Can Exercise Fight Depression?
Entering into the New Year has brought along with it many New Year’s resolutions……the
most popular being “start exercising”. What many of us do not know is that
aerobic exercise may be doing more than just helping us trim away those extra
pounds from Christmas.
A recent study indicated that “ aerobic exercise may be just as effective
as medication at relieving depression…” This study adds to growing
evidence that “exercise can significantly improve mental
health at modest or no cost”. The study compared three groups: antidepressants
only; antidepressants plus group aerobics; exercise only. “After 16
weeks, patients in all three groups were equally likely to have recovered.”
But what was surprising were the findings in a 6-month follow up study that
“exercisers held a surprising edge. Of those who had recovered after
16weeks, only 8% relapsed to depression, compared with 38% who took pills
only and 31% in the combination group”.
Health is defined by the World Health Organization as “optimal, physical,
mental and spiritual well-being, not merely the absence of disease
or infirmity.” This definition recognizes the intrinsic link between physical,
emotional and spiritual health. Exercise produces brain chemicals, such as
serotonin and endorphins that can contribute to the feeling of well-being.
In this study it was found that only 50 minutes of exercise a week halved
a person’s chances of being depressed. Physical activity is key to all aspects
of our well-being. Addressing symptoms with only medication
is of limited value and certainly comes with the risk of side-effects present
in all medications.
Lifestyle factors are paramount to good physical, emotional
and spiritual well-being. As a family chiropractor, one of my goals is to
help people make healthier lifestyle choices. Regular chiropractic adjustments
are important to help your body adapt to life stresses as effectively as possible. Subluxation patterns develop over years as we place
chemical, physical and emotional demands upon our systems. Interference
in nerve flow results in compromises to overall health. Minimizing unnecessary
medications and exercising regularly is of great benefit to your systems,
especially your nervous system. Lifestyle changes take time but the benefits
are well worth the results. Your health is your greatest asset so invest in
yourself and make a commitment to better health.