Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the relationship between exercise and brain health in recent years. The emerging field of neuroscience has shed light on the remarkable benefits of physical activity on cognitive function, neurogenesis, brain plasticity, and overall mental well-being. Prepare to have your neurons fired up excitedly as we explore the fundamental discoveries that have set the neuroscience world abuzz! We will take you through the latest research, drawing insights from the captivating world of Neuroscience News. Let's dive headfirst into the depths of fitness neuroscience.
One key discovery is the link between exercise and neurogenesis—the creation of new brain cells. The hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory, experiences significant neurogenesis through regular physical activity. Exercise triggers the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that nurtures existing neurons and promotes the growth of new neurons and synapses.
Aerobic exercises like running and swimming are particularly beneficial for brain health. Not only do they stimulate neurogenesis, but they also increase the size of the anterior hippocampus, leading to improved spatial memory. Furthermore, aerobic exercises have been associated with preserving white and grey matter in brain regions responsible for cognitive function, which tend to shrink with age.
High-intensity, interval resistance training may have a greater effect on cognitive function and neurogenesis – the formation of nerve cells — than lower-intensity continuous exercise, according to researchers from Israel’s Ariel University.
“The effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercise appears to be primarily mediated by changes in expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), lactate, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and several additional proteins within the brain,” they write.
“However, resistance exercise appears to influence brain plasticity by myokines such as irisin, insulin-growth factor-1 (IGF1), and BDNF that are secreted from skeletal tissue and stimulate neurogenesis within the brain.”
Excellent news for those who already do AURUM once a week: You not only benefit from the positive effect of resistance exercise on your brain plasticity and cognitive function but also from bone and muscle strength! This is a powerful combination that you “earn” with one workout a week while trying to stay physically and mentally fit without wasting hours in the gym.
Exercise influences neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels. These chemicals are vital in mood regulation, mental alertness, and focus. Consequently, physical activity is often linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, as it increases the release of these neurotransmitters, promoting a sense of well-being.
Physical activity promotes brain plasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections throughout life. This is particularly relevant for recovery from brain injuries and counteracting age-related cognitive decline. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for attention, working memory, executive function, and cognitive flexibility, responds positively to exercise, likely due to increased blood flow delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
Exercise profoundly impacts stress management by increasing the concentrations of norepinephrine and endorphins in the brain. These chemicals moderate the brain's response to stress and induce feelings of happiness. Additionally, regular physical activity reduces inflammation in the body, which positively impacts brain health, as chronic inflammation is associated with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
The evidence strongly supports the remarkable benefits of regular physical activity for brain health and cognitive function. Incorporating exercise into your daily life can nurture neurogenesis, enhance brain plasticity, improve cognitive functions, manage stress, and reduce the risk of neurological conditions. While there is still much to explore in this field, these findings underscore the importance of prioritizing physical activity for our physical and mental well-being. Let us embrace the transformative power of exercise for a healthier brain and a better quality of life. AURUM can be your start to a healthy brain and life.
Credit: Neuroscience News
I am Anael Grünwald, the new Marketing Assistant at AURUM. I am super enthusiastic to create creative and insightful blogposts.
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