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Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity
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Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 22180

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mariarita Brancaccio

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80121 Naples, Italy
Interests: sulphur-containing compounds; physical activity; immune system; epigenetics; microRna; regeneration; nutrition; supplementations; oxidative stress; diabetes; laboratory medicine; infections and athletic performance
Dr. Olga Scudiero

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: physical activity; antimicrobial peptides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Moderate physical activity combined with proper nutrition are considered protective factors against cardiovascular disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, dysregulation of immune system, cellular aging, neurodegenerative diseases and oxidative stress.

At the same time, nutrition can help to enhance athletic performance. An active lifestyle and exercise routine, along with proper diet, is the best way to stay healthy.

In fact, a good alimentation, rich in micronutrients and antioxidants, calibrated for each individual person, can provide the energy necessary for the competitive athlete to finish a competition and/or help an amateur to practice a sport or any occasional physical activity in a correct way.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the impact of nutrition on physical activity on the onset of disorders that can endanger the health of people who have a poor diet and practice physical activity. Identifying the mechanisms underlying this relationship and defining new intervention strategies could represent a new useful tool to ensure a suitable diet to support physical activity in conditions of maximum safety. New research papers, reviews and case reports addressing these topics are invited for this special issue.

Dr. Mariarita Brancaccio
Prof. Dr. Olga Scudiero
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • physical activity
  • immune system
  • vitamins
  • nutrition
  • athletic performance
  • oxidative stress
  • health
  • laboratory medicine
  • diet supplementation and injuries

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1388 KiB  
Article
The Consumption of a Synbiotic Does Not Affect the Immune, Inflammatory, and Sympathovagal Parameters in Athletes and Sedentary Individuals: A Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Place-bo-Controlled Pilot Study
by Carmen Daniela Quero-Calero, Oriol Abellán-Aynés, Pedro Manonelles and Eduardo Ortega
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063421 - 14 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2482
Abstract
This investigation aimed to identify the effect of a synbiotic in athletes and sedentary people, and their potential varying responses regarding the immune system, autonomic regulation and body composition. Twenty-seven participants were involved in the protocol: 14 sedentary and 13 semi-professional soccer players. [...] Read more.
This investigation aimed to identify the effect of a synbiotic in athletes and sedentary people, and their potential varying responses regarding the immune system, autonomic regulation and body composition. Twenty-seven participants were involved in the protocol: 14 sedentary and 13 semi-professional soccer players. Both groups were randomly divided into an experimental and control group. A synbiotic (Gasteel Plus®, Heel España S.A.U.) comprising a blend of probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium lactis CBP-001010, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036, and Bifidobacterium longum ES1, was administered to the experimental group, and a placebo was given to the control group for 30 days. Heart rate variability, body composition, and immune/inflammatory cytokines were determined. Statistically significant differences were observed between sedentary individuals and athletes in heart rate variability but not between the experimental and control groups. A difference between the athletic and sedentary group is observed with the influence of training on the effects of the synbiotic on the levels of fat mass and body-fold sum. No significant differences were shown in cytokines after the protocol study. No changes occur with the synbiotic treatment between the athlete and sedentary groups, while no negative effect was produced. Further research will be necessary to see chronic effects in the analyzed biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity)
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8 pages, 322 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Nutrition Status in Amateur Windsurfers during Regattas in the Competitive Period—A Field Study
by Anna Gogojewicz, Barbara Pospieszna, Jakub Bartkowiak, Ewa Śliwicka and Joanna Karolkiewicz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126451 - 15 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2390
Abstract
Windsurfing is a demanding activity that requires a high level of physical fitness as well as appropriate training and nutritional strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the dietary intake of amateur windsurfers and consider possible dietary mistakes. This field [...] Read more.
Windsurfing is a demanding activity that requires a high level of physical fitness as well as appropriate training and nutritional strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the dietary intake of amateur windsurfers and consider possible dietary mistakes. This field study was conducted among 10 Polish male amateur windsurfers (aged 22 ± 2 years, mean training experience of 9.5 ± 4 years). Dietary intake was assessed using a standardized 3-day food record. The total energy expenditure of each participant was estimated using a mobile fitness application. The daily energy supply in assessed portions of the windsurfers’ food was lower than the estimated demand during the competition. The contribution of macronutrients to the total energy intake adhered to those guidelines, but not with the ones recommended for athletes practicing extreme sports. Daily fluid consumption was insufficient. In the windsurfers’ diet, we noticed low consumption of vitamin D and calcium, while cholesterol, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake was too high. Nutritional practices of amateur windsurfers during the competitive period do not comply with current sports nutrition guidelines. The results suggest that windsurfers are in need of nutritional education and dietary counseling in order to meet macronutrient intake targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity)

