Exploring the Benefits of Yoga for Managing Metabolic Syndrome
Yoga enthusiasts - often referred to as "yogis" in the Western world - can't stop raving about how yoga benefits the body and mind. But what does science say? A new study takes a closer look, focusing on how yoga affects individuals with metabolic syndrome.
At Medical News Today, we've been reporting on numerous studies indicating the numerous ways in which yoga may boost our health. Some research suggests that yoga improves brain health, cognition, handles thyroid problems, and aids in relieving depression symptoms.
It's also been suggested that men might benefit from increased prostate size or even tackling erectile dysfunction through regular yoga practices, and those grappling with diabetes may manage their symptoms more effectively.
However, most of these studies are observational, meaning they can't draw causal conclusions. And, few studies have delved into the mechanisms behind the findings.
Yet, a new study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports sheds light on the effects of yoga on cardiometabolic health. The study, led by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong in China, reveals both the benefits for individuals with metabolic syndrome and the mechanisms behind them.
Slashing Inflammation Levels
Metabolic syndrome is frequently connected to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In the United States, roughly half of the adult population deals with this condition.
In a previous study, Dr. Siu and his team found lower blood pressure and smaller waist circumference in participants who practiced yoga for a year. In the current study, they sought to investigate the impact of a year of yoga on individuals with metabolic syndrome.
To this end, they randomly assigned 97 participants with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure to either a control group or a yoga group. The yoga group participated in three 1-hour sessions per week for a year, while the control group received no intervention besides monthly health checks.
The researchers also monitored the patients' blood for certain proteins called adipokines, which are released by fat tissue to signal the immune system to release either an inflammatory or an anti-inflammatory response.
The study authors conclude, "[Our] findings demonstrated that 1-year yoga training decreased proinflammatory 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 favorably modulating adipokines," add the researchers.
The findings suggest that yoga could serve as a valuable lifestyle intervention, helping to decrease inflammation and manage symptoms for those with metabolic syndrome.
Dr. Siu also commented on the study's results, stating, "These findings help to reveal the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, which underpins the importance of regular exercise to human health."
While there isn't a specific study that looks at the anti-inflammatory effects of yoga on people with metabolic syndrome in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, other research indicates possible mechanisms through which yoga may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, such as downregulating pro-inflammatory genes, upregulating anti-inflammatory genes, enhancing mitochondrial function and DNA repair, and reducing systemic inflammatory markers.
- Yoga, often praised by enthusiasts for its health benefits, has been linked to improved brain health, cognition, and managing thyroid problems, as well as relieving depression symptoms according to some studies reported at Medical News Today.
- Previous research suggests that practicing yoga regularly could potentially benefit men by increasing prostate size and addressing erectile dysfunction, and may also help individuals with diabetes manage their symptoms more effectively.
- While numerous studies indicate the potential benefits of yoga, few can draw causal conclusions due to their observational nature and lack of exploration into the mechanisms behind the effects.
- A new study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports aims to fill this gap, focusing on the effects of yoga on cardiometabolic health, particularly for individuals with metabolic syndrome.
- The study reveals that regular yoga practice for a year decreases proinflammatory adipokines and increases anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure, suggesting yoga could help manage symptoms for those with chronic diseases such as metabolic disorders.
- This research supports the idea that yoga could serve as a valuable lifestyle intervention for individuals with metabolic syndrome, contributing to a healthier lifestyle that includes health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and proper nutrition.
- Other studies indicate possible mechanisms through which yoga could exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, such as downregulating pro-inflammatory genes, upregulating anti-inflammatory genes, enhancing mitochondrial function and DNA repair, and reducing systemic inflammatory markers.
