Did you know that exercise Is the most beneficial thing you can do for your health. The other night I was up late watching late night cable TV. A program hosted 8 medical doctors speaking on various areas of health.
All had a chance to speak on areas of their expertise. One talked about vitamins, another explained the virtues of drinking enough pure filtered water, raw food health was another's topic, another spoke on the benefits of yoga, youthful skin was another's topic.
Ever the health student, I listened carefully to each one. So much information was being put out there, it was difficult to know where to begin. The host reflected my sentiment.
At the end of the program he said "Ok. A lot of information has been disseminated here. Out of all this information what one thing would benefit me the most? " It was quiet for about 30 seconds. Then individually, one-by-one each physician spoke. Their answer was unanimous.
Exercise!
There are 13 unique benefits associated with regular exercise.
-----Benefits to exercise----------
Cardiovascular disease-Is the leading cause of death for Americans. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) reported in a 2006 study that higher cardiovascular fitness levels promote as much as a 50% reduction in cardiovascular risk. Blood vessels dilate and promote circulation throughout the body strengthening the heart, muscles and lungs.
Diabetes-170 million people worldwide now suffer from diabetes. Physical inactivity and weight gain weakens the body's ability to produce insulin.
When insulin levels decline, glucose (blood sugar) levels rise producing the need for more insulin. This is called insulin intolerance.
Regular aerobic exercise increases insulin and lowers sugar levels maintaining a balance between the two. Type 2 diabetes is 90% preventable.
Hypertension-Elevated blood pressure above 140/90 mmg Hg is a major risk factor for heart disease. A recent clinical trial of 54 hypertensive individuals showed a showed a 3.84 (systolic) and a 2.58 (diastolic) decrease of blood pressure when exercise was added to their programs.
Exercise is a major factor protecting against hypertension especially as we age.
Triglycerides-It has been well established that elevated triglycerides and cholesterol have been associated with a passive and inactive lifestyle.
Studies have shown routine aerobic exercise lowers triglycerides and LDL (the bad cholesterol) while improving HDL (the good cholesterol).
Stroke-Individuals who engage in moderate to intense exercise have lower incidences of stroke. Statistic show a 20% lower risk of stroke with moderate exercise and a 27% decrease with intense exercise.
Osteoporosis-Regular physical exercise benefits and stimulates bone growth. Activities like walking, running, bicycling, squats, and lunges overload the bones.
This forces the bones to adapt and maintain strong density.
Cancer-Exercise has been directly correlated to lower incidences in breast, mylenoma, and lung cancers. Recent studies have revealed the following among those who exercise moderately to intensely:
-30% to 40% reduction in colon cancer
-20% to 40% reduction in breast cancer
-Improved quality of life for mylenoma cancer victims
-Muscle mass-Muscle mass and strength are essential qualities to maintain as we age. Studies show a muscle loss rate of 1% to 2% per year after age 50.
A loss of muscle mass directly correlates to loss of independence. This contributes to falls, bone fractures, and admission into nursing homes. Less muscle mass also contributes to a slower metabolism and less oxygen consumption.
Brain-Those who exercise regularly reduce the odds of loosing their mental cognitive abilities. Exercise benefits learning, problem solving and memory.
A study was performed in Paris on 2809 women at risk for cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that women who the were most physically active had the least cognitive decline.
Additionally the women who began taking 30 minute brisk walks daily showed the lowest risk of cognitive decline.
Weight control-Overweight people have twice the health problems than people of normal weight. A recent Rand study determined that obesity is worse than heavy drinking or smoking for your health.
Being overweight opens the doors to 35 different diseases. Regular exercise is a major factor in keeping weight under control.
Moods-Do you like feeling euphoric with a sense of well being? Exercise is the key. Exercise stimulates the brain chemicals seratonin and norepinephrine, the feel good neurotransmitters.
Molecular biologists and neurologists now conclude that exercise activates brain chemicals the same way antidepressants do.
A psychologist in Dallas named Jasper Smits is now pioneering a drug free program to treat depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. He understands exercise benefits and drugs damage due to side effects. Antidepressant drugs now cost Americans $10 billion dollars annually.
Stress-Mounting evidence suggests that those who are physically fit are far more able to handle stress successfully. Studies performed determined that those who moderately exercise at least 3 times weekly handle stress better.
Oxygenation + Detoxification-Exercise promotes blood vessel dilation and blood oxygenation. When oxygen rich blood reaches the muscle, it exchanges the oxygen for carbon dioxide and body toxins.
By blood circulation these toxins are released mainly through the lungs and the lymphatic system. Oxygen in the cells prohibits diseases like cancer to exist. Cancer requires an acidic, fermented, non-oxygenated environment to thrive.
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