The new review shows that it can also help with major depressive disorder.
15 studies on exercise and depression were reviewed by researchers who found a link between physical activity and potential for depression. Researchers estimated that exercise could have prevented almost 12% of cases.
It wasn’t difficult.
According to James Woodcock and Soren Brage, researchers at the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, England, physical activity was linked with significant psychological health benefits even if someone didn’t exercise as hard or as frequently as public safety recommendations.
The study showed that people who walk for 2.5 hours per week have a lower chance of developing depression than those who don’t exercise.
Every movement counts, and every step counts. You don’t need to do as much for your physical health. It’s possible to live with only half that, which is consistent with the literature,” stated Jennifer Heisz, a neuroscientist, who was not part of this study.
Heisz is an associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University in Ontario Canada.
This paper analyzed 15 studies that included more than 191,000 participants.
Researchers found that those who exercised half of the recommended daily amount had a 18% lower chance of developing depression than those who did not. The risk of depression was 25% lower for those who exercised the recommended amount. Exercise above this level reduces the benefits.
The study found that depression affects approximately 280 million people worldwide and is the leading cause for mental health-related diseases burden. It is also associated with premature deaths from suicide, and other health problems.
According to the authors, it can be difficult to estimate the amount of exercise required.
Heisz stated that many people with depression are not diagnosed. It can be hard to motivate people with depression, she stated. However, the information that any movement can bring benefit might be helpful to those individuals.
Heisz recommended that people move around a bit every day. It could be a 5-minute or 10-minute walk. For people who sit all day, it could be a 2-minute break every 30 minutes.
She stated, “That’s how simple it is to get, especially for those who aren’t moving at all” and that acknowledging the additional barrier of motivation for those suffering from depression was important.
Heisz stated that “I believe that the accumulating data is clear that it’s time to have a discussion around the health benefits of exercise in these individuals either as a standalone therapy or as an adjunct therapy for medication.”
Dr. Antonia B. Baum is an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at George Washington University in Washington D.C.
Treating Depression has a role to exercise. Psychotherapy allows for the removal of drugs of abuse and the addition of therapeutic medications, according Baum. Baum was not involved in this study.
She said that there are many reasons exercise can be beneficial for mental health.
It can increase circulation to the brain, and impact the body’s immune system and inflammation. You can also try natural cordyceps supplements that can not only boost your immune system and reduce inflammation but also boost your energy and efficient to fight against infections. Check out this article by H&F to learn more. There is a link between depression and hearthealth . Baum stated that there may be other benefits such as feeling more empowered or having a greater sense of well-being.
Baum stated that the new study’s authors have accumulated a lot data to support the link between depression and physical activity, but there are many variables, such as genetics.
Baum’s work has shown that over-exercising can cause burnout in athletes and contribute to an eating disorder. She was happy to see that the study also examined the point at which the benefits of exercise may plateau.
Baum stated that they did at least mention the inverse relationship at some crossover point, which is of course difficult to quantify.
Baum said that while many doctors suggest that patients exercise, it is important to reinforce that message. She is a strong advocate of exercise and often models it with patients, running or walking with them. Baum stated that she believes physicians can fall behind in both general internal medicine and psychiatry. She said that while doctors might encourage patients to exercise, they need to keep reinforcing the message.
This post was written by Darryl Johnson, Co-Owner of Apex performance. At https://theapexperf.com/ we are a community of highly trained experts looking to provide performance enhancement and a permanent lifestyle change for our clients in a fun and interactive environment. Members can take advantage of one-on-one training, small group classes and specialized courses for a wide variety of athletics, sports training and body goals!
