Discovering Mindfulness: a practice for feeling good about yourself

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

The concept of Mindfulness is aimed at identifying a set of practices useful for rediscovering and increasing awareness of one’s own experience and feelings, both physical and mental, with the aim of reducing the psycho-physical, relational and emotional stress of our existence. The idea behind the Mindfulness methodology is to approach life, one’s feelings, perceptions and thoughts without any judgment, but with a calm and gentle attitude.

The MBSR ( Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) method originated in the late 1970s at the University of Massachusetts from the mind and experience of Jon Kabat-Zinn. The training practices, both physical and mental, proposed by Kabat-Zinn were effective right away against chronic pain, anxiety, depression, psychosomatic illnesses, and even eating disorders. The MBSR program involves an 8-week-long training cycle that encompasses various activities in order to increase and achieve full awareness of one’s body and mind for one’s mental and physical well-being.

The various activities are highly participatory, supportive and are structured according to the guidance of a conductor, some of them carried out in groups with specific communication exercises. The “Mindfulness Tools“, the name by which we denote the residential training days that enable participants to approach the practice of the MBSR method, are many and varied in nature. Very important are those on meditation, aimed initially at attention on one’s breath to the sensations coming from every part of our body and mind, but also those on Yoga, the exercises on walking and even those aimed at awareness in eating. We will, over the course of the various articles on our portal, go through them in detail one by one.

Meditation exercises

The meditation exercise should be done for about 20 to 30 minutes for at least once or twice a day. You need to sit in a comfortable position and remain as still as possible with your back erect and head straight, and focus on these points:

Be aware of the inhalation and exhalation
Be aware of each sensation in different parts of the body
Be aware of the body as a whole
Listen to the silence and sounds
Observe thoughts and emotions as they move in and out of your awareness, but do not allow yourself to be distracted by their contents
When you notice that your mint is wandering among various thoughts and feelings, gently bring it back to being attentive to the present moment

Underlying this phase of meditation must be a nonjudgmental attitude toward life, meaning that the mind should not be allowed to wander on its own toward the things it likes, avoiding those that cause it pain. Meditation is an effortless awareness of the totality of life, of each individual aspect; it represents concentration on the present you are living. By performing this exercise consistently and attentively at least once a day, we are able to strengthen our sense of balance, being able to counter emotional upsets and positive/negative feelings in our lives, and to approach our daily activities and relationships with others in a relaxed and balanced way.

Mindful eating

Another area in which the practice of Mindfulness is practiced concerns, as already anticipated, the field of nutrition. This is one of the areas in which the Mindfulness approach takes on fundamental importance for the mental and physical well-being of the individual. The Mindfulness approach applied to the field of nutrition involves eating more mindfully and somewhat more slowly than usual. As an experiment, to begin with, you can try eating at least one meal a week in absolute silence, focusing essentially on the act of pure and simple eating. Very important also would be to eat with the TV off and without paying attention to smartphones and other sources of distraction (radio, books…). These behaviors will help make you more sensitive to the way you eat and, more importantly, make you put your attention on what you actually choose to eat. Of course, you need to pay attention not only to what you decide to eat but also to the people who will take part in the meal with you, and to your surroundings.

With this in mind, it appears to be of great help to ask ourselves questions before consuming the meal, to try to understand what motivates us to eat at that precise moment. For example:

Am I eating to nourish my body and keep it properly healthy?
Am I eating to satisfy the desire for pleasurable sensations?
Am I aware of where the food I am eating comes from?
Is it a natural food or is it treated with preservatives and other substances novice to the body?

Bowel regularity: here are the most suitable foods

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

The well-being of our bodies is linked in large part to that of our intestines. In fact, some of the most common and troublesome conditions for men stem precisely from problems related to the intestinal tract or malfunctioning of the intestinal tract. To avoid incurring these disorders and thus being forced to use remedies of a pharmaceutical nature, it may be useful to know what are the main foods that help improve intestinal regularity and the proper functioning of our bodies by including them in one’s daily dietary program.

Recommended foods

Among the foods that contribute to proper gut function prefigure: whole grains, legumes, dried/fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, all these foods are rich in fiber, and it is this fiber that contributes to the proper functioning of the intestinal flora. In addition to proper nutrition, drinking plenty of water, about two liters a day, is also essential for the care of our intestines, to help cleanse the intestinal tract and eliminate toxins and debris left inside the colon.

Fruits and vegetables

A varied diet, with a high presence of seasonal vegetables, is a panacea for intestinal well-being. There is a distinction to be made, however, between vegetables that promote increased evacuation such as zucchini, cabbage, spinach, and lettuce, and, on the other hand, fresh vegetable soups and purees that have, on the contrary, an astringent effect. As for fruit, on the other hand, it is a very important source of useful vitamins for obtaining energy and strengthening the immune system, as well as being rich in antioxidant properties and fiber. There is caution, however, to be taken in limiting the consumption of that type of fruit that contains a high amount of sugar.

Cereals and legumes

Another important category of foods that are essential for the health of our digestive system is definitely grains and legumes. In fact, all of these foods help to increase peristaltic movement in the intestines, forming a kind of protection in the digestive system in order to prevent it from becoming sick over time. Cereals and brown rice are particularly suitable, as they possess a higher fiber content.

Other foods that are important for our bodies are
yogurt, essential for the care of intestinal bacterial flora, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which promotes transit within the intestines. In conclusion, to maintain a proper balance of our digestive system, it is necessary to follow a varied diet that contains all the main elements that contribute to the well-being of our body, all accompanied by careful and constant hydration.

Starting a physical activity: some tips

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

The reasons that often prompt us to start a physical activity are many and varied. One of the main motivations is definitely aesthetic (one plays sports to improve one’s physical appearance and look good to oneself and others). Then there are those who do sports for passion, because they consider it an activity that is not only good for the body, but also essential for the well-being of one’s mind (for example, cycling, swimming or even martial arts). Then again, there are those people who like to play sports to be in contact with others and be a team player (the classic example is soccer, but also basketball volleyball etc…).

Not all types of sports, however, are suitable for every individual. In fact, it is necessary, even before you try your hand at any physical activity, to evaluate your choices well, to have a clear idea of what kind of path you want to take, what goals you want to achieve, but above all, it is essential to know your body and your physical possibilities.

