scholarly journals The Impact of Obesity and Lifestyle on the Immune System and Susceptibility to Infections Such as COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daan L. de Frel ◽  
Douwe E. Atsma ◽  
Hanno Pijl ◽  
Jacob C. Seidell ◽  
Pieter J. M. Leenen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Literature Searches ◽  
The Impact

Background: COVID-19 is a global challenge to healthcare. Obesity is common in patients with COVID-19 and seems to aggravate disease prognosis. In this review we explore the link between obesity, chronic disease, lifestyle factors and the immune system, and propose societal interventions to enhance global immunity.Search Strategy and Selection Criteria: We performed three literature searches using the keywords (1) coronavirus AND comorbidities, (2) comorbidities AND immune system, and (3) lifestyle factors AND immune system. Results were screened for relevance by the main author and a total of 215 articles were thoroughly analyzed.Results: The relationship between obesity and unfavorable COVID-19 prognosis is discussed in light of the impact of chronic disease and lifestyle on the immune system. Several modifiable lifestyle factors render us susceptible to viral infections. In this context, we make a case for fostering a healthy lifestyle on a global scale.Conclusions: Obesity, additional chronic disease and an unhealthy lifestyle interactively impair immune function and increase the risk of severe infectious disease. In adverse metabolic and endocrine conditions, the immune system is geared toward inflammation. Collective effort is needed to ameliorate modifiable risk factors for obesity and chronic disease on a global scale and increase resistance to viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Effect of Lifestyle Factors on Hypertension by Constitution Type: A Large Community-Based Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ji-Eun Park ◽  
Chol Shin ◽  
Siwoo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Sasang Constitution ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Constitution Type ◽  
The Impact

Background. The risk of hypertension differs according to lifestyle factors and individual constitution types. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lifestyle factors on hypertension and to assess whether those effects differ according to the constitution types. Methods. A total of 5,793 men and women were recruited between 2012 and 2014. Odds ratios for hypertension associated with constitution types and lifestyle factors were estimated. Lifestyle factors included smoking status, body mass index, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sleep quality. Constitution types were estimated based on the Sasang constitutional medicine as the TE type, SE type, and SY type. Results. The risk of hypertension was significantly higher for SY (odds ratio 1.25 (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.52) and TE types (1.38 (1.10 to 1.74)) than the SE type even with adjustment of health behaviors. Compared with individuals who had an unhealthy lifestyle, those with healthy lifestyle scores showed significantly lower risk of hypertension in only SY (odds ratio 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.48 to 0.81)) and TE types (0.69 (0.58 to 0.81)). The difference in risk for hypertension among constitution types was decreased with a healthy lifestyle (1.34 in SY and 2.35 in TE types, as compared with the SE type) versus an unhealthy lifestyle (2.21 in SY and 3.64 in TE types, as compared with the SE type). Conclusion. The risk of hypertension was different by Sasang constitution types. The impact of lifestyle factors differed according to Sasang constitution types, and the difference in risk of hypertension among constitution types was decreased with a healthy lifestyle.

scholarly journals Understanding the influence of socioeconomic status on the association between combinations of lifestyle factors and adverse health outcomes: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e042212
Author(s):  
Hamish Foster ◽  
Peter Polz ◽  
Frances Mair ◽  
Jason Gill ◽  
Catherine A O'Donnell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Lifestyle Factor ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionCombinations of unhealthy lifestyle factors are strongly associated with mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. It is unclear how socioeconomic status (SES) affects those associations. Lower SES groups may be disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of unhealthy lifestyle factors compared with higher SES groups via interactions with other factors associated with low SES (eg, stress) or via accelerated biological ageing. This systematic review aims to synthesise studies that examine how SES moderates the association between lifestyle factor combinations and adverse health outcomes. Greater understanding of how lifestyle risk varies across socioeconomic spectra could reduce adverse health by (1) identifying novel high-risk groups or targets for future interventions and (2) informing research, policy and interventions that aim to support healthy lifestyles in socioeconomically deprived communities.Methods and analysisThree databases will be searched (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL) from inception to March 2020. Reference lists, citations and grey literature will also be searched. Inclusion criteria are: (1) prospective cohort studies; (2) investigations of two key exposures: (a) lifestyle factor combinations of at least three lifestyle factors (eg, smoking, physical activity and diet) and (b) SES (eg, income, education or poverty index); (3) an assessment of the impact of SES on the association between combinations of unhealthy lifestyle factors and health outcomes; (4) at least one outcome from—mortality (all cause, CVD and cancer), CVD or cancer incidence. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full texts of included studies. Data extraction will focus on cohort characteristics, exposures, direction and magnitude of SES effects, methods and quality (via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). If appropriate, a meta-analysis, pooling the effects of SES, will be performed. Alternatively, a synthesis without meta-analysis will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication, professional networks, social media and conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020172588.