Review

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21 pages, 753 KiB  
Review
Essential Factors for a Healthy Microbiome: A Scoping Review
by Patricia Grace-Farfaglia, Heather Frazier and Maura Daly Iversen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148361 - 8 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4157
Abstract
Recent discoveries of the purpose and potential of microbial interactions with humans have broad implications for our understanding of metabolism, immunity, the host–microbe genetic interactions. Bioavailability and bioaccessibility of phytonutrients in foods not only enrich microbial diversity in the lower human gastrointestinal tract [...] Read more.
Recent discoveries of the purpose and potential of microbial interactions with humans have broad implications for our understanding of metabolism, immunity, the host–microbe genetic interactions. Bioavailability and bioaccessibility of phytonutrients in foods not only enrich microbial diversity in the lower human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) but also direct the functioning of the metagenome of the microbiota. Thus, healthy choices must include foods that contain nutrients that satisfy both the needs of humans and their microbes. Physical activity interventions at a moderate level of intensity have shown positive effects on metabolism and the microbiome, while intense training (>70% VO2max) reduces diversity in the short term. The microbiome of elite endurance athletes is a robust producer of short-chain fatty acids. A lifestyle lacking activity is associated with the development of chronic disease, and experimental conditions simulating weightlessness in humans demonstrate loss of muscle mass occurring in conjunction with a decline in gut short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and the microbes that produce them. This review summarizes evidence addressing the relationship between the intestinal microbiome, diet, and physical activity. Data from the studies reviewed suggest that food choices and physical fitness in developed countries promote a resource “curse” dilemma for the microbiome and our health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity)
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Other

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21 pages, 1841 KiB  
Perspective
The Biological Role of Vitamins in Athletes’ Muscle, Heart and Microbiota
by Mariarita Brancaccio, Cristina Mennitti, Arturo Cesaro, Fabio Fimiani, Martina Vano, Biagio Gargiulo, Martina Caiazza, Federica Amodio, Iolanda Coto, Giovanni D’Alicandro, Cristina Mazzaccara, Barbara Lombardo, Raffaela Pero, Daniela Terracciano, Giuseppe Limongelli, Paolo Calabrò, Valeria D’Argenio, Giulia Frisso and Olga Scudiero
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031249 - 23 Jan 2022
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 9957
Abstract
Physical activity, combined with adequate nutrition, is considered a protective factor against cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and intestinal dysbiosis. Achieving optimal performance requires a significantly high energy expenditure, which must be correctly supplied to avoid the occurrence of diseases such as muscle injuries, [...] Read more.
Physical activity, combined with adequate nutrition, is considered a protective factor against cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and intestinal dysbiosis. Achieving optimal performance requires a significantly high energy expenditure, which must be correctly supplied to avoid the occurrence of diseases such as muscle injuries, oxidative stress, and heart pathologies, and a decrease in physical performance during competition. Moreover, in sports activities, the replenishment of water, vitamins, and minerals consumed during training is essential for safeguarding athletes’ health. In this scenario, vitamins play a pivotal role in numerous metabolic reactions and some muscle biochemical adaptation processes induced by sports activity. Vitamins are introduced to the diet because the human body is unable to produce these micronutrients. The aim of this review is to highlight the fundamental role of vitamin supplementation in physical activity. Above all, we focus on the roles of vitamins A, B6, D, E, and K in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders, muscle injuries, and regulation of the microbiome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity)
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Graphical abstract

9 pages, 354 KiB  
Brief Report
Differences in Dietary Habits, Physical Exercise, and Quality of Life between Male and Female Patients with Overweight
by Carmen Herrera-Espiñeira, Manuel López-Morales, María Milagrosa Olmedo-Alguacil, María del Carmen Martínez-Cirre, Antonia Lozano-Sánchez, Inmaculada Cobo-Porcel and Manuela Expósito-Ruíz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111255 - 26 Oct 2021
Viewed by 2089
Abstract
Overweight can be an additional problem in patients admitted to hospital. Objective: To analyze gender differences in pre-admission dietary habits and physical exercise and in HRQoL at hospital discharge among hospitalized adults with overweight. Methods: Cross-sectional study in non-diabetic patients enrolled in a [...] Read more.
Overweight can be an additional problem in patients admitted to hospital. Objective: To analyze gender differences in pre-admission dietary habits and physical exercise and in HRQoL at hospital discharge among hospitalized adults with overweight. Methods: Cross-sectional study in non-diabetic patients enrolled in a clinical trial with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 Kg/m2 at admission. Bivariate analyses used Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test for qualitative variables and the Mann–Whitney test for numerical variables. Results: The study included 148 males and 127 females. At admission, women had higher BMI (p = 0.016) than men and a larger percentage consumed drugs for depression (p = 0.030) and anxiety (p = 0.049), and followed a religion-based diet (p = 0.022). Pre-admission, women had healthier habits related to dietary caloric intake (p = 0.009) and greater adherence to recommendations for a healthy diet (p = 0.001). At discharge, women described worse self-perceived health (p = 0.044) and greater pain/discomfort (p = 0.004) in comparison to men. Conclusions: Pre-admission, women had better habits related to a healthy diet and did not differ from men in habits related to physical exercise but had a higher BMI. At discharge, women reported worse self-perceived health and greater pain/discomfort. These differences should be considered for the adequate clinical management of patients with overweight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity)
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