Those who have health problems in fact, or simply want to exercise to stimulate their metabolism more, can be satisfied with 30 minutes of activity a day. On the other hand, those whose goal is to achieve results from the standpoint of athletic and physical performance should devote at least 60 minutes to the training phase, and if possible every day.

The various types of sports

Aerobic sports such as cycling, running, swimming and rowing are great for those with the goal of losing weight. In particular, swimming and cycling are the most suitable sports for those who are particularly overweight, unlike running, which, despite the fact that it burns many more calories in much less time and is an almost zero-cost sport from an economic point of view, can be more traumatic for an individual with many excess pounds, as well as demotivating. As for anaerobic sports, on the other hand, such as tennis, basketball, soccer, volleyball, or any other team sport, they are less suitable for slimming because they do not allow high consumption of body fat. In spite of this, they turn out to be among the most fun and played sports as they foster social relationships and help to establish a strong bond with other people, especially if they are part of one’s team.

Whatever the motivation, whatever the sport or in general the physical activity you decide to practice, it is important to do it consistently, carefully and above all with passion. By following these guidelines, with a little patience, and combining physical activity with a healthy and proper diet, results will not be long in coming, and with them your personal satisfaction and mental and physical well-being.

Postbiotics: an important reinforcement for our body’s defenses

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Many of the foods we see on our table, especially those that are part of a healthy and balanced eating plan, can greatly benefit the health of our bodies and consequently the well-being of our bodies. In fact, some foods contain substances that are essential for our growth and have many beneficial activities: there are foods that are good for blood circulation, others that are good for the heart, good for the skin, and still others that are good for regulating intestinal activity and the immune system.

And it is in the latter two areas that postbiotics fit. Before seeing what it is specifically about, it is also worth mentioning the probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, good bacteria contained in foods such as yogurt that, once they reach the gut, exert a balancing action on the microflora; and the prebiotics, fibers that are found in vegetables or legumes and are not assimilable but promote the growth of useful bacteria already present in the gut, that is, they allow probiotics to proliferate. Finally, postbiotics are substances produced by the fermentation of probiotics.

The properties of postbiotics

Postbiotics are derived from the fermentation of milk with Lactobacillus Paracasei CBA L74, and are able to perform anti-inflammatory activity for our body and strengthen our immune defenses against the dangers of infectious agents and allergenic agents. There are a number of foods on the market today that contain postbiotic substances, but these are products intended more for the feeding of infants and children.

In the near future, however, we can foresee the arrival of new products intended for the adult population as well, which, in addition to strengthening the body’s defenses, will also intervene on allergies and immune system imbalances, with the important advantage of leading to a decrease in drug intake.

Fermented milk

A concrete example is fermented milk (which contains Lactobacillus L74 ), a popular food among mothers who choose it for the proper growth of their babies. In fact, according to a study done on 400 children from 12 to 48 months of age, fermented milk has been found to be a valuable food for stimulating the immune system by reducing by more than the 60% the number of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in children who make a regular and controlled intake. The normal fermentation process that also affects other foods of the same kind, such as yogurt, was used to produce fermented milk. In fact, the milk was fermented with the human-derived probiotic (CBA L74) thus releasing the beneficial substances, namely postbiotics.

Mindfulness and nutrition: mindful eating

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

The practice of Mindfulness, which is becoming increasingly popular among individuals who want to achieve a state of both physical and mental well-being for their bodies, represents a particular approach to life, whereby the main component of our existence is mindfulness. Being aware and conscious of every single action we experience in our daily lives, paying attention to the events that happen to us, the environment around us and even every single part of our body. This approach must affect the various areas of our living, whether when we are at work, when we study, when we play sports, but also during a simple walk or, more importantly, when we eat.

For what reason do we eat ?

It is well known that some of the diseases that affect our bodies are due in large part to our eating habits. In fact, many diseases arise from poor, if not bad, nutrition, which has a very negative effect on the health status of our bodies. According to the Mindfulness approach you should pay more attention to the quantity but especially the quality of the food you ingest. It can be helpful to ask questions before approaching each meal such as:

Am I eating to nourish my body and keep it properly healthy?
Am I eating to satisfy the desire for pleasurable sensations?
Am I aware of where the food I am eating comes from?
Is it a natural food or is it treated with preservatives and other substances novice to the body?

These are just some of the questions that it would be appropriate to ask oneself before even starting the meal, but the list of questions could continue for a long time and also move to the psychological level (do I eat because I am really hungry or out of anger/anxiety/frustration ?).

Mindful eating

The Mindfulness approach applied to the field of nutrition involves eating more mindfully and somewhat more slowly than usual. As an experiment, to begin with, you can try eating at least one meal a week in absolute silence, focusing essentially on the act of pure and simple eating. Very important also would be to eat with the TV off and without paying attention to smartphones and other sources of distraction (radio, books…). These behaviors will help make you more sensitive to the way you eat and, more importantly, make you put your attention on what you actually choose to eat. Of course, you need to pay attention not only to what you decide to eat but also to the people who will take part in the meal with you, and to your surroundings.

Screening in medicine: what they are and why to do them

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

In the medical field, it is really crucial to be able to identify a disease in time as, if detected at an early stage, the chances of treatment and thus cure are greatly increased. This is precisely what Screening in Medicine is all about. It is a series of organized activities ( more like medical examinations) aimed at a large part of the population with the purpose of early and rapid detection of the presence of a disease in people who, at first glance, do not show symptoms.

Obviously, the condition identified through Screening must still be curable or at least its course must be modifiable as a result of early diagnosis. Otherwise, there would be no advantage in detecting a particular disease early.

Screening

Although there are different types of screening in medicine, aimed at detecting different diseases affecting human beings, all of them indiscriminately must comply with certain basic and indispensable characteristics. First and foremost, they must be highly safe examinations with an extremely minimal rate of side effects and risks to the patient. Another very important feature concerns the technical nature of the screenings; in fact, they should neither be too complex to perform (for doctor and patient) nor bothersome and/0 invasive for those undergoing treatment. Finally, the most important feature is undoubtedly reliability. In fact, Screenings must be absolutely efficient and reliable in detecting a disease and avoid revealing misdiagnoses.

