Positive Nutrition, Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Sports: 

Insights from Science for Healthy Longevity

During the 5th International Congress "Healthy Lifespan - Positive Nutrition, Anti-inflammatory Diet, Physical Activity, and Sport," internationally renowned experts discussed key aspects related to achieving healthy longevity.

The Congress, organized by the Paolo Sorbini Foundation and sponsored by Enervit and Technogym, took place on October 4th and 5th at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan. Over two days, the main topics addressed were improving quality of life and promoting healthy longevity.

First Session: "Longevity and Healthy Lifespan"

In the first session, by Professor Camillo Ricordi, speakers Alberto Albanese, Alberto Mantovani, Giovanni Scapagnini, Charles N. Serhan, and Barry Sears delved into the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation management, and risk factors associated with aging and disease progression.
Alberto Mantovani, Professor Emeritus at Humanitas University and Scientific Director of the IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, stated: "Our lifestyle significantly impacts our immune system, and I am deeply concerned because Italy is currently the second-worst country in Europe, after Spain, in terms of the number of overweight or obese children. Additionally, Italy holds the record for children not engaging in physical activity. Being overweight disrupts the immune system. According to the World Health Organization, excess weight is a carcinogen that alters responses to certain treatments, including immunotherapy. Exercise, along with vaccines, serves as a form of training for our immune system, which is like an extraordinary orchestra that we do not fully understand."

Several modifiable factors can help people achieve the goal of living a healthy life for as long as possible:

• Physical exercise;
• An anti-inflammatory diet;
• Proper supplementation.

In recent years, interest in the topic of "Healthy Lifespan" has grown, supported by numerous experimental and epidemiological studies examining the benefits of polyphenols. Research has shown that, in adequate doses, plant-based polyphenols can effectively reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Giovanni Scapagnini, Professor of Clinical Nutrition at the University of Molise and Vice President of the Italian Society of Nutraceuticals (SINUT), commented: "I have extensively studied the lifestyles of populations living in what are known as 'blue zones'—regions where the chance of aging without disease and achieving healthy longevity is much higher than average. These zones, though geographically distant from each other, such as in Japan, Costa Rica, and Italy, share common traits. From a nutritional perspective, inhabitants of blue zones follow a calorie-restricted diet rich in nutrients, micronutrients, phytochemicals like plant polyphenols, and essential nutrients like omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These elements help our biology maintain its functions over time and control inflammation and oxidative stress. Physical activity and the quality of social relationships are other fundamental pillars supporting the ability to manage health during aging. They increase the chances of avoiding age-related chronic diseases."
The first day of the congress ended with the Round Table "Healthy Longevity" moderated by journalist and author Mario Calabresi. Speakers discussed the main measures to adopt to live a healthy, long life.

Second Session: "Physical Activity and Exercise for Healthy Longevity"

The second session, led by Professor Giovanni Scapagnini, included contributions from Asker Jeukendrup, Fabrizio Angelini, Luca Mondazzi, Silvano Zanuso, Jordan Metzl, and Stefano Righetti. The speakers explored the importance of physical exercise and sports. During this session, the Equipe Enervit presented new research demonstrating that the intake of maltodextrins and fructose in a 2:1 ratio, immediately before, during, and within two hours after prolonged moderate-to-high-intensity exercise, can significantly reduce post-exercise inflammation.
"Moderate physical activity reduces inflammation compared to sedentary behavior. However, endurance exercise at high intensity increases inflammation-related cells and molecules in the blood. The factors influencing inflammation in endurance sports are primarily activity duration, intensity, and recovery. Mechanisms associated with inflammation include energy metabolism, muscle and tissue adaptation, post-exercise recovery, and iron absorption. It is crucial to adopt strategies that modulate these processes." stated Stefano Righetti, a physician at IRCCS San Gerardo Hospital in Monza, specializing in Interventional Cardiology and Sports Cardiology, and who works with endurance athletes in the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL).

During the study presentation, Stefano Righetti highlighted some particularly relevant results, including:

• A significant reduction in inflammation levels in athletes who consumed the carbohydrates blend maltodextrin-fructose in a 2:1 ratio;
• A transient increase in omega-3 levels in the blood following activity, known for their anti-inflammatory properties;
• A reduction in omega-6 levels within 24 hours post-exercise, which are often associated with inflammatory processes.

Third Session: "Weight Management for Successful Aging"

The congress concluded with the session moderated by Professor Hellas Cena, who coordinated contributions from Dorothy D. Sears, Sara Farnetti, Elena Casiraghi, and Karin Michels on the importance of proper nutrition and weight management.

Hellas Cena, a medical doctor specializing in Nutritional Science and Professor at the University of Pavia, commented: "Weight control is not an aesthetic issue but a true pillar of a healthy and long life. Prevention through a healthy lifestyle is essential; however, when a pathological condition such as obesity develops, an integrated approach is necessary. In this context, nutrition and lifestyle become essential aids in treatment, alongside medications, as is the case with all chronic-degenerative diseases. Adopting healthy habits early on is the first step in preventing and effectively managing these conditions."

During the discussion, several factors influencing weight management emerged, including:

• Proper food combinations to reduce inflammation and restore gut flora;
• Adequate rest to regulate circadian rhythms and metabolic function;
• Regular exercise to improve body composition and overall health.

In conclusion, achieving healthy longevity is not solely a matter of genetics but is strongly influenced by our daily choices.

A balanced diet, nutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and plant-based compounds like polyphenols in fruits and vegetables help our bodies maintain their functions over time, contributing to the control of inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise and good stress management are key pillars for healthy and active aging. Adopting a lifestyle that promotes physical and mental well-being can significantly improve the quality of our lives, reducing the time spent in poor health and allowing us to age while staying youthful and active.