Brain and exercise
When we do some exercise, the general thinking is for overall body fitness. Studies suggest that our individual alpha peak frequency (iAPF) increases after some intense exercise. iAPF is part of the electroencephalogram (EEG) that measures our ability to focus and pay attention. This also determines if we have brain issues.
A sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity, high blood sugar levels, hypertension and depression which leads to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. With exercise, it results in more white and gray brain matter, a sign of good brain health. I suppose some of those wise guys promoting filters for brackish water to drink need a huge amount of exercise.
Physical activities help the hippocampus grow, the part of our brain linked to learning and memory. Being inactive shrinks the hippocampus and as we get older, we lose memory. As per studies, regrowth is stronger if we remain active and enjoy the activity. Aerobic exercises like walking and jogging slow down the breakdown and damage of brain cells as it eases the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
According to scientists, combining aerobics and weight training makes our brain flexible. Called neuroplasticity, it is the ability of our brain to adapt when we discover and learn new things. Although younger brains generally adapt more easily, it does not necessarily mean that older brains process things slower.
With regular activity, our ability to recognize and interpret information improves, making things sensible. But how can we make sense of the ‘balde’ when the very strong El Nino comes, knowing rain clouds are on a long vacation.
Because exercise makes our heart and blood vessels stronger, it aids blood go to our brain. From the large vessels that bring blood to the head to the micro vessels in our brain, strong blood flow slows mental decline and the build up of plaque linked to dementia.
That cabinet secretary who promised to roll heads when the flood control projects blew up on our faces had too much jaw exercise that blood flow concentrated on his tongue. The targets are still rolling, yes, with their heads intact.
(Condensed from a WebMD article written by Paul Frysh and medically reviewed by Zilpa Sheikh, a doctor experienced in medical writing and reviewing)
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