Exercise Rewires The Brain

Everyone knows exercise is good for your health, but new studies show it does more than that...

Exercise affects the brain on many levels. It increases heart rate, which increases the oxygen to the brain. It also aids the release of chemicals and hormones, all of which participate in aiding and providing a nourishing environment for the growth of brain cells.

You've most likely heard of "Endorphins"- These are released by your pituitary gland, which is located in the base of your brain. Endorphins make you feel exhilarated and happy and block any feelings of pain, so you can power through any discomfort caused by exercising.

Exercise stimulates the brain plasticity by stimulating growth of new connections between cells in a wide array of important cortical areas of the brain. Studies show that exercise increased growth factors in the brain—making it easier for the brain to grow new neuronal connections.

From a behavioural perspective, the same antidepressant-like effects associated with "runner's high" found in humans is associated with a drop in stress hormones.

A study from Stockholm showed that the antidepressant effect of running was also associated with more cell growth in the hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for learning and memory.

Food for thought

A research team based at Princeton University found that physical activity reorganises the brain so that its response to stress is reduced and anxiety is less likely to interfere with normal brain function.

Check out this informative video from Dnews on how Exercise rewires your brain:

References: brainhq.com