What effect does physical activity have on brain health?
I believe that physical exercise is an emerging frontier for the brain. New studies that demonstrate its beneficial impact on brain health are being published weekly. This is true for all ages and even during pregnancy. But how much and what types are necessary? Before starting any exercise program you should get permission from your health care professional to make sure it is safe. Remember to begin slowly and work your way up in intensity. Exercise with a friend. Establish a schedule. Vary your routine. That having been said, aerobic exercise (meaning exercise that elevates your heart rate for an extended period of time) carries more blood throughout the body, including the brain. This supplies additional oxygen and other necessary nutrients. It also acts directly on the neurons by elevating specific chemicals called neurotrophins. They go by many different names such as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor). These compounds facilitate the production