Some tips

Screenings are highly recommended for those individuals who have an increased risk of developing a disease (e.g., for hereditary diseases). For these people it is appropriate to repeat checks at regular time intervals for as long as the disease is most likely to develop and especially for as long as any medical treatment is likely to have the best results in terms of duration and quality. It is also useful to articulate multiple levels of investigation since a possible positivity to a pathology does not always equate to a certain diagnosis but can give excellent indications on possible subsequent (more detailed) controls to undergo.

For a screening to be effective, the population to be screened must be precisely identified, the time interval to be allowed to elapse between screenings must be precisely calculated, and iter-therapeutic examinations must be organized in case of positivity at primary screening. Only with careful prevention and continuous monitoring of one’s physical condition can one defend oneself, or at least fight a potentially life-threatening disease more effectively.

Narrative medicine (preview)

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Nowadays very often physicians identify patients no longer by their actual name, but by the room number in which they reside and perhaps the condition from which they suffer. It is a kind of commodification of the patient, who is seen almost as an object to be “repaired,” emptied of its human component. And it is precisely in response to this unfortunate habit that the concept of Narrative Medicine is gaining momentum. It is a new way of understanding the relationship between patient and doctor, where the latter tries to put himself in the patient’s shoes, listening to him carefully, letting him tell his worries, his worries and his fears about his health condition but not only.

Keep following our portal for an in-depth discussion of the subject matter by Prof. Carrieri.

Dried fruits: a year-round food

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Dried fruits are often considered the queen of Christmas and the winter season. We love to consume peanuts, walnuts, pistachios and other kinds of dried fruits when we are gathered with the whole family at Christmas and New Year’s dinners and lunches. Dried fruit, however, is a food that should not be underestimated at other times of the year. In fact, it is not only tasty and “keeps us company” but also very rich in nutrients that are essential for the well-being of our bodies. Unfortunately, it is almost always mistakenly eliminated from various types of diets because it is considered caloric, but not everyone knows that taking 30 grams of nuts a day can bring enormous benefits to our health.

Due to its contents of unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenol antioxidants, nuts are recommended to reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation in the body. In addition, thanks to the caloric intake it provides to the body, it is also indicated for individuals who undergo special physical ( those who play sports, for example) or mental ( during periods of intense study) exertion. Finally, dried fruits are rich in good vegetable fats, vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 and, contrary to popular belief, are not fattening; in fact, they are especially good for those suffering from obesity and chronic diseases.

Walnuts

Among the various types of dried fruits, nuts certainly play a prominent role. Intake of 30 grams a day of walnuts ( the equivalent of 5 walnuts ) helps provide the body with the right amount of essential fatty acids and Omega 3 and Omega 6, which are essential for heart health and, much more than any other nuts, for that of the circulatory system. Vitamin E, B1 and B6 also are particularly useful in fighting skin aging and preventing cancer.

Pistachios

Another popular food is pistachios. Pistachios are rich in protein, thanks to the presence of arginine, an amino acid that is essential for our body’s health. They carry out constant action against the onset of free radicals and, thanks to the presence of vitamin E and carotenoids, help skin cells stay intact and healthy. Again, a 30-gram serving of pistachios would contribute to how to lower cholesterol and keep blood pressure under control.

Pine nuts

Finally, pine nuts are also worth mentioning. Like most dried fruits, pine nuts are rich in vitamins, protein, minerals and fiber. In addition to being a valuable aid against the onset of heart disease by improving the health of the cardiovascular system, it is also particularly good for combating the onset of diseases such as atherosclerosis. Finally, the vitamin K
contained within them helps to reduce disorders related to the menstrual cycle and improves blood circulation.

Source

Sunshine: here are the main benefits of sunlight exposure

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Very often when people talk about the sun and exposure to the sun’s rays, they only and exclusively highlight the negative effects this act can have on our bodies: burns, skin damage and even skin cancer. Of course, these are true risks, but they refer to improper exposure to sunlight (e.g., exposure during the hottest hours without any kind of protection for the skin or eyes). What many people ignore, however, is that sunlight also brings a very high number of benefits to our bodies, clearly linked to controlled and responsible exposure.

In fact, many scientific studies have shown that proper exposure to the sun’s heat rays also and especially benefit our skin. In fact, thanks to the sun’s rays, the skin releases a chemical compound within the blood vessels that helps lower the pressure of blood, significantly decreasing the risk of infarction o stroke (consider that deaths from strokes and heart attacks are far greater than those from skin cancer).

The beneficial effects of sunlight

Premised already on the importance of exposing oneself to the sun only at the recommended times and with proper common sense, exposure to the sun’s rays is especially helpful for the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a substance that is not normally produced by our bodies but is taken in through supplements or, much more importantly, is synthesized by our bodies precisely through exposure to the sun, and it is crucial for the development of the body as it helps to strengthen the ‘bone apparatus, improve that respiratory and is also a panacea for the system immune. Finally, it is helpful in combating the most common cardiovascular diseases.

Help for the mind as well

In addition to the already mentioned numerous benefits that sun exposure brings to our bodies, it is also important to talk about the positive effect that the sun also has on our minds. In addition to stimulating Vitamin D production, the sun is also essential for the synthesis of melanin, a substance that allows us to tan and thus achieve that amber color of our skin that we all appreciate and that boosts our self-esteem by making us feel more attractive and beautiful. Sunshine also helps to regulate sleep-wake cycles, allowing us to rest better and also is the cause of improved mood. In fact, it is precisely the sun’s rays that are capable of activating certain neurotransmitters (serotonin) that act at the level of the brain, lifting our mood, driving away anxiety, worries and negative thoughts, making us more carefree and happy.

After this list of some of the many benefits that our bodies can derive from exposure to sunlight, we need to be reminded once again that exposure to the sun should be done in the most correct way possible, at the right times of day and with all the proper protections.

Yogurt: an ally for the well-being of our body

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Yogurt is one of those foods that are very often underestimated but, on the contrary, are rich in nutrients that are essential for the well-being of our bodies, both in adulthood, but also and especially for young children. In fact, parents often do not give due importance to Yogurt, even though it represents a food that should always be present as part of a complete diet for their child. It represents a good substitute for milk; in fact, it can be included from the earliest stages of weaning, as it helps meet the calcium requirements of infants.

