A sedentary lifestyle causes changes in the brain
There are several studies that affirm that practice exercise physical produces changes at the brain level. Now, a recent study seems to indicate that a sedentary lifestyle also causes changes in the brain.
Sedentary lifestyle and health problems
The physical inactivity and the sedentary lifestyle they are the most important risk factors for the development of different diseases. In Western societies, due to the increase of comforts in the home, the increase of technology or long working hours in increasingly intellectual jobs, has caused many people to carry a sedentary lifestyle which is harmful to health and well-being.
The data published by WHO they warn that at least 60% of the world's population does not perform the physical activity necessary to obtain health benefits. Sedentary lifestyle is the fourth risk factor for mortality in the world, and causes 6% of global deaths. In addition, in Spain there are 30% of sedentary people.
Sitting more than 6 hours a day causes 30% of cardiovascular diseases, 23% from breast and colon cancer and 27% from diabetes.
The negative effects of sedentary lifestyle
Since the negative consequences of sedentary lifestyle are many, here are some of the most prominent:
Obesity- The metabolism slows down when a person has a sedentary lifestyle, making it easier to gain weight.
Weakening of the bones: Lack of physical activity causes bone weakening and causes diseases such as osteoporosis.
Fatigue: Low physical condition causes a person to fatigue very quickly. Everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs pose great physical challenges. Also, cholesterol increases.
Heart problems.
Propensity for muscle tears.
Decreased elasticity and joint mobility, decreased ability and ability to react.
Slowing of circulation with the consequent feeling of heaviness and edema, and development of venous dilations (varicose veins).
Lumbar pain and injuries of the support system, poor posture, due to the little development of the tone of the respective muscle masses.
Tendency to suffer from diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, colon cancer.
Discouragementdiscomfort low selfsteem, decreased concentration
Brain changes caused by sedentary lifestyle
Over the past decades, researchers have studied the psychological benefits of exercising, and have concluded that exercising can improve our cognitive functions. Regardless of age or physical condition, spending time for exercise also produces changes in the brain and many benefits for our mental well-being.
But a recent study affirms that not only does physical exercise cause changes in the brain, but that sedentary lifestyle also produces brain changes: in this case, for the worse. A lifestyle characterized by physical inactivity can change the structure of neurons, negatively affecting an individual.
Rat studies
The study, conducted by Wayne State University School of Medicine, it was carried out with sedentary rats and normal rats. A dozen rats were used and separated into two groups. One group was forced to remain inactive while the other used wheels to run at will.
After 3 months, sedentary rats had additional ramifications in neurons found in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, a portion of the brain stem that is responsible for controlling breathing and other non-conscious core activities of the body. The neurons in this area of the brain are implicated in heart disease and hypertension, as control blood pressure through the alteration in the constriction of blood vessels.
