If you think hitting the gym is just about losing weight, it’s time to think again. More and more studies are showing that exercise does a lot more for you than just shrink your waistline.
A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports is linking regular exercise to improvement in how the body fights inflammation. Why is this important? Inflammation is your body’s response to injury and infection, and it has been linked to arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Although the direct connection between inflammation and other health conditions can sometimes be tough even for doctors to connect, there is a proven link between certain proteins in the body and negative health concerns.
In the study, almost 5,000 participants had their C-reactive protein (CRP) levels measured, an inflammation marker that is associated with cardiovascular disease. They were then given an activity monitor to wear for 7 days. A 33% lower CRP level was observed in the adults who were active and exercised, in comparison to those who didn’t. While inflammation isn’t proven to directly cause particular medical conditions, scientists were encouraged by the proven relationship between the CRP and regular activity levels.
In addition to making sure you work physical activity into your regular routine, it’s helpful to follow a few other good lifestyle choices. Eating a lot of fruits and veggies, especially those high in vitamin C, can lower your chance of disease. It’s a good idea to pass on food and drinks that contain a lot of sugar. Excessive sugar wears down the body’s adrenal glands, which affect the ability to handle stress, thus lowering the cortisol levels in the body, which help regulate inflammation. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep whenever possible, and work relaxing and meditating activities, like yoga, into your regular routine. Lastly, you can discuss taking a regular dose of aspirin with your doctor, as it is an anti-inflammatory. Make sure that you do not start an aspirin regimen without being under a doctor’s care. You can discuss any issues or concerns your may have with your doctor at The Woman’s Clinic in Jackson, Mississippi. We are here to help you through all stages of life!
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