There’s always a contrarian? (In this case, it really isn’t true- it’s a conditions based issue.)
Despite the claims of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the WHO (World Health Organization) that exercising will not improve our brain health, it turns out that is not always true.
We know that BNDF (brain-derived-neurotrophic factor) protects neurons and supports learning and memory. But, we can’t just infuse it into our brain and get desired results. But, it does seem that BNDF levels seem to elevate after exercise and fasting. (So does exposure to sunlight.) All of which are generally considered good.
Dr. Travis Gibbons (UBC) [coauthors- JD Cotter, PN Ainslie, WC Abraham, BG Mockett, HA Campbell, EMW Jones, J Jenkins, and KN Thomas] wanted to see what was going on with BNDF. So, he chose 12 subjects to exercise via cycling; with our without fasting, the subjects manifested a BNDF boost. Their test results, published in the Journal of Physiology demonstrated the BNDF boost. But, this could be results of increased blood flow to the brain as a result of exercise.
But, as I mentioned above, not everyone gets benefits from exercise. It turns out that we must address compromised individuals. Those folks who manifest ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) actually worsened their ALS with exercise. The same seems to occur with those suffering from chromic fatigue syndrome, where the symptoms worsen with exercise.
So, as long as we are healthy, I vote we keep exercising. Not only do our bodies benefit, but so so our brains.
Get Cracking.
You know what exercise I did today, on my day off? Ironing, washing and changing the bedding, folding and putting away regular laundry, grocery shopping and preparing dinner. My smart watch is happy with it, and I’m glad to have gotten stuff done.
As for the brain exercise, I do my daily Wordle. Plus I blog. Does that count?
Most of that wasn’t what we call aerobic, but it’s still gets you moving, Tamara!
I’m not up to all the statistics as to what is right or wrong about exercising but I go by how I feel. I try to exercise at least 5-6 days a week, nothing heavy but walking, stretching and swimming in the warm weather. I know my body and when to stop, like now I can’t do much for the next month but I’m still walking…..slowly.
Glad to hear you are staying active, Martha!
I’m in total agreement – except in situations like the horrible heat many parts of the country are experiencing or if the air is compromised, like with the wildfire smoke. If you can exercise indoors, fine. I’m not sure outdoors would be a great idea.
I didn’t say we had to exercise outside- anywhere is fine!
Superb