By Pilates For Every Body Blog | February 06, 2010 at 07:49 PM EST | No Comments
Research over the past decade has shed new light on brain function and brain health. Four critical factors have been identified to improve brain health: physical activity, mental activity/stimulation, healthy diet, and stress management.
Let's look more carefully at the role of stress management. Cells are either in a threat-distress mode, in which they are protecting themselves from danger, or in a growth mode. Cells cannot be under the attack of distress and at the same time grow and reproduce. Neurons will not communicate properly with other cells in distress. Stress damages neuron networks just as a cut damages skin.
Neuronal dendrites, the branch-like extensions that carry information into the cell body can be reduced by 18%-32% when exposed to stress. Consistent stress can also lead to the death of neurons. Cortisol, a stress hormone, damages the cells of the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is responsible for learning and memory. So, the bottom line is that while stress responses play a critical role in protecting us under intense conditions, chronic stress can cause damage to the brain. Unregulated surges in Adrenaline, a product of stress, stops regulating blood pressure, which in turn create rough spots and tears inside blood vessels. The spots can turn into scars, and the sticky substances build up there, clogging arteries. This is why people with chronic stress have elevated risk of heart attack and stroke.
Exercise is a key factor in effectively managing stress, and research continues to bear this out. Exercise stimulates brain-deprived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps brain cells multiply and function effectively. Cardiovascular exercise plays an important part in brain function and stress management as well. Studies repeatedly show that cardiovascular exercise can improve mood, elevate our stress threshold, speed delivery of oxygen to the brain, and help to balance brain chemicals and hormones for more effective stress management.
The big message: it is critical to reduce stress in your life as much as you can, get moving, keep moving, and add some cardiovascular exercise to your routine. Walking is a good way to start -- especially once the weather improves.
Coming this late Spring to our studio: A new Nordic Walking Program. More info in future posts.
