86Thousand400: Exercise for the Brain

After training a lady with Parkinson’s we started to look at the neurotransmitter Dopamine in more depth as it is known to be lower in people who suffer with the disease.

This lead onto the book ‘Spark’ which goes into great depth about neurotransmitters, but then also onto neurotrophic factors. (Both of which get released when we exercise and are vital for our overall health).

We will touch on Neurotrophic Factors, however to begin please see a few anecdotes from the book Spark below. Essentially exercise can be a huge help for the brain and below are a few definitions about how:

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP): Hormone that is produced in the heart and the brain. When Heart Rate increases, ANP production increases and is released into the bloodstream. It blunts stress and anxiety and helps to regulate mood.

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A protein produced inside nerve cells when they are active. It serves as Miracle Gro for the brain, fertilising brain cells to keep them functioning and growing, as well as spurring the growth of new neurons (Neurogenesis = Anti-aging – New brain cells are made).

Endorphins: Hormones produced by the body and brain that serve as natural morphine. They are released when the body and brain are taxed (exercise), to block pain signals so we can push through physically uncomfortable situations.

Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF-2): A protein that is produced and released in the body and brain when tissues are stressed (Mild stress from exercise). FGF-2 helps create more blood vessels and other tissues. FGF-2 is involved in initiating the process of stem-cell division that is necessary for neurogenesis (Anti-aging).

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): A hormone that is produced mainly in the liver to stimulate cell growth and counteract natural cell deterioration

Neurogenesis: The process of stem cells dividing and developing into functional new brain cells, or neurons in the brain. Firmly established in 1998. Believed to be confined to part of the hippocampus and another area called the sunventricular zone

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): An important signalling protein produced and released in the body when tissues are taxed and there is not enough blood flow to fuel the demand (Taxed through exercise). VEGF acts as a nitrogen, signalling other cells to start dividing to make more blood vessels. VEGF is also produced in the brain and is involved in making memories

When we link this to our previous post on muscle innervation and positivity, it further goes to show why pushing the body to certain intensities is so important to brain functioning and overall health.

Add to this the prevalence of diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Dementia and it is becoming more and more evident why exercise is so important to the brain as well as the body in day to day life.

Lastly, anything that helps create cell growth (new cells) must be anti-aging. (Our body is made up from approximately 75 trillion cells). Therefore if we create new ones (through exercise and the production of BDNF, FGF, VEGF and IGF-1) then this helps us to stay looking young!

BDNF (A key neurotrophic factor) will be looked at in further detail next week..! J