The nutritional values

As already anticipated, Yogurt is a food rich in nutritional values that provide for the well-being of our body. In addition to being highly digestible and with excellent satiating power, it is rich in high biological value protein, contains a higher availability of iron and zinc, and, in addition, has levels of folic acid 10 times higher than those of milk. Yogurt, moreover, is a popular food for both adults and toddlers. In fact, it is used by mothers mainly to make fruit more palatable for their children, but also for making tasty low-fat desserts that are ideal for healthy eating.

Yogurt and Sports

Yogurt is also highly recommended for those who engage in sports activity, both before and after exercise. If taken before exertion (soccer, gymnastics, swimming, dancing, etc…) it does not burden digestion but consistently provides the calories required by physical exertion. If taken after exercise, on the other hand, it replaces consumption without unnecessarily overloading the body or interfering with normal eating rhythms, allowing you to arrive at the next meal with a proper sense of appetite.

A health ally

There are many physical benefits that come from regular intake of Yogurt, and they affect multiple parts of our bodies. To begin with, Yogurt is an ally for preventing tooth decay and, most importantly, for controlling bowel activity in both constipation and diarrhea. This is due to the presence of two lactic acid bacteria (food microorganisms used in the production of fermented milk) which implement the transformation of milk into yogurt. These are milk enzymes that, until the product expires, are alive and viable in very large quantities (about 10 million live enzymes per gram of Yogurt). Streptococcus Thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are the milk enzymes that carry out the transformation from milk to yogurt.

In the face of often wrong situations and lifestyles, whether due to stress, poor diet, drug use or otherwise, the normal balance of the bacterial flora can be easily altered, and this is where the lactic acid bacteria in general and, specifically, those contained in the Yogurt assume a key role in rebalancing the bacterial flora and bringing it back to a state of normalcy.

Why choose a mountain vacation

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Every year during the summertime millions of people flock to major beach resorts to enjoy a well-deserved vacation under an obrellone or taking a dip in the sea. This is certainly the preferred option for most vacationers, but the sea, or more generally vacationing in seaside resorts, has quite a few downsides. Starting with the unrelenting heat, which can prove to be a dangerous pitfall for toddlers and the elderly.

In addition to this, however, it must be said that the beach vacation is definitely very stressful, starting with the race to choose the apartment/hotel closest to the shore, or to grab the best umbrella on the beach. The costs are also very high, especially in the most popular destinations, not to mention the chaos of people spilling out into the streets or nightclubs, disturbing those who would instead like to find a moment of pure relaxation after a whole year of work.

So what to do to experience a vacation of relaxation, fun and well-being, without running into stressful and demotivating situations ? One answer can certainly be the

mountain vacation

The positive aspects of a mountain vacation

First, the air we breathe in the mountains is a real boon to our organsmo. This is healthy, oxygenated air, a far cry from the polluted air we breathe daily in our urban centers. In the mountains, moreover, unlike those who think you are bored all day long, there are numerous and sporting activities, all of which are a lot of fun: hiking, mountain biking, rafting, Nordik walking and horseback riding are just some of the activities you can try during a mountain vacation.

At high altitudes, of course, one can also find shelter from the scorching heat that brings tourists from big cities and bathing establishments to their knees. Temperatures here are lower on average, allowing us to carry out various activities without the incessant burden of the summer heat.Such a comfortable condition allows us to appreciate more the beauty of the mountainous landscape, with its vast valleys, forests, waterways and snow-capped peaks of the highest mountains. In the mountains, in fact, one can rediscover one’s connection with the wilderness, with the environment around us and especially with the animals that inhabit it. Indeed, it is not uncommon to make acquaintances, often close ones, with deer, foxes, hares and even bears.

Ideally, before departure, prepare a schedule with the various activities to be carried out day by day by contacting equipped facilities and who can meet your every need, to experience a vacation of the relax ( what could be better than spending a few hours lying on the lawn observing the sky) but also a lot of fun!

Sun erythema: some practical tips against sunburn

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

In summer, you know, it is time for sun, sea and well-deserved relaxation. Days spent at the beach or pool are a pleasant alternative to the many hours of work or study spent at the office and school. However, we need to protect ourselves with due care from the sun’s rays, especially during the hottest hours, as improper exposure to the sun’s UV rays could lead to serious consequences for our skin, many of which are truly painful. The most prevalent of all is undoubtedly sun erythema, or as it is more commonly called, sunburn, due to prolonged and excessive exposure to sunlight without proper protection for the skin.

Erythema is a true first- or second-degree burn that usually occurs 6 to 12 hours after sun exposure and brings with it: reddening of the skin, blisters, vesicles, highly itchy skin papules, extreme sensitivity of the skin to touch, and skin dryness.

The main remedies for sunburn

The first thing to do when you find yourself battling a sunburn is to moisturize the reddened skin with specific lotions, creams or milks for immediate relief and pain relief. It is then appropriate to take a cold shower or apply an ice pack (wrapped on a soft cotton cloth) to the most affected and painful areas. It is also helpful to apply soothing compresses to the skin and to wrap arms and legs with cloths soaked in cool water, which should be replaced as soon as the pain starts again.

After a shower or a cool bath, gently dry the skin with an extremely soft cloth, so as to avoid scratching or irritating the reddened skin even more, and nourish the skin with an oil specifically for sunburn. Application of creams and other moisturizing compresses should be done for 7 to 10 days following the sunburn.

Absolutely avoid

In a condition such as this, it is absolutely inadvisable to continue sun exposure in the days immediately following the erythema. One should not forcefully scratch or scrape the skin as this may increase irritation and consequently pain, let alone break up any blisters or boils formed as a result of the burn, to avoid infection and complications in healing. It would also be best not to dry the skin with rough sponge cloths (although they may be an aid against itching at first impression) since they can aggravate the redness.

Prevention

To avoid sun erythema, it is necessary to expose oneself to the sun armed with a good amount of sunscreen, which should be rubbed on the skin every 2 hours and after every bath in the water. Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: during these hours, the risk of sun erythema is higher. It is also not recommended, especially for young children, to avoid direct exposure to the sun, but to use bandannas, caps and goggles.

