The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise as well as the prevention of disease
The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise as well as the prevention of disease
Regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic metabolic and cardiorespiratory diseases, in part because exercise exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Although this is not fully understood, there are several physiological factors that lead to this benefit. On the other hand, a lack of exercise (Physical inactivity) leads to the accumulation of visceral fat and consequently the activation of a network of inflammatory pathways. Chronic inflammation promotes the development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration and tumor growth. Subsequently the development of a number of diseases and disorders are associated with physical inactivity such as:
- type 2 diabetes
- cardiovascular diseases
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- colon cancer
- breast cancer
- hypertension
- dementia
- depression
- cardiovascular disease
- hypertension
- depression
- anxiety disorders
Reference:
Michael Gleeson, Nicolette C. Bishop, David J. Stensel, Martin R. Lindley, Sarabjit S. Mastana & Myra A. Nimmo (2011). The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise: mechanisms and implications for the prevention and treatment of disease. Nature Reviews Immunology volume 11, pages 607–615.