Exploring the Role of Yoga in Managing Metabolic Syndrome
A new study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports has discovered that practicing yoga for a year could benefit individuals with metabolic syndrome, and has also unveiled the underlying mechanisms that account for these benefits.
Led by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong in China, the study focused on investigating the impact of yoga on cardiometabolic health. Previous research has indicated improvements in brain health, cognition, thyroid problems, depression, prostate enlargement, and diabetes symptoms with regular yoga practice. However, these studies are primarily observational, making it difficult to establish causality.
The new study randomized 97 participants with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure to either a control group or a yoga group. Those in the control group received no intervention, while participants in the yoga group attended three one-hour yoga sessions each week for a year. Researchers monitored the participants' sera for adipokines, or signaling proteins released by fat tissue, which influence the immune system's inflammatory response.
The findings revealed that one year of yoga training decreased proinflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure. These results suggest that yoga could play a beneficial role in managing metabolic syndrome by modulating adipokines and reducing inflammation.
Dr. Siu 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."
It is worth noting that regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, including yoga, has been proven to modify disease by affecting various mechanisms. Yoga's unique blend of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation may contribute to stress reduction, improved insulin sensitivity, and enhanced cardiovascular health, all of which are beneficial for managing metabolic syndrome. To better understand the specific mechanisms of yoga in managing metabolic syndrome, further research focusing on yoga's combined physical and meditative practices is necessary.
- The new study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports has discovered that practicing yoga for a year could potentially benefit individuals with type-2 diabetes, as previous research has indicated improvements in diabetes symptoms with regular yoga practice.
- The study, led by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong in China, also focused on investigating the impact of yoga on managing medical conditions like metabolic disorders and chronic diseases.
- In line with science, regular fitness and exercise like yoga, along with proper nutrition, play a significant role in health and wellness, specifically in the management of metabolic syndrome.
- Furthermore, the study's findings suggest that yoga might help manage metabolic syndrome by altering the balance of adipokines, signaling proteins released by fat tissue, which can modify the immune system's inflammatory response.