Love and sexuality: the two dimensions of relationship

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Can one love a person without having any kind of sexual relationship with them ? Or, conversely, can you have relationships with a person you do not love? How and to what extent can love and sex be experienced separately? These are some of the most famous questions that human beings ask themselves when they find themselves thinking about the relationship. Let us assume that each type of relationship, whether a young relationship, a decade-long marriage, or a summer-long experience, has its own identity and cannot be compared to another. Therefore, there is no definite and certain answer to the dilemmas posed above. In fact, a sexuality can be completely unrelated to a loving relationship, just as a loving couple can feel happy even without an actual sexual experience.

Love

In a general sense, a loving relationship implies a desire to make one’s partner happy by paying attention to the other’s needs and wants, as well as conveying a sense of protection toward the person one loves. Love understood in this sense is detached from immediate sexual gratification. It is a mix of passion and desire, confrontation and attunement, between two people who share the same path for better or worse. Love, however, has much to do with sex.

Sexuality

In spite of this premise, we can therefore say that although sexuality may be absolutely free and untethered from any relational context, its full expression is nevertheless expressed in the context of a satisfying affective relationship. But, as already mentioned, sexuality becomes a crucial element in proper love relationships as well. In fact, when it is unexpressed or disregarded, it can become a reason for conflict in the couple. Conversely, however, sex can also be a reason for reconciliation when it is understood as a rewarding and restorative mode.

There are couples who manage to experience a very lively and intense sexuality despite having a very conflicted and thorny relationship in their daily lives. Others, on the contrary, despite having deep synergy in everyday life, rediscover themselves as fragile and aseptic in sexual expressiveness. Love and sexuality thus represent two deep dimensions of human beings, and they escape any kind of categorical and fixed classification for any individual, but their expression varies unpredictably from one relationship to another. What is important is to find the right balance within the couple, both sexually and emotionally, so as to make the relationship as stable and fulfilling as possible.

Water sports

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

We have now reached the height of summer. Temperatures are beginning to rise relentlessly and the heat is beginning to take its toll, especially on those who practice sports. Running, going to the gym, playing tennis, or playing any other sport at this time of year has become increasingly difficult and tiring due to the high temperatures that make any movement of our bodies even more tiring, as well as increasing dehydration and exhaustion. What, then, is the remedy for continuing a sporting activity while not being oppressed by the summer heat ? The answer is simple but as trivial as ever: water sports!

The allure of water

Water is one of the elements that has always fascinated man, who has always tried to master and control it, learning to swim from an early age (water births are always common) or plying the widest oceans aboard hundreds of types of vessels. Whether it is a small pool, or the vast expanses of the sea, water has always attracted humans, whether it is taking a relaxing swim on the surface, or descending into the darkest depths of the ocean floor, equipped with an oxygen tank and wetsuit. Soon, therefore, man thought of merging two of the key components of his existence and well-being: sports and water.

The benefits of water sports

The benefits of exercising in water are many. In water sports all muscles (some to a greater extent, others to a lesser extent) are in action. The heart and lungs are kept fit and circulation is stimulated. All water sports (swimming, water polo, diving, hidrobike…) also do not affect the joints in a harmful way but, on the contrary, people who suffer from arthritis can benefit significantly from exercise done in the water. In addition to being good for all muscles and joints, water sports are also very important for the well-being of the mind. How? Swimming, for example, can improve the mood of both women and men. In addition, for individuals with fibromyalgia, water sports can help to decrease anxiety and depression, even more effectively when done in warm water.

Water exercise is also healthy for pregnant women, both for the physical well-being of the mother and the baby. Finally, even for parents of children with developmental disabilities, water activities are highly recommended to strengthen family bonds.

Campania fires: some rules to follow to safeguard our land

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

What is unfolding is literally a summer of fire. Unfortunately, however, this definition does not only refer to the scorching heat and continuously rising temperatures that give people, especially those in southern Italy, no respite. In fact, in the past month the Campania (to a greater extent, but not only) has been affected by a very high number of pyres which devastated the land and inflicted very serious damage both to the environment and to dozens of families who were forced to leave their homes out of caution, just as many merchants and restaurateurs had to close their businesses momentarily, right at the time of their highest earnings. Many of the causes are unfortunately malicious in nature. These are fires deliberately set by individuals, sometimes as a joke (stupidly), and sometimes for clear intent to bring damage to the land.

The fires on Vesuvius

One of the most devastating and on which much of public opinion has focused was undoubtedly the burning of Vesuvius National Park. The flames lasted for several days, affecting miles and miles of land, starting right from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. The damage is incalculable, hundreds of hectares of vegetation destroyed, endless clouds of smoke that spread from Vesuvius to neighboring towns polluting the air and doing extensive damage to the health of the population. As if that were not enough, the charred bodies of the park’s wildlife, which could not be saved from the fires, are not counted.

Some homes in Torre del Greco and Herculaneum have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The most affected areas are Valle delle Delizie, Ottaviano, Herculaneum, Cappella Bianchini, Boscotrecase, and Torre del Greco, a total of about 700 interventions by the fire department in the region, which relentlessly and with the help of canadair worked tirelessly for entire days to succeed in taming the flames. The nature of many of the fires is definitely arson, and thanks to the investigation, the first arrests have already begun. However, the motivations for these gestures and new clues that could lead to further arrests continue to be investigated.

Precautionary precautions

The damage done to the land is very high. The environment has received a tremendous blow, and one that will inevitably indirectly affect the population as well. Therefore, it is important to spread rules of behavior so that such events remain as rare and isolated as possible, in order to safeguard the beauty and health of our territory, for the well-being of both ourselves and future generations who will inherit our environmental legacy. Here are some basic tips:

Do not throw cigarette butts or matches that are still lit: they can set the dry grass on fire.
It is forbidden and dangerous to light fires in the forest. Use only equipped areas and never leave the fire and before leaving make sure it is completely out.
If you have to park your car make sure the muffler is not in contact with dry grass-the hot muffler could easily ignite dry grass.
Do not abandon garbage in the woods and illegal dumps: it is a dangerous fuel; throw garbage in the appropriate containers.
Do not leave bottles or glass fragments in the woods: they can turn into potential lighters in the sun.
To clear stubble, straw and grass, do not use fire: use a sickle.
Don’t burn, without proper safety measures, agricultural residues: in a few minutes you could get out of control of the fire.
In areas most prone to fire, around homes and buildings, clean the ground of weeds and easily flammable waste.
Report those who light fires in dangerous areas.

