Yoga's role in controlling metabolic syndrome: Insights and benefits
Yoga enthusiasts, the figures you see flexing their limbs and breathing deeply in the Western world are often tagged as "yogis." But what do the science heads think? Let's explore a fresh study that touches on how yoga impacts individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Right here at Medical News Today, we've been relaying info about numerous studies showcasing the multitude of ways in which yoga might lend a hand in promoting health. Examples include improved brain health and cognition, better thyroid functioning, and reduced depression symptoms.
Additionally, yoga might aid men in prostate growth and tackle erectile dysfunction, as well as aid those with diabetes in managing their condition. In a nutshell, it appears that yoga is a jack-of-all-trades, ready to take on health obstacles.
Now, most of these studies are observational, meaning they can't pinpoint causality and leave many folk scratching their heads. Moreover, only a few studies have delved into the underlying mechanisms that could explain these benefits.
But wait! A study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, has made a splash, led by the bigwig Dr. Parco M. Siu, from the University of Hong Kong, China. This study investigates the impact of yoga on cardiometabolic health.
The results aren't just encouraging, but they also shed light on the underpinnings of these benefits.
Yoga Cranks Down Inflammatory Chatter
Metabolic syndrome is a health condition commonly associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In the United States, it's estimated that nearly half of the grown-up people dwell with it.
Dr. Siu and his compatriots earlier researched and discovered that a year's worth of yoga can result in lower blood pressure and smaller waistlines. Eager to explore further, the scientists probed the effect of a year of yoga on people with metabolic syndrome.
To test their theory, they enrolled 97 participants with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure in a trial. A control group received no intervention, while another group underwent a one-year yoga training program with three hour-long sessions a week. They also monitored participants' blood for so-called adipokines—signaling proteins released by the fat tissue to jab the immune system into either an inflammatory or anti-inflammatory action.
The study authors report, "Results showed that a year of yoga decreased proinflammatory adipokines and boosted the levels of anti-inflammatory adipokine in adults with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure."
"These findings support the notion that yoga is beneficial for managing symptoms of metabolic syndrome by favorably altering adipokines," note the scientists.
These findings suggest that yoga could be a practical lifestyle tweak that could help individuals with metabolic syndrome reduce inflammation and take control of their symptoms.
Dr. Siu comments on the study's results, saying, "These findings help unveil the mechanism behind long-term yoga exercise's effect on human health."
- The study, led by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong, has revealed that yoga can potentially reduce inflammation for individuals with metabolic syndrome, a health condition linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- In the investigation, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, a year-long yoga training program was found to decrease proinflammatory adipokines and increase anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
- By understanding these mechanisms, the study underscores the potential benefits of yoga for managing symptoms of metabolic syndrome, such as controlling inflammation.
- Pursuing a regular yoga practice as part of a holistic approach to health and wellness may prove to be a practical lifestyle modification for individuals battling chronic conditions like metabolic disorders, especially when paired with proper nutrition and fitness and exercise routines.
