raises obvious additional concerns related to its slightly more mysterious characteristics. As with all viral infections, there is no pharmacological cure except the possibility of prevention by vaccine which is not yet available for this new virus. It is also evident that this, like all viruses, is aggressive in a different way towards individual individuals or different categories of individuals, especially on the basis of age and general health conditions. This is probably related to the immune system's reaction and defense capacity. Today there is much evidence that the intestinal microbiota's health is better,
How do we improve the responsiveness of our immune system? Does science give us any indication of our eating habits?
“The scientific world has now taken note of the irrefutable correlation between the effectiveness of the immune response and the state of health of the so-called intestinal microbiota. It is an assembly of billions and billions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that colonize the intestinal mucosa of each individual, positively or negatively conditioning, now it is well-known, not only the digestive function, but many other functions including metabolic and even intellectual . Ketogenic diets, those that have extremely reduced carbohydrate intake in common, are real therapeutic tools that find application in specific pathologies and in various areas. Managed carefully by competent specialists, they make a decisive contribution to the treatment of Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, of Migraine, but also as adjuvants in the treatment of neuro degenerative and oncological diseases. In all cases, however, the use of protocols based on ketogenic diets has demonstrated a clear reduction in the generalized inflammatory state common to all the pathologies mentioned and above all a real reset of the intestinal microbiota, which by virtue of the new balance between the bacterial populations, contributes to the achievement of individual therapeutic goals ".
So is it true that we can defend ourselves against Coronavirus with diet?
“It is neither proven nor proven, but it is plausible that at least indirectly it is possible. I clarify better! Nutritionists know and tell us that to improve the intestinal microbiota and consequently its balance we must eliminate the abuse of foods that 'inflame' the body, such as the excess of carbohydrates and simple sugars often able to create the so-called ' intestinal dysbiosis. It is certainly plausible that if we eat healthy, with little salt, with selected protein sources (fish, legumes) with a good supply of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as those of dried fruit, fish and olive oil, as well as with abundant use of vegetables rich in trace elements and especially fiber, we optimize the composition and function of our intestinal microbiota and consequently its ability to implement the defensive effectiveness of the immune system against all external pathogens. So also against Coronavirus, why not? ".
