Researchers may have discovered a way to protect adults against the onset of symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a condition that affects 2 percent of the world's population: Exercise.
Parkinson's affects the brain and is caused by loss of dopamine-containing nerves in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a signaling molecule that is released by nerves in the substantia nigra. Without dopamine, the brain would not have the ability to control movement.
Tests with mice helped researchers discover potential effectiveness of exercise on humans with Parkinson's symptoms. The study showed that sustained exercise for a time span of at least three months prevented cell death in the substantia nigra of adult mice.
Researchers used MPTP, a toxin, to produce Parkinson's symptoms in the mice. This toxin is known to cause the same results in mice that "designer drugs" do in humans. Once inside the mice, MPTP is converted into MPP+, a reactive molecule that triggers free radicals that damage the brain.
Increased production of a protein, glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), was the key to the protective effect of exercise. GDNF not only helps preserve nerve health, but it may also protect against stroke, seizures and other brain disorders caused by free radical damage.
The idea that exercise can protect people against MPP+ damage leads researchers to believe that exercise could also protect people from environmental toxins.
In addition, the study was designed to find out whether or not a so-called enriched environment would protect mice injected with MPTP. Components of this environment included exercise wheels, companionship and a tunnel with a configuration that was changed weekly.
In three months time, the amount of GDNF in the substantia nigra of mice in the first group increased 350 percent over the level of mice in the control group.
Researchers hope these studies will lead to others that show sustained exercise might stop the progression of Parkinson's disease in adult humans.
EurekAlert October 15, 2004
One of the biggest obstacles faced by people who haven't exercised in some time is how to get started. Just the thought of starting an exercise program can be intimidating. Whenever patients ask me what kind of activity is best to get started, my answer is always the same: Walking is a wonderful way to start exercising. It is very low impact so it is easy on the joints, and humans have been getting exercise this way for thousands of years. Most people find it is simple and enjoyable to fit a walk into their day.
Moreover, walking doesn't require much training and the only equipment needed is a good pair of walking shoes. You can walk just about anywhere and you can do it anytime.
Aside from protecting patients from symptoms related to Parkinson's Disease, exercise is beneficial:
You can learn more about incorporating the right exercise program into your life by reading Paul Chek's newest book, How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy!
Chek's book challenges you to take control of your health and gives you the steps to designing your own individual nutrition and exercise program. You will find the many descriptive "how to" illustrations both easy to follow and implement into your exercise routine.
And right now, you can get both my bestselling Total Health book and Chek's book together and receive 25 percent off their regular price!
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