Yoga's potential for controlling metabolic syndrome: Insights
In Western societies, practitioners of yoga, often referred to as 'yogis', tout its benefits for both physical and mental health. A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports investigates the impact of yoga on people with metabolic syndrome, a condition frequently associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Previously, our news outlet, Medical News Today, has reported on several studies suggesting various health benefits of yoga, such as boosting brain health, improving thyroid problems, and relieving depression symptoms. The researchers behind the recent study, led by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong in China, sought to expand on these findings, exploring yoga's effect on cardiometabolic health specifically in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
The study found that after one year of yoga practice, participants with metabolic syndrome experienced a decrease in proinflammatory adipokines - signaling proteins associated with inflammation. Concurrently, anti-inflammatory adipokine levels increased.
Metabolic syndrome affects approximately 25% of the adult population in the United States, often leading to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health complications.
The researchers randomly assigned 97 participants with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure to either a control group or a yoga group. Those in the yoga group underwent three 1-hour sessions of yoga training per week for a year.
The study results indicate that yoga may serve as a beneficial lifestyle intervention for managing inflammation and symptoms in people with metabolic syndrome. Commenting on the findings, Dr. Siu points out, "These findings help to reveal the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, which underpins the importance of regular exercise to human health."
The findings add to an increasing body of evidence that highlights yoga's impact on inflammation, particularly among individuals at risk for chronic metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Regular yoga practice has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, which is closely linked to chronic inflammation and its detrimental health effects, as well as enhance immunity and reduce inflammation. Stimulation of the vagus nerve during yoga poses and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system promote further anti-inflammatory responses.
Despite the growing evidence, more targeted studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits of yoga for individuals with metabolic syndrome and to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms. Nonetheless, the preliminary results suggest that yoga could be a valuable adjunctive therapy for managing symptoms and reducing inflammation in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
- Yoga, known for its benefits on mental and physical health, may also be beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome, a condition often linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- The studyled by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong found that after one year of yoga practice, participants with metabolic syndrome experienced a decrease in proinflammatory adipokines, signaling proteins associated with inflammation, and an increase in anti-inflammatory adipokines.
- The long-term effects of yoga exercise, as revealed by this study, underscore the importance of regular exercise in managing inflammation and improving overall health.
- Yoga, being a lifestyle intervention, could potentially serve as a valuable adjunctive therapy for managing inflammation and symptoms in people with metabolic syndrome, although more targeted studies are needed to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms.