Of course, all those agencies, governmental or voluntary, that preside over the control and safeguarding of the territory in order to provide relief to the people affected by these disasters or to prevent such events from happening again are of paramount importance. One example is the excellent control work done by the volunteers of the
Territorial Aerial Surveillance
.

Mindfulness and walking: an exercise for mind and body

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Mindfulness

Over the course of various articles on our portal, we have repeatedly discussed the topic of approaching life.

As many of you may have learned from reading previous articles, this is a series of practices (some of which we have already analyzed such as Meditation and Body Scan) that aim to increase our awareness of what we are doing. These are exercises that improve concentration on the activities we do on a daily basis, which we now almost always ignore and do too sufficently (eating, walking, resting) letting ourselves be disturbed and distracted by external worries and thoughts that do not allow us to fully comprehend what we are experiencing at that moment. And that is precisely the ultimate goal of the Mindfulness methodology: to make us aware of our present! Ignoring the distractions, bad thoughts, judgments and worries that make our minds wander beyond the present time. One of the exercises that , besides providing physical well-being, can also prove to be a boon for the mind is mindful walking.

Mindful walking

A simple walk, however good it may be for our bodies, is very often accompanied (especially if we are alone) by negative thoughts, worries and restless moods that almost always refer back to problems in our daily lives. Such an attitude goes on to inhibit many positive feelings that could arise from a walk taken with a mind free of worries, fully in tune with the Mindfulness approach. The mindful walking exercise teaches us precisely how to avoid these unpleasant situations and walk with greater awareness.

It will be helpful to take the opportunity from time to time while you are walking to simply slow your pace slightly and remind yourself, “I am here, complete right now.” Pay attention to the way your body moves as you walk, pay attention to every single movement of your feet, legs, torso, right down to the movements of your head. Very important also is to have an open view around you, focusing on where you are and your surroundings.

This exercise should be coupled with awareness of your breath, which is very important during the walk. Try to exercise as often as you can during your day: on your way to work, on your way up the stairs, or when you are waiting to meet someone. This is a practice that, if done with some consistency, will not only make your walks much healthier and more relaxing but will greatly increase your awareness of yourself, your body and your surroundings.

Seven rules to follow to avoid fall flu

25 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

The sweet summer days have now left us. With the arrival of autumn, and the resulting drop in temperatures accompanied by increasingly frequent rains, the risk of getting sick also increases. Influenza, coughs, colds and sore throats are just some of the ailments we can run into if we are not careful to carry out good preventive work. Just along these lines in the journal Psychology Today, Canadian physician Susan Biali Haas published the seven basic rules for preventing the onset of the flu symptoms mentioned earlier. Let’s see together what they are.

The 7 rules for good prevention

Sleep: sleeping well, and for the right amount of time, is a great way to prevent fall flu. For adults, it is recommended to sleep at least 7 hours a day, as lack of sleep causes a significant lowering of immune defenses, exposing our bodies to the risk of getting sick
Proper Diet: another basic rule is to stick to a healthy and balanced diet. Never skip breakfast and have at least three full meals a day that include fruit and vegetable intake, avoiding foods and drinks that contain high sugar content.
Sports: physical activity, in addition to its already known benefits, is also useful for flu prevention. Playing sports in fact reactivates blood circulation by boosting our immune system.
Hand washing: perhaps many of you already know this, but proper hand hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to avoid touching our mouth, nose and eyes if our hands are not perfectly clean.
Watch out for stress: Another factor to watch out for is stress. In fact, when one is stressed, due to a hectic and restless life, the body puts into circulation a series of hormones that weaken the immune system.
Laughter: although it may seem unusual to you, but having relationships with people who are pleasant to us, who instill optimism in us, helps strengthen our immune system.
Avoid the cold: the last rule, which may seem trivial, is perhaps one of the most important. Covering yourself well and avoiding the cold is essential to avoid getting sick. In fact, a warm body will have a better chance of resisting a virus attack.

These are some of the most important tips for enduring this first wave of autumn cold weather to avoid getting sick and seeking medical attention. Increased attention to compliance with these rules is of great importance especially for children, who are often the first “victims” of the fall flu.

Combat sports: how to knock out anxiety and stress

25 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

The benefits of most sports activities go beyond purely physical ones. In fact, sports, in general, also help our mind, freeing it from anxiety, stress and daily frustrations that often generate a state of mental and physical malaise in the individual. However, there are some sports, although in this case the more correct term to use is “disciplines,” that perform this “purifying” function for our minds to a greater extent than others. We are talking specifically about combat sports!

A blow to stress

People are often mistakenly led to believe that combat sports are capable of increasing aggression and dangerousness in individuals who practice them. Nothing could be more false! Those who practice martial arts in fact, and do so involving not only their bodies but also and especially their minds, have respect, self-control, calmness and reasoning as their basic pillars. Anyone who seriously and passionately practices any combat sport can best manage their impulses and emotions, which often overpower and influence the behaviors of those who are not used to being in stressful situations ( as face-to-face combat can be ).

In fact, practicing a martial discipline helps to dramatically reduce the body’s levels of stress, anxiety and tension. The physical and mental exertion that is required to sustain the workouts provides a perfect outlet to release (perhaps by punching a bag) all the tension, anger, and negative emotions that negatively affect the individual.

Respect and tranquility

Another fundamental value that is present in all athletes who practice a martial art with passion and dedication is respect for the opponent, the master, and the place where training takes place (dojo). After punches, kicks, projections, and levers of various kinds, every bout (whether training or competitive) always ends with a hug, handshake, or simply a thank-you greeting between the two athletes. This is a fundamental aspect of martial arts, thanks to which this type of discipline is very suitable especially for children and adolescents, as it stimulates in them mutual respect and loyalty.

Finally, martial athletes have the ability to handle the unexpected events of daily life much more calmly and rationally. This is mainly because their bodies and minds are often subjected to intense stressful situations ( a grueling workout or a fight ). This practice has helped improve the body’s resilience in situations of high tension and emotional stress, thereby improving the approach to everyday life issues.

