Research shows that exercising regularly is one of the best activities for improving our health. And to back up this notion, there are plenty of research studies that highly recommend and encourage to find a physical activity we each enjoy.
5 ways exercise improves your health
So, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of being physically active.
Significant brain health benefits come from exercise
The benefits to brain health from exercise are well-documented in numerous studies. These studies have shown that exercise enhances memory functioning, attention-span, decision-making, improving blood flow to the brain, decreasing cell damage with the brain, and may lower risk of dementia.
In recent years, scientists have made a fascinating discovery – our brain is capable of neurogenesis, which is the process of growing new neurons. This process seems to be linked to regular participation in aerobic exercise. The hippocampus, which is the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory, can grow new cells. This is great news because the hippocampus tends to “shrink” during depression and dementia.
Chronic inflammation calms down after exercise
Chronic inflammation is different from acute inflammation. Acute inflammation occurs from twisting or scraping knee, which may result in swelling or significant bruising. To begin the healing process of acute inflammation, the body floods the injured area by sending signals to your immune system.
Chronic inflammation refers to a persistent inflammation that can spread throughout the body, constantly sending distress signals and putting the body in a state of emergency. It can lead to conditions like psoriasis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, chronic inflammation can promote the growth of cancer cells, such as prostate cancer, and provide them with a favorable environment to thrive. However, regular exercise can help reduce chronic inflammation by stimulating the muscles to produce anti-inflammatory proteins that trigger an overall anti-inflammatory response throughout the body.
Studies have shown that engaging in a moderate workout for just 20 minutes can have a significant impact on our immune system. According to a recent study, individuals who either walked or jogged on a treadmill experienced a 5% decrease in inflammation after exercising. This highlights the importance of regular physical activity to maintain a healthy immune system.
Studies have also shown that a 20-minute moderate workout significantly impacts our immune system. One study found that participants either walked or jogged on a treadmill, and found that after the exercise, there was a 5% reduction in inflammation.
Heart attack and stroke risk are reduced
It’s important to take care of our hearts, and one way to do that is through regular exercise. Physical activity can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are both significant markers of heart disease. Studies show that even a 30-minute daily walk can improve heart health, while light activities such as gardening can also contribute to a healthy heart.
Physical activity slows aging
Living a longer life has been shown to be correlated with exercise. One reason why is from a study that found exercise is linked to longer caps or telomeres located at the end of chromosomes. Normally with age, telomeres will shorten, every time cells divide. People, who exercise regularly, had longer telomeres than people who skip exercise, meaning exercise makes you years younger than the average person.
Exercise can help treat depression
Depression is a prevalent disability worldwide, but limited effective treatments are available. It can be a lengthy process to find the appropriate treatment. However, studies have shown that exercise can be a successful method for treating specific types of depression, as evidenced by the positive outcomes of people with depression who participated in exercise studies.
Research is now saying that physical activity can help reduce depression. This is because a brain chemical called serotonin acts as an anti-depressant and helps the brain grow new cells.
Daily exercise can make a real difference, even if you don’t feel like working out. And for those who don’t suffer from depression, regular exercise is a proven way to prevent it from developing altogether. So, don’t hesitate to incorporate some exercise into your daily routine – for a lifetime of good health!
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
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