Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Running: Not Just Good for Losing Weight

Running has major physiological benefits. It greatly reduces depression, stress, and anxiety.
Dan and Lisa: 2008 Portland 
It’s no wonder that running reduces psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, because it literally makes you high. A new study by Henning Boecker confirms that there is indeed a scientific explanation for why we feel high from running.1 Opioids have a profound impact in elevating our mood. The 2008 study uses PET imaging technology to measure opioids in the brain before and after running. It is the first concrete evidence that running releases opioids (commonly known as endorphins) found naturally within the body to the frontolimbic regions of the brain. 

The choice is ours, we can either wallow in our depression, anxiety, and the daily stresses of life as they take their toll on our bodies, or we can do something about it. If you want to feel happy about life think twice about relying on pharmaceuticals and other drugs, and think about going for a run.

Bottom Line: Running makes us Happy

Health Tip of the Day: People tend to eat junk food largely because it’s very convenient. Our suggestion to you is to make healthy food a fast and easy choice every day. This is why we suggest starting off every week by making a big salad to keep in the fridge as your go-to meal (add chopped cilantro to keep it fresh).

"I don’t run to lose weight; I run because for my mental state I have to. I have found that it’s the most effective remedy for treating my anxiety disorder." - Lisa Covington

1. Boecker, Henning, Till E. Sprenger, Gjermud Henriksen, Marcus Koppenhoefer, Klaus J. Wagner, Michael Valet, and Thomas R. Tolle. "The Runner's High: Opioidergic Mechanisms in the Human Brain." Oxford Journals | Life Sciences & Medicine | Cerebral Cortex. Web. 11 Jan. 2012. .
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2 comments:

  1. Caitlin FoxFebruary 2, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    Hi Lisa,

    I just wanted to tell you that your blog inspired me to start running for the same reason. I only started a couple weeks ago, but I definitely have noticed a change in my mood and a decrease in my anxiety. It has made such a difference. So, thank you :)

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  2. Lisa CovingtonFebruary 5, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    That is so awesome to hear! I have had anxiety and mild depression, and running has helped me so much. Keep it up, and if you don't already have one, I strongly encourage you to get a running partner. Let me know how your running goes.

    ReplyDelete

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