Dr. Mercola October 06 2001 713 views
There is growing evidence that regular exercise boosts people's moods and may even fight clinical depression.
The investigators found that a bout of aerobic activity appears to elevate the body's levels of phenylethylamine, a natural chemical linked to energy, mood and attention. When they had 20 healthy young men run on a treadmill for 30 minutes, the average concentration of phenylethylamine in the participants' urine increased 77%.
Because the chemical is similar in some ways to amphetamines, the researchers speculate that phenylethylamine may play a role in the "runner's high."
In addition, the report indicates, research in patients with depression and bipolar disorder has shown they have lower-than-normal levels of the chemical in their urine.
British Journal of Sports Medicine 2001;35:342-343
Many of us forget that exercise can be used as a drug. It is one of the absolute best treatments for insomnia, weight control, and reducing insulin resistance.
When using exercise as a drug, it will be important to have as a goal at least one hour per day, every day. Obviously, depending on one's current condition, one may need to work slowly up to this level.
My experience is that weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, running, Nordic Track, Health Rider are better than cycling and swimming. If you have access to a health club, my favorite piece of equipment there is the elliptical machine.
Cycling and swimming take far longer to produce the same benefit and each have their own problems. If you are cycling outdoors, you run the risk of being killed or injured by a motor vehicle. Swimming is usually done in chlorinated pools, which has its own problems.
However, if you are able to swim in the ocean, the salt water provides an incredible synergism that far exceeds the value of the exercise.
The practical problem with using exercise in depression is that the desire to pursue any activity, let alone exercise, is not very high. The converse though also needs to be considered. Just because one exercises, that does not mean you cannot become depressed. Exercise makes it easier to treat depression, but it certainly does not cure it in everyone.
Related Articles
Exercise Better Than Drugs For Depression Exercise Helps Treat Depression Exercise Better Than Drugs At Relieving Depression Exercise Works, Even in Small Doses
Exercise Better Than Drugs For Depression
Exercise Helps Treat Depression
Exercise Better Than Drugs At Relieving Depression
Exercise Works, Even in Small Doses