Stressed out? Some people exercise. And for those who do, science now says that its effects on stress aren’t just anecdotal–it could get rid of toxins that accumulate during stress.
A study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden confirmed these benefits earlier this week.
“Our initial research hypothesis was that trained muscle would produce a substance with beneficial effects on the brain,” says Jorge Ruas, a researcher from the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Karolinska Institute. “We actually found the opposite: well-trained muscle produces an enzyme that purges the body of harmful substances. So the muscle’s function is reminiscent of that of the kidney or the liver.”
Ruas initially made the finding after genetically engineering mice to have high levels of a certain protein called PGC-1α1. Previously, researchers knew that levels of this protein increased during exercise, but weren’t quite sure what it did.
Intent on figuring it out, Ruas increased this protein in laboratory mice, also including a group of “normal” mice to act as the control. Then Ruas exposed them to a series of noises and flashing lights to raise their stress levels.
By the end of the study, he found that normal mice experienced higher rates of depression–whereas the genetically altered mice didn’t experience depression at all.
“Skeletal muscle appears to have a detoxification effect that, when activated, can protect the brain from mental illness,” says Ruas. “Physical exercise is already prescribed as a therapy or co-therapy for mild to moderate depression. We think that our findings will help support the use of physical exercise in the prevention and treatment of depression.”
Putting two and two together, Ruas hypothesizes that when we exercise, levels of this protein increase and protect us from depression–and as a bonus, flushes out toxins that can build up and contribute to depression.
As for which exercise is best, Ruas believes cardiovascular exercise could have the biggest impact on depression.
“It is possible that other kinds of exercise will also have an effect, like resistance training such as weight lifting,” says Ruas. “But our results support the use of aerobic exercise like biking and running.”
What You Should Do
Yes, it’s true: Exercise can sometimes be a hassle. But now with proven benefits to stop depression and make you feel better, especially during cardiovascular exercise, exercise isn’t just great for getting fit–it could make you happier.
“Our modern, sedentary lifestyles that don’t include sufficient physical activity, might have made us mode susceptible to diseases such as stress-induced depression,” says Ruas.
Your best bet? To fight those moody blues, try walking or biking for around 30 minutes a day–the perfect way to get a quick cardiovascular boost.
Readers: How does exercise make you feel? Does it make you feel better or worse?
Sources:
Exercise Detoxes Body of Depressive Chemicals, Scientists Find – Telegraph.co.uk
Study Shows Daily Exercise Can Prevent Depression – Scotsman.com
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