One in ten Italians drop out of medical care each year due to high costs

25 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Once again in the crosshairs is Italy’s national health care system. This time, however, it is fortunately not malpractice-related news even though, nevertheless, the consequences of this Assogenerici Association report could lead to unpleasant situations for a significantly higher number of citizens. The central theme of this news story relates to the costs of Italian health care (whether public or private) that are gradually becoming more and more onerous, putting in serious difficulty a good portion of the population that, as a consequence of the economic crisis that has gripped our country for too many years now, no longer has the ability to afford the purchase of drugs to treat themselves or to support a series of medical therapies fee.

Assogenerici’s figure

A worrying figure emerged following statements by Henrique Hausermann, president of Assogenerici (National Association of Generic and Biosimilar Drug Industries) who spoke in Florence at the “Forum of Sustainability and Opportunities in the Health Sector.” According to his statements, “Every year, one in ten Italians give up buying medications or discontinue treatment for economic reasons, that is, because of the excessive burden of out-of-pocket spending. For this reason,” Hausermann continued, “I believe a comprehensive rethinking of reimbursement mechanisms is needed to focus resources on the most vulnerable segments of the population by identifying a fair copayment system by income bracket. This is a disturbing fact that cannot and should not go unnoticed. Having the ability to care for oneself is an inalienable right of every individual citizen and should not be hindered by the economic component, which is increasingly the“queen” of almost all areas of modernity.

Such a situation can prove fatal for all those citizens with serious illnesses that require constant and prolonged medication intake, or for all individuals who need to undergo specific medical treatments and therapies. In this regard, the president of Assogenerici ( the official representative body of the generic equivalent and biosimilar drug industry in Italy ) concluded his speech by stating: “Looking forward, the proper management of resources cannot fail to include hospital pharmaceutical spending in the Drg ( diagnosis-related group, that is. A system to classify all patients discharged from a hospital Into homogeneous groups based on the absorption of committed resources ), the only strategy capable of enabling the proper assessment of the needs and outputs of care guaranteed to citizens.”

To all this we must add that very long waiting times for free medical services often drive patients to private centers that offer their services at significantly high costs. Such a situation only increases the sense of rejection and discouragement in patients.

Ten anti-pollution plants: lungs of the earth

26 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Plants have always been an invaluable resource for humans and the entire planet. Due to their main function of producing oxygen, they are universally recognized as the lung of the earth. In addition to this, however, many plants also represent an exceptional source of nutritious food for humans, others have incredible healing properties and are therefore used for the production of medicines, and still others are famous for their qualities in the field of cosmetics and beauty more generally, thanks to the substances present within them that bring benefits to our skin. However, there are also some plants that have an even more important role, that of fighting pollution. Let’s discover together the decalogue of anti-pollution plants.

The ten anti-pollution plants

1 – Chlorophytum: more commonly known by the name phalangium, this is a plant from southern Africa. It belongs to the evergreen category, does not require much attention, and is useful in eliminating formaldehyde and carbon monoxide in the air.

2 – Aloe: You have surely heard of this plant in the field of cosmetics, but Aloe is also important for its ability to absorb trichloroethylene pollution.

3 – Ivy: the most common of the climbing plants that “shroud” our homes manages to absorb the trichloroethylene and benzene

4 – Gingko Bilboa: This is a very ancient tree that dates back about 250 million years, and because of its wax-covered surface it is able to absorb a very high amount of carbon dioxide.

5 – Poto: this is an evergreen, climbing plant of which there are as many as 40 species; it is useful for purifying and cleaning the environment of formaldehyde and cigarette smoke.

6 – Hawthorn: the plant of the unmistakable white-colored flower, belonging to the rose family, has the ability to“devour” fine dust.

7 – Poinsettias: You may have seen them hundreds of times on sale at Christmas time, often for charity, but poinsettias (a plant of Mexican origin that blooms when the days are shorter) is effective in combating benzene pollution.

8 – Lime tree: a large-sized tree with a sturdy trunk, like other trees in our driveways it has the special function of “eating” smog.

9 – Ficus Benjamina: we have usually seen it in a few pots although it can be grown in outdoor parks and in the wild it can reach considerable size. It can absorb formaldehyde and benzene, while at home it fights the bad smell of cigarette smoke.

10 – Ash tree: this is a plant found in almost all of Italy and can reach up to 40 meters in height. Its flowers give off a very pleasant fragrance, and the large leaves are an excellent filter for the air around it.

As we have seen, plants are a key resource for the health of our bodies and our earth. Therefore, they need to be preserved and protected so that they can continue to play their role as“cleaners” of our planet.

A healthy diet against depression (preview)

25 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

A recent article published in the journal The Lancet, titled “Nutritional Psychiatric: where to next?” hypothesizes a direct relationship between nutrition and depression in the individual. In fact, according to some studies there is a direct relationship between a healthy diet and a person’s mental and physical well-being. In particular, it has been shown that a proper and balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing depression problems.

On the contrary, it seemed glaringly obvious that the so-called
Junk Foods
(junk food) are harmful not only to the physical health of the body, but also have negative effects on the mental and psychological condition of the individual.

In the next articles we will deal more specifically with this issue, analyzing two aspects of this scenario: healthy eating against depression and the use of dietary supplements to combat the individual’s psychiatric disorders.

Wifi: are electromagnetic waves a danger to our health ?

25 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

If you go to a restaurant, bar, mall or any other type of store, you will most likely find a sign somewhere that says “Wifi Free.” This happens because nowadays it is essential for everyone to have an Internet connection at all times, 24 hours a day, preferably one that is unlimited and free like the one offered by Wifi. Owning and being able to offer (in the case of businesses or hotels) a Wifi connection has now become a very important quality standard that can influence, and by a great deal, users’ choices. Even in the home, moreover, the use of Wifi has increased by leaps and bounds over the years, hand in hand with the increasing development of technology and the spread of devices that are always connected to the network (smartphones, tablets, PCs).

