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Dear Colleagues and Friends,
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Physical activity and sports
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High adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) combined with physical activity (PA) have been widely studied as protective factors for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. A recent study in participants from the well-known PREDIMED trial evaluated the association between adherence to the MD plus exercise and an earlier initiation of cardiovascular medication. The authors concluded there was an inverse association between adherence to the MD and initiation of hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, antihypertensive and cardiovascular drugs. Polymedication is common among patients with chronic diseases, and is associated with a reduced quality of life in these patients, in addition to their undermining effect on health-care systems. Hence the importance of studies that provide evidence for an effective dietary alternative to delay the need for medication or polypharmacy to treat these diseases. In this same line, another observational study evaluated the impact of the MD and its components on the risk of stroke in patients undergoing endovascular treatment. The results suggest that the consumption of some MD components, such as olive oil as the main source of fat or the daily consumption of wine with meals, are associated with a better prognosis in patients who have suffered a previous stroke.
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In recent years, studies on the MD in relation to other less explored areas, such HIV-infected patients, have increased. One such clinical trial evaluated the effect on the microbiota of patients with HIV who had been randomized to a MD supplemented with EVOO or to continue with their usual diet (control group). The authors observed that after only 12 weeks of intervention, the MD activated metabolites with known immune function and changed the composition of the gut microbiota with predominance from bacterial strain such as Bifidobacterium, which are known to be especially beneficial in immunocompromised patients. Finally, new research has focused on the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle. A recent study in Spanish workers participating in the Sanitas-Healthy Cities Challenge assessed the influence of the pandemic on PA levels and diet quality based on their adherence to the MD. After continuous promotion of healthy habits before and during the pandemic, the study concluded that workers had increased their sedentary behaviors, while simultaneously increasing PA intensity. In addition, MD adherence significantly improved, most likely due to an increase in the available time for cooking and planning meals. Even though working from home had a positive impact on diet, companies should promote engaging in activities to reduce sedentary behaviours and remaining physically active.
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