Yoga as a potential aid in controlling metabolic syndrome conditions.
Yoga enthusiasts, often referred to as "yogis" in the Western world, can't stop raving about how yoga positively impacts their bodies and minds. But what does the science really say? A recent study dives deep, examining the Impact of Yoga on people suffering from Metabolic Syndrome.
Medical News Today has been covering a myriad of studies that highlight yoga's potential boons for our health. Some research suggests that yoga improves brain health, cognition, and even aids in managing Thyroid Issues and Depression. It has shown promise in helping men overcome Erectile Dysfunction and aiding Diabetes patients in managing their symptoms. Yet, most of these studies are observational, meaning they can't establish causality, and few have explored the underlying mechanics.
However, a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports driven by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong in China, takes a step further by investigating yoga's effect on cardiometabolic health.
The results reveal that not only does yoga offer benefits to individuals with Metabolic Syndrome, but it also sheds light on the mechanisms behind these benefits.
Yoga Suppresses Inflammation
Metabolic Syndrome is a condition connected to Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease. In the United States, approximately half of the adult population suffers from this condition.
Previously, Dr. Siu and his team discovered lowered Blood Pressure and smaller waist circumference among those practicing yoga for a year. In this study, the researchers wanted to dig deeper, examining the effect of a year of yoga on people with Metabolic Syndrome and high-normal Blood Pressure.
They randomly assigned 97 patients with Metabolic Syndrome and high-normal Blood Pressure to either a control group or a yoga group. Participants in the control group received no intervention and were monitored monthly. On the other hand, participants in the yoga group attended three 1-hour yoga sessions per week for a year.
The scientists also monitored the patients' sera for adipokines – proteins released by fat tissue that communicate with the immune system to trigger an inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response.
The study authors conclude, "Results demonstrated that 1-year yoga training decreased proinflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with [Metabolic Syndrome] and high-normal blood pressure."
"These findings support the beneficial role of yoga in managing [Metabolic Syndrome] by favorably modulating adipokines," added the researchers.
This study suggests that yoga could be a viable lifestyle intervention, helping decrease inflammation and aiding individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in managing their symptoms. Dr. Siu comments on the study's findings, saying, "These findings help reveal the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, which underpins the importance of regular exercise to human health."
The study offers insights into the benefits of yoga for people with Metabolic Syndrome and the underlying mechanisms. The mechanisms encompass various physiological and psychological changes, including stress reduction, improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced cardiovascular health, weight management, and inflammation reduction. Additionally, yoga provides psychological benefits such as mood improvement, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness and self-awareness. Collectively, these benefits contribute to improved cardiometabolic health in individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.
- Yoga, often practiced by enthusiasts referred to as yogis, is under scrutiny for its impact on metabolic disorders, such as metabolic syndrome.
- A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports investigates yoga's effect on cardiometabolic health, specifically in people with metabolic syndrome.
- The study reveals that yoga suppresses inflammation in individuals with metabolic syndrome, as it decreases proinflammatory adipokines and increases anti-inflammatory adipokines.
- This research supports the notion that yoga could play a crucial role in managing metabolic syndrome by favorably modulating adipokines.
- Metabolic syndrome is linked to chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes and heart disease, and in the United States, approximately half of the adult population suffers from this condition.
- Health-and-wellness advocates recommend yoga as a viable lifestyle intervention for managing symptoms of metabolic syndrome, contributing to improved health and fitness-and-exercise routines.
- Nutrition plays a significant role in managing metabolic syndrome, but this study offers insights into the potential benefits of incorporating yoga into dietary and exercise regimens for better overall health management.