scholarly journals Virus-mediated archaeal hecatomb in the deep seafloor

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. e1600492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Danovaro ◽  
Antonio Dell’Anno ◽  
Cinzia Corinaldesi ◽  
Eugenio Rastelli ◽  
Ricardo Cavicchioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infection ◽  
Deep Sea ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Biogeochemical Cycles ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Viral Lysis ◽  
Group I ◽  
Global Biogeochemical Cycles ◽  
Bacterial Genes ◽  
The Impact

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities in the world’s oceans, and they play a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles. In deep-sea ecosystems, archaea and bacteria drive major nutrient cycles, and viruses are largely responsible for their mortality, thereby exerting important controls on microbial dynamics. However, the relative impact of viruses on archaea compared to bacteria is unknown, limiting our understanding of the factors controlling the functioning of marine systems at a global scale. We evaluate the selectivity of viral infections by using several independent approaches, including an innovative molecular method based on the quantification of archaeal versus bacterial genes released by viral lysis. We provide evidence that, in all oceanic surface sediments (from 1000- to 10,000-m water depth), the impact of viral infection is higher on archaea than on bacteria. We also found that, within deep-sea benthic archaea, the impact of viruses was mainly directed at members of specific clades of Marine Group I Thaumarchaeota. Although archaea represent, on average, ~12% of the total cell abundance in the top 50 cm of sediment, virus-induced lysis of archaea accounts for up to one-third of the total microbial biomass killed, resulting in the release of ~0.3 to 0.5 gigatons of carbon per year globally. Our results indicate that viral infection represents a key mechanism controlling the turnover of archaea in surface deep-sea sediments. We conclude that interactions between archaea and their viruses might play a profound, previously underestimated role in the functioning of deep-sea ecosystems and in global biogeochemical cycles.

scholarly journals The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Pecora ◽  
Federica Persico ◽  
Alberto Argentiero ◽  
Cosimo Neglia ◽  
Susanna Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

scholarly journals Combined healthy lifestyle factors and risk of all-cause and cardiovascular first hospitalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Bonaccio ◽  
A Di Castelnuovo ◽  
S Costanzo ◽  
M Persichillo ◽  
A De Curtis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background We aimed to explore the association of combined healthy lifestyles with risk of first hospitalization for all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke in a southern Italian population-based cohort. We also investigated several biological mechanisms possibly on the pathway between lifestyles and health outcomes. Methods Longitudinal analysis on 23,161 men and women (aged≥35 y) recruited in the Moli-sani Study (2005-2010). We defined 4 healthy lifestyle factors as abstention from smoking; high adherence to Mediterranean diet; physical activity; absence of abdominal obesity. First hospital admissions for any and CVD-related causes were recorded by direct linkage with hospital discharge form registry. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated by multivariable Cox-regression. Results Over a median follow up of 7.2 y, we ascertained a total of 9,482 hospitalizations, 3,556 CVD, 939 IHD and 589 stroke-related hospital admissions. Adherence to all four healthy lifestyles, compared with none or 1, was associated with lower risk of hospitalization for any cause (HR = 0.82; 0.74-0.90), CVD (HR = 0.81;0.69-0.95) and IHD (HR = 0.63; 0.44-0.90) and, to a less extent, with stroke hospitalizations. Inflammatory biomarkers (e.g. C-reactive protein) were likely to partly explain the association between lifestyles and all-cause (14%) or CVD (15%) hospitalizations, while inflammation played a leading role towards risk of IHD (30%) and stroke-related hospital admissions (21%). Conclusions The impact of combined 4 healthy lifestyles on first hospitalization risk was considerable. Inflammatory biomarkers explained a large proportion of this association. Key messages Improvements to lifestyle reduce the risk of hospitalizations in a general adult population. Achieving a greater number of healthy behaviours has the potential to reduce the burden of hospitalizations and the associated healthcare costs.

scholarly journals Modifiable Lifestyle Factors: Opportunities for (Hereditary) Breast Cancer Prevention - a Narrative Review

Breast Care ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Lammert ◽  
Sabine Grill ◽  
Marion Kiechle
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Breast Cancer Risk ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Breast Cancer Prevention ◽  
The Impact

Increasing rates of obesity, lack of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and frequent alcohol consumption are major lifestyle-related risk factors for breast cancer. In fact, it has been estimated that about one-third of breast cancer cases are attributable to factors women can change. Most research has focused on examining the impact of one single exposure on breast cancer risk while adjusting for other risk modifiers. Capitalizing on big data, major efforts have been made to evaluate the combined impact of well-established lifestyle factors on overall breast cancer risk. At the individual level, data indicate that even simple behavior modifications could have a considerable impact on breast cancer prevention. Moreover, there is emerging new evidence that adopting a healthy lifestyle may be particularly relevant for women with hereditary susceptibility to breast cancer. On the absolute risk scale, studies suggest that the presence of certain risk factors, such as excessive body weight, had a substantially higher impact on breast cancer risk if women had a hereditary predisposition to cancer. The existing body of knowledge gives the medical professionals guidance as to which factors to focus on when counseling patients. However, well-designed randomized controlled trials utilizing objective methods are crucial to providing concrete recommendations.

