podcast
Smarter through endurance sports? This is how running and the like affect our brain
Everyone knows that running is good for the heart and circulation. But exercise also affects the brain. It even stimulates growth.
© Viacheslav Lakobchuk/ Adobe Stock
Sport is good for us. But not only for the body – but also for the brain. More and more new findings show how well sports like running work. They can provide very effective protection against dementia and Alzheimer’s – and help establish new connections between nerve cells.
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You’ve probably read about how good running is for your health. There are countless studies on the positive effects of endurance sports. But the focus of research is now turning to a completely different organ: the brain. Above all, the question of how to protect it from aging and decay is one of the most important drivers.
For a long time it was true: if you solve crossword puzzles and sudokus, then the brain stays nice and active. Today we know: not true. The many medications such as ginkgo or ginseng are probably ineffective. What’s left?
Running protects the brain from aging
Movement! And especially endurance sports like running! Anyone who moves in this way also keeps their around 86 million nerve cells fit. Although this is a relatively new finding, the way exercise affects the brain has been well documented scientifically. Physical activity, for example, activates growth factors that act like fertilizer on our control center. The brain is enabled to form new connections between nerve cells
This is a very important finding. Because we are getting older – and of course we want to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible. Our ability to think and mental performance play a major role in this. So far, running and co. is the only scientifically proven method that protects our heads from aging. Properly dosed, even without any side effects. If a drug could do that, it would be worth many billions of euros. That’s why we took a close look at how running affects the brain and what mechanisms are behind it for the new episode of our podcast “She runs. He runs”. We present the latest study results and answer the exciting questions, among other things: Does running make you smart? And how much do you have to do for the brain to benefit from exercise?
Listen in.
If you have any questions, suggestions, praise or criticism for us, then you can reach us at the e-mail address: [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you and your running experiences.