How Wifi works

Everyone uses it but few really know how this type of connection works. Wifi is a technology that, through related devices, allows user terminals (cell phones, teblets, etc…) to connect with each other through a local area network wirelessly according to the specifications of the IEEE 802.11 standard. In turn, this local area network connects to the Internet through a router and can take advantage of all the connectivity services that are offered by an ISP (Internet Service Provider, i.e., one of the many telephone operators). Clearly, only those electronic devices that are integrated with the wifi protocol specification are able to connect. This whole interconnection structure can operate, as a matter of course, through electromagnetic waves that connect the various devices with each other and with the Internet network.

Electromagnetic waves health

The topic of Wifi, however, has often sparked quite a bit of controversy related to the potential danger, to our health, of electromagnetic waves emitted by the ruoter to allow various devices to connect to the Internet. In fact, many individuals place the wifi ruoter in the least-used room of their home (kitchen and bedroom are avoided) with the intent of subjecting themselves as little as possible to the effects of electromagnetic waves. But what are the health risks ? Many people suffer from a particular condition called I”Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity,” also called EHS. It is a kind of intolerance to electromagnetic waves emitted by various wifi (and other) devices that would cause disturbances such as headache, nausea, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, to more important manifestations such as. burns, redness and patches on the skin, palpitations and digestive problems.

The conditional in this case is a must because it is a disease that is not officially recognized in any European country except Austria, but still causes significant agitation and concern among the population. “Hypersensitivity to Wi-Fi simply means that an individual is sensitive to lower amounts of electromagnetic radiation than in the normal population. And the fact that this syndrome is not recognized as a disease, however, explains Maria Grazia Petronio, vice president naz. of theIsde-Medici per l’ambienteAssociation–must not make us forget the people who suffer from real symptoms, who ask to be taken care of and instead find no answers.”

No evidence

Despite various concerns, however, at present there is insufficient evidence to prove an actual correlation between electromagnetic waves emitted by wifi technology and the health status of individuals, the latest study by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (Scenhir) shows. In fact, according to Maria Rosaria Scarfi, of theInstitute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment. of the CNR, it would make no sense to create alarmism; “It is true that Wi-Fi is a relatively recent technology, but we are still talking about electromagnetic fields. And these have been known for a long time. Wireless connection to the Internet is a valuable tool. In the absence of hard evidence, accusing it of posing a danger makes no sense.”

Triathlon: swimming, cycling and running in one discipline

25 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Have you ever heard about Triathlon? Most of you have probably already heard this name on TV or, almost certainly, you have come across some video on the Internet in which men and women competed in a race that combined swimming, running and cycling. And Triathlon is just that: a multi-disciplinary sport, based primarily on endurance, in which the athlete must pass, in sequence and without interruption, a new test, a cycling test and finally a running test.

This is a very demanding sport, a challenge that can only be overcome if one undergoes constant, high-level training, coupled with healthy and proper nutrition, a crucial point of any sport or discipline, to a greater extent in competitive sports.

The various distance categories

The route set by the Triathlon is not always the same, but changes depending on the total distance to be covered. It starts from the “Supersprint” in which, as the name implies, it is not so much endurance but speed that determines the winner, in which 400 meters of swimming, 10 kilometers of cycling and 2.5 kilometers of running alternate nonstop. An intermediate course is instead represented by the Triathlon “Olympic” in which you have to face 1500 meters of swimming, followed by 40 km of cycling, and then finish, again without rest, with 10 km of running. The most extreme and challenging level, suitable only for iron men and women is, as the name implies, the Triathlon “Iron Man“in which professional athletes will have to contend with 3800 meters of swimming, 180 kilometers of cycling and, to finish, an impressive 42,195 kilometers of running.

These are, especially in the last case, very demanding tests, suitable for athletes who follow a very strict training and nutrition regimen, but not only. In fact, we are talking about competitions suitable for athletes who also possess good coordination skills, having to express during their effort completely different sports gestures such as swimming, cycling and running.

The figure of the coach

Since this is a very demanding discipline, it is essential to have an experienced and certified coach who can follow the athletes step by step throughout their physical and mental preparation for the competition. In this regard, it is indeed fortunate that the team of experts collaborating on our portal includes Paolo Barbera, a Triathlon professional of the highest caliber. Barbera is a Certified Federal Triathlon Coach with years of experience in this field. In addition to this, Coach Barbera is a nutrition expert and co-founder of Active Kids, a medical center specializing in the prevention and treatment of pediatric and adult obesity and sports initiation.

Nickel allergy: intolerant people in Italy are 32%.

25 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Nickel is a heavy metal found in many everyday objects. Indeed, it can be found in jewelry (especially earrings and watches) in zippers, jeans buttons, but also in bracelets, keys, coins, and many other items. Usually nickel is harmless to most of the population, but there are individuals, however, who have developed an intolerance to this metal, which causes them skin problems. In fact, nickel allergy is the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, which is a condition that generates eczema-like skin lesions: boils, itching, blisters and redness.

Statistics

According to the most recent findings, the number of individuals who have developed a form of allergy to this metal has increased significantly. In fact, in Europe about 20% of the population is allergic to nickel, in Italy the number even grows to 32.1% with a majority in favor of women ( the ratio to men is 3 to 1 ). Although it is an intolerance that occurs most frequently in the elderly, children and infants are also not excluded from this phenomenon, accounting for about 16 percent of the intolerant population.

Symptoms

Nickel allergy manifests, as specified, with eczema local affecting essentially the portion of the skin that comes into direct contact with metal, e.g., the earlobes in the case of earrings, the wrist for watches, the neck for necklaces, and the area below the navel, which often comes into contact with jeans buttons. The face and scalp may also show symptoms. In this case, possible “culprits” include cell phones, glasses, piercings and even hair clips.

However, nickel is also present in nature, specifically in soil and water, thus being absorbed by living things that in turn end up, more often than not, on our tables. Nickel is therefore present in many of the foods that become part of our diet, especially for fruit and vegetables, where nickel levels are about 4 times higher than in animal products (meat, milk, eggs…).

The test

As is the case with any form of allergy or intolerance, it is crucial to find out the causes as soon as possible by resorting to the help of tests and examinations. In the case of nickel, this is a completely noninvasive test. It mainly concerns the application of some patches with allergens on the back skin. Because contact allergies do not present immediate symptoms, the patches are kept on for about 2 days, and reading by the specialist may occur as late as 3-4 days after application.