The brain
is often referred to as a muscle memory organ. New research is showing that the
interaction between brain activity and exercise is even more important than
previously thought. A
paper published in 2012 in the Journal of
Physiology investigated how regular exercise might also increase energy
levels in the brain. The study was based on measuring Glycogen levels before
and after exercise. Glycogen is the way the body stores energy for use during
physical activity. It is a critical energy source for neurons and muscles, and
it decreases initially as you spend energy during exhaustive exercise.
However, there is a phenomenon
called super compensation that elevates glycogen levels even above
preexisting levels within 24 hours after
exercise is completed.
The question:
Does super
compensation work on the brain as it does on muscles?
According
to the study done in Japan in 2012, Glycogen decreased by 50-63% during exercise.
6 hours later however glycogen levels rose 29-63% higher than per-exercise levels.
The boost in energy available to the brain may account for the mental alertness
that many people report after exercise.
Exercise showed to have even longer
term effects on the brain. The study showed that doing exercise 5 x a week for
only 3 weeks raised glycogen levels in the cortex of the brain by more than 10%
in the control group. This
study provided valuable insight into ways that exercise improves brain energy and
function. Increased Glycogen levels are the way the brain reacts to
environmental stressors. Exercise reduces the stress or "fight or flight"
response that affects the brain and ultimately our entire health.
More than
ever before studies like this are proving how staying healthy means taking care
of both our brain and our body.
Mental, physical, and nutritional wellness habits are the way to live a longer
and more VITALIZED life.
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