Exercise for Good Physical and Mental Health



When people think of good "health", they usually think about physical health. Then, they imagine tone muscles, firm abs and a good figure. Fitness freaks spend hours and hours a week working out. It's simple. To achieve a good physical health, you need to exercise. What people don't know is that exercise not only improves their physical health but also their mental health. A good exercise is not necessary done in the gym though.

According to some researchers, exercise has the same properties as antidepressants that give positive benefits on the brain. One research even showed how exercises improved the brain function of some elderly individuals. Due to the positive results in studies conducted, they have hypothesized that proper exercise may protect people from dementia, a condition of severe loss or impairment of one's intellectual capacity brought about by the damage of neurons in the human brain.


One possible explanation of the good effect of exercise on the brain is the release of endorphins during physical activity. Endorphins are the body's natural morphine to relieve pain as a normal response to shock that the body experience during exercise. On the other hand, other scientists are not satisfied to the explanation that endorphins alone provide the body the good benefits because they don't generally effect mood which is another beneficial effect of exercise. In some studies in animals, experiments have shown that the levels of several neurotransmitters increase during exercise. Antidepressants work by stimulating these neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, GABA and norepinephrine. 


High levels of these chemicals are known to elevate the mood. In addition, during exercise, the levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) are also found to increase. This substance is also known to play a major role in improving one's mood and help the brain cells function longer. BDNF is thought to be the primary reason why exercise can help prevent dementia.


To summarize, exercise not only help improve physical but also mental health and brain. Exercising not only helps people achieve the body they want but also help make people feel good and improve their mood. Although there needs to be studies for more scientific explanation of how it works, it is best to start exercising today and feel good soon.


Are you looking for back pain relief?
Get your free back pain relief book today: http://selfadjustingtechnique.com/free-back-pain-relief/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sandra_L_Wilson/862528
Share on Google Plus
    Blogger Comment
    Facebook Comment

See Also