scholarly journals Health coach online - health benefits on the citizens terms

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kuitunen ◽  
A Cavrak
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Hospital Costs ◽  
Diabetes Type 2 ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Lifestyle Habits ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In Sweden, we know that half of the women and two thirds of the men have one or more unhealthy lifestyle habits. We also know that 90% of all diabetes type 2, 80% of all heart attacks and 30% of all cancer can be prevented, if one has a healthy lifestyle. Consultative conversations have been proved very helpful while changing ones habits. The lifestyle habits of Swedes are similar to those of other countries in Europe, and by making our research available and the concept known to other countries, the overall health in Europe can improve. In August 2017 an online practice opened in a county in south west of Sweden, were we performed lifestyle interventions with people who applied and needed it. The practice specialized in eating habits, physical exercise, alcohol and tobacco use. We have 4-6 consultative meetings during 3 to 4 months, where we help our clients set realistic goals to reach, that work in their day to day life. While using coaching techniques and motivational interviewing, we have met over 200 people, and helped improve their lifestyle. We have seen that in regarding to self-assessed health (1-10), our clients score is higher after both completed health coaching and a year after completed coaching than at start. Calculating QALY, we can see that the impact the coach makes on our clients is cost effective and one person being coached saves the amount in hospital costs that we can use to coach 30 more. We have learned that online meetings are more cost effective and practical for this type of concept. Our clients feel more relaxed and open to the process at a location of their choosing and it saves time for them, time they might not have taken otherwise - therefore, we can help more people. Meetings online enables us to reach all over the Västra Götaland region, and not only the close proximity where the coaches are located. Key messages Online health coaching supports our health care and helps the citizens to improve their lifestyle habits and their overall health. The online method is cost effective and it saves money for both health care and society.

scholarly journals Mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak: the impact of healthy lifestyle behaviors and sociodemographic factors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Paz ◽  
Vicente Chirullo ◽  
Federico Montero ◽  
Paul Ruiz ◽  
Hugo Selma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety State ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
The Impact

Background: Numerous studies have reported high rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms related to the COVID-19 crisis and the measures implemented to contain the virus spread. Even though restrictive measures, such as mandatory lockdown were not applied in Uruguay, mental health could be affected. Moreover, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors could modulate this impact. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on depressive and anxiety symptoms among Uruguayan people and examine the associated factors.Methods: This study was conducted in a non-probabilistic sample of 1051 adults (aged ≥18 years). Depressive (Beck Depression Inventory-II) and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) symptoms were assessed along with isolation conditions, sociodemographic factors, and lifestyle behaviors. Linear models were adjusted to analyze the data. Results: Participants in our sample reported mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms and severe anxiety symptoms. Those who did total isolation reported the highest levels of symptomatology. Also, as days of isolation increased, symptoms increased. Finally, sex, socioeconomic status, age, physical activity, sleeping routines, exposure to light and outdoor activities have an effect on mental health. Conclusions: This study illustrates that the COVID-19 outbreak impacts mental health even in a country with mild-lockdown. Our results highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic and lifestyle factors when developing clinical intervention programs to mitigate the current crisis’s effects.

scholarly journals Role of Selenium in Viral Infections with a Major Focus on SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 280
Author(s):  
Sabrina Sales Martinez ◽  
Yongjun Huang ◽  
Leonardo Acuna ◽  
Eduardo Laverde ◽  
David Trujillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Selenium Deficiency ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Stress Studies ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nutritional Strategies ◽  
Healthy Immune System

Viral infections have afflicted human health and despite great advancements in scientific knowledge and technologies, continue to affect our society today. The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put a spotlight on the need to review the evidence on the impact of nutritional strategies to maintain a healthy immune system, particularly in instances where there are limited therapeutic treatments. Selenium, an essential trace element in humans, has a long history of lowering the occurrence and severity of viral infections. Much of the benefits derived from selenium are due to its incorporation into selenocysteine, an important component of proteins known as selenoproteins. Viral infections are associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species and may result in oxidative stress. Studies suggest that selenium deficiency alters immune response and viral infection by increasing oxidative stress and the rate of mutations in the viral genome, leading to an increase in pathogenicity and damage to the host. This review examines viral infections, including the novel SARS-CoV-2, in the context of selenium, in order to inform potential nutritional strategies to maintain a healthy immune system.

Is health coaching the next panacea in healthcare reform?

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 323-326
Author(s):  
Catherine Best
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Healthcare Reform ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

Health coaching aims to empower patients to self-manage their long-term health conditions. Catherine Best explores the effect health coaching can have on patients and the shifts that are required to deliver it Non-communicable diseases now account for the vast majority of deaths globally. It is recognised that personalised care is key to managing non-communicable disease and health coaching is considered an essential element. Health coaching is a developing field of practice that encourages patients to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours that can avert the impact of chronic disease. This article explores the effect health coaching can have on patients and the shifts that are required to deliver it.

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