Exercise affects multiple physiological processes regulated by hormones, including stress responses and energy balance. Yet scientists still do not fully understand how some hormone precursors travel through the bloodstream during these demanding moments. A new study explored how vigorous exercise changes the way a major hormone precursor, called proopiomelanocortin (POMC), travels through the bloodstream and helps it reach sensitive tissues like the brain. The study involved 15 healthy, endurance-trained adults who completed a 50-minute treadmill run at high intensity. The researchers focuse... blood-brain barrier brain exercise hormones
Read moreDr. Rhonda Patrick's testimony before the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging. ... nutrition
Watch nowCancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, claiming the lives of nearly 10 million people yearly. A recent study found that people who exercise regularly are nearly half as likely to die of cancer than those who are inactive. Researchers assessed the physical activity of more than 28,000 people diagnosed with stage 1 cancer in the year before their diagnosis based on data gathered from fitness devices, gym logs, and organized fitness events. They categorized the participants' activity as none, low (less than 60 minutes weekly), and medium to high (60 minutes or more weekly). Then,... exercise cancer mortality
Read moreStudy link: Athletes often warm up before a big race, but does heating your muscles make a difference? An early study found that warming muscles boosts performance by 11% during intense exercise—but at a cost. Researchers asked four young, healthy adults to perform 20-second high-intensity sprints on an exercise bike under four different muscle temperature conditions: room temperature, after leg immersion in hot water (44°C/111.2°F), and after immersion in cool water (18°C/64.4°F and 12°C/53.6°F). They measured the participants' muscle temperature and analyzed their peak force and power outpu... exercise heat stress cold stress sauna
Read moreIn this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into alcohol. We’ll explore the science, misconceptions, controversies, and health effects of this widely used drug. ... alcohol exercise brain alzheimer's cancer aging microbiome sleep heart disease
Watch nowProlonged sitting is a prominent feature of modern life. Unfortunately, it carries considerable health risks, including impaired glucose metabolism and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. A recent study found that interrupting prolonged sitting periods with short bursts of activity – especially frequent walks or squats – improves blood glucose levels. The study involved 18 men with overweight and obesity who engaged in four different activities on separate days: sitting uninterrupted for 8.5 hours, or sitting interrupted by a single 30-minute walk, ten three-minute walks (every 45 minutes),... exercise diabetes muscle blood sugar
Read moreCognitive function typically declines with aging, but evidence suggests physical activity can help mitigate some of these declines. A recent study in mice found that exercise improves memory and spatial learning by inhibiting neuroinflammation, primarily via the actions of irisin, a myokine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth factor and signaling protein. Researchers conducted a two-part study to investigate the effects of regular, low-intensity exercise on cognitive function in mouse models of inflammation-driven memory impairment and microglia (brain immune cell) degener... exercise brain inflammation memory dementia nrf2
Read moreFrom the article: > The study recruited 125 amateur cyclists aged 55 to 79, 84 of which were male and 41 were female. The men had to be able to cycle 100 km in under 6.5 hours, while the women had to be able to cycle 60 km in 5.5 hours. [...] > The cyclists also did not increase their body fat or cholesterol levels with age and the men's testosterone levels also remained high, suggesting that they may have avoided most of the male menopause. > More surprisingly, the study also revealed that the benefits of exercise extend beyond muscle as the cyclists also had an immune system that d... exercise aging cholesterol blood pressure aerobic thymus thymic involution
Read moreThe euphoria known as a “runner’s high” is caused by activation of the endocannabinoid system, a complex signaling system that regulates energy metabolism, inflammation, pain, and brain biology. The gut microbiota, which coordinates its activity with the brain and immune system, also modulates energy metabolism and inflammation and brain functions such as mood and cognition. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/) Findings of a new report suggest that the endocannabinoid system is involved in communication between the gut and the immune system. The gut microbiota, the community... exercise cannabinoid
Read moreAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute lung injury, characterized by rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and a low blood oxygen level. It occurs in as many as 17 percent of all COVID-19 cases and can lead to respiratory failure and death. Findings presented in a recent review suggest that extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD), a potent antioxidant enzyme produced by the muscles during exercise, can reduce the risk of developing ARDS. A critical feature of the pathogenesis of ARDS is an excessive immune response that leads to increased production of reactiv... exercise covid-19
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