Managing Metabolic Syndrome with Yoga Practice
Folks who engage in yoga, often referred to as "yogis," can't stop talking about the numerous benefits it has for the body and mind. But what's the deal, scientifically speaking? A new study dives deep into the world of yoga, investigating its impact on people with metabolic syndrome.
We've been reporting on various studies at Medical News Today, showcasing the myriad ways in which yoga might boost our health. Some suggest it enhances brain health and cognition, supports the thyroid, and aids in alleviating depression symptoms. It's also been proposed that yoga can help men overcome prostate issues and erectile dysfunction, and assist those with diabetes in managing their condition.
However, most of these studies are observational, meaning they can't solidly establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Many also overlook the underlying mechanisms that might be responsible for the claimed benefits.
But a recent study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports and led by Dr. Parco M. Siu of the University of Hong Kong, examined the influence of yoga on cardiometabolic health.
The results were fascinating. Not only did it benefit those with metabolic syndrome, but it also unveiled the mechanisms behind these benefits.
Yoga Dials Down Inflammation
Metabolic syndrome is a common condition associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. An estimated 34% of adult Americans grapple with this condition.
Previous research from the same team found that one year of yoga led to reduced blood pressure and smaller waist circumference. So, for their new study, the researchers aimed to explore the impact of a year of yoga on individuals with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or a yoga group. The yoga group participated in three one-hour yoga sessions per week for a year. Their blood was monitored for adipokines, proteins produced by fat tissue that signal the immune system to launch an inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response.
The researchers sum up their findings, stating, "[The] results demonstrated that 1-year yoga training decreased pro-inflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokine in adults with [metabolic syndrome] and high-normal blood pressure."
"These findings support the beneficial role of yoga in managing [metabolic syndrome] by positively affecting adipokines," add the researchers.
The results of the study suggest that yoga could be a worthwhile lifestyle intervention, capable of reducing inflammation and aiding those with metabolic syndrome in managing their symptoms.
Dr. Siu also notes, "These findings shed light on the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, which stresses the importance of regular exercise for human health."
- Yoga, known as a practice by 'yogis', is often linked to numerous benefits for both body and mind.
- The new study investigates the impact of yoga on people with metabolic syndrome, a common condition associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease in 34% of adult Americans.
- The study, led by Dr. Parco M. Siu of the University of Hong Kong, demonstrates that a year of yoga decreased pro-inflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
- This suggests that yoga could be a beneficial lifestyle intervention for reducing inflammation and managing symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
- The study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, also revealed the mechanisms behind these benefits, pointing to yoga's positive effect on adipokines.
- Thus, regular exercise, as practiced in yoga, could play a crucial role in overall health and wellness, including managing chronic diseases like metabolic disorders.
- Furthermore, this research supports the scientific evidence that links fitness and exercise, such as yoga, to improved cardiometabolic health and alleviating symptoms of metabolic syndromes.
