How does exercise affect my brain?
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National Academy of Sports Medicine answered:The psychological benefits of exercise are well documented. Some of the proposed psychological benefits of exercise include promoting a positive mood, reducing stress, improving sleep, and reducing depression and anxiety. New research has also shown exercise to help improve cognitive function and memory. Exercise may also boost serotonin levels in the brain resulting in a calming, soothing affect.
The psychological benefits of exercise are well documented. Some of the proposed psychological benefits of exercise include promoting a positive mood, reducing stress, improving sleep, and reducing depression and anxiety. New research has also shown... More -
Dr. Vonda Wright answered:Research published in 2003 by the Georgia Institute of Technology found that the sense of well-being, stress reduction, pain relief, and even that "floaty" feeling post-exercise was due to the release of molecules called endocannabinoids. These molecules, made by the exercising body, act on the brain in a similar way that smoking marijuana does and leaves us feeling the post-exercise bliss. Exercise is the wonder tool for connecting our body, brains, and bliss in the short term. Since the early 1990s, neuroscientists have known that exercise increases the release of a neurotrophin, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF "fertilizes" existing neurons to function better and stimulates the growth of new nerve cells for long-term brain health. And all this comes from just a little run in the park.
Find out more about this book: Dr. Vonda Wright's Guide to Thrive: Four Steps to Body, Brains, and Bliss
Research published in 2003 by the Georgia Institute of Technology found that the sense of well-being, stress reduction, pain relief, and even that "floaty" feeling post-exercise was due to the release of molecules called endocannabinoids.... More -
Samantha Heller answered:The brain has this amazing ability to remodel and rewire its communication system among neurons so we can learn. A study showed a difference in brain matter between those who exercised regularly and those who did not. The exercisers had more white and gray matter than the non-exercisers (white and gray matter is made up of brain neurons). These results indicate that exercise is protective of and helps preserve brain matter. Regular aerobic (aka cardiovascular) exercise increases brain plasticity (the brain’s ability to acquire new knowledge and to learn) and reduces age-associated declines in cognitive function. In addition, scientists believe that regular exercise may repair or restore an aging brain, enhance cognitive performance and improve memory.
Exercise increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a compound found naturally in the brain that boosts synaptic activity (instant messaging in the brain) and supports the growth and survival of brain neurons. When you are engaged in heart-pumping activity, you are pumping up BDNF levels and thus pumping up your brain power, learning ability and memory. Scientists do not know exactly why exercise has such a positive effect on both young and old brains. They speculate that it may have something to do with increased levels of BDNF and catecholamines and increased circulation (more blood to the brain). All we really need to know is that exercise improves cognitive function and boosts brain performance and memory.
Find out more about this book: Get Smart: Samantha Heller's Nutrition Prescription for Boosting Brain Powe...
The brain has this amazing ability to remodel and rewire its communication system among neurons so we can learn. A study showed a difference in brain matter between those who exercised regularly and those who did not. The exercisers had more... More
