Exercise May Combat Mental Health Issues Linked to Poor Diet
New research suggests exercise can help combat mental health issues linked to poor diet. Studies on rats show promising results, but human trials are needed for confirmation.
Scientists found that exercise reduces the decline of certain gut microbiome metabolites associated with mood regulation in rats. These findings hint that exercise could be a first step towards improving mental health and losing weight.
However, exercise alone may not be enough to fully offset the harmful effects of an unhealthy diet. While physical activity improves health and reduces risks, it cannot completely counteract the negative impact of poor nutrition, such as inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disturbances caused by unhealthy eating habits.
In rats fed a standard diet, exercise increased the generation of new brain cells (neurons) in the hippocampus. But this effect was not seen in rats fed a cafeteria diet, indicating that a combination of exercise and a healthy diet may be necessary for this benefit.
Exercise also normalizes insulin and leptin levels in rats fed an unhealthy diet. Moreover, it helps counter depressive and anxiety-like symptoms caused by a high-fat, high-sugar diet in rats. Yet, it does not counteract all the negative effects of an unhealthy diet on mental health and metabolic changes.
While exercise shows promise in improving mental health and combating poor diet effects, it may not be a standalone solution. A combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet could be key to maintaining good mental health and overall well-being. Further human studies are needed to confirm these findings.
