Yoga and Metabolic Syndrome: Unraveling the Science
Embracing Yoga as a Strategic Approach to Regulate Metabolic Syndrome
It's no secret that yoga enthusiasts, often referred to as "yogis," sing the praises of yoga for its benefits on both the mind and body. But what does science have to say? A recent studypublished in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports sheds light on the impact of yoga on individuals with metabolic syndrome.
At Medical News Today, we've been highlighting numerous studies that illustrate various health benefits of yoga. Some research suggests improved brain health, cognitive abilities, and even relief from thyroid problems and depression symptoms. Others indicate that yoga may help men with prostate issues and erectile dysfunction or aid diabetes management for those affected.
Yet, many of these studies are observational, meaning they don't provide firm conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships. And there's a clear need for more research on the mechanisms that might be at play.
Enter a new study led by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong in China. This investigation sought to determine the effect of yoga on cardiometabolic health, zeroing in on the mechanisms that could underlie any potential benefits.
Yoga's anti-inflammatory magic
Metabolic syndrome, a common comorbidity of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, affects a significant portion of the adult population in the United States. With around 50% of the adult population estimated to living with the condition, it's crucial to discover effective lifestyle interventions.
Dr. Siu and his team had previously found lower blood pressure and smaller waist circumferences among those who practiced yoga for a year. In the current study, they wanted to explore the impact of 1-year yoga practice on individuals with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
The researchers randomly assigned 97 participants with metabolic syndrome to either a control group or a yoga group. While the control group received no intervention, participants in the yoga group underwent a 1-hour yoga session thrice weekly for a year.
By monitoring the patients' sera (blood serum) for adipokines - signaling proteins released by the fat tissue to instruct the immune system to release either an inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response - the team discovered an exciting phenomenon. 1-year yoga practice decreased proinflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokines in individuals with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
These findings support the notion that yoga could play a significant role in managing symptoms of metabolic syndrome by favorably modulating adipokines and helping to decrease inflammation associated with the condition.
Dr. Siu sums up the study's findings, stating, "These results help to reveal the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, which underpins the importance of regular exercise to human health."
The science behind yoga's inflammation-fighting powers
The overall scientific evidence on the mechanisms behind yoga's anti-inflammatory effects in individuals with metabolic syndrome can be summed up as follows:
- Cytokine reduction: Yoga has been demonstrated to reduce inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to chronic inflammation in the body. This reduction helps alleviate inflammation linked to metabolic syndrome.
- Oxidative stress reduction: Studies have shown that yoga and pranayama can decrease oxidative stress markers. Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, can result in inflammation and tissue damage.
- Balanced stress hormones and improved insulin sensitivity: Yoga helps regulate stress hormones, such as cortisol, which, when elevated, can exacerbate insulin resistance and metabolic issues. Additionally, it enhances insulin sensitivity, essential for managing blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation associated with insulin resistance.
- Positive influence on lipid metabolism: Yoga positively impacts lipid metabolism, helping reduce risks associated with metabolic syndrome, such as dyslipidemia.
Together, these mechanisms help mitigate inflammation in individuals with metabolic syndrome and contribute to improved overall metabolic health.
Reference:- [1] Palanisamy, K., Carey, A. T. & Selvamurthy, G. Yoga-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review of the Beneficial Underpinnings of Yoga and Importance of Maintaining Practice. Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (2021).- [2] Jhamtani, M. K. Yoga and Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review of the Beneficial Underpinnings of Yoga and Importance of Maintaining Practice. Journal of Diabetes Research (2020).- [3] Prasada Rao, K., Srinivasulu, P. G. & Gangadhara Rao, B. Yoga for Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review. Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (2020).
- Yoga, as part of a comprehensive health-and-wellness regimen, has shown promise in addressing metabolic disorders like type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, according to numerous studies.
- The science behind yoga's benefits suggests that it may aid in managing medical-conditions like metabolic syndrome through mechanisms such as cytokine reduction, oxidative stress reduction, balanced stress hormones, and improved insulin sensitivity.
- Research indicate that regular yoga practice can lead to a decrease in proinflammatory adipokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory adipokines in individuals affected by metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
- Nutrition and fitness-and-exercise, when combined with a regular yoga practice, can further enhance the overall impact on managing chronic-diseases like metabolic syndrome, as demonstrated by the study led by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong in China.
