Yoga: A Potential Aid for Controlling Metabolic Syndrome
Yoga enthusiasts, often referred to as "yogis," are all too happy to share the alleged benefits of their practice. But what does the science truly have to say, especially for those grappling with metabolic syndrome? A recent study takes a closer look at the impact of yoga on people with this condition. Here at Medical News Today, we've been watching studies that hint at yoga's positive effects on various health aspects, such as cognitive function, thyroid issues, and mood disorders.
To the untrained eye, yoga may seem like a one-size-fits-all solution for almost everything, but it's crucial to remember that most of the mentioned studies are observational and unable to establish a causal relationship.
Led by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong, China, a recently published study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports aimed to explore the effect of yoga on cardiometabolic health.
The research revealed that not only does yoga benefit people with metabolic syndrome, but it also clarified the mechanisms behind such benefits.
Yoga: A magical inflammation reducer
A staggering number of American adults grapple with metabolic syndrome, which is associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
In this study, Dr. Siu and his team built on previous research indicating that a year of yoga could lead to lower blood pressure and a smaller waistline. This time, they delved into the impact of a year of yoga in people with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
Ninety-seven participants were divided into two groups – a control group receiving no intervention and a yoga group engaging in a weekly 1-hour yoga session for a year.
The scientists studied the participants' sera for adipokines, a type of signaling protein released by fat tissue that triggers an immune response. Specifically, they looked at both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory adipokines.
The researchers concluded, "[The] results demonstrated that 1-year yoga training decreased proinflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokine in adults with [metabolic syndrome] and high-normal blood pressure."
These findings echo the potential of yoga as a valuable lifestyle intervention that could help modulate inflammation in those with metabolic syndrome. Dr. Siu expressed his satisfaction with the study outcomes, saying, "These findings help reveal the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, which underpins the importance of regular exercise to human health."
Yoga's impact on inflammation is multifaceted, affecting both systemic and cellular mechanisms that contribute to improved metabolic health. The practice effectively modulates gene expression, improves mitochondrial function, triggers hormonal and neuroendocrine changes, and amplifies DNA repair mechanisms, ultimately reducing inflammation.
- The study conducted by Dr. Parco M. Siu and his team at the University of Hong Kong has shown that a year of yoga can benefit individuals with metabolic syndrome, particularly by decreasing proinflammatory adipokines and increasing anti-inflammatory adipokines.
- This research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that yoga could be a valuable lifestyle intervention for managing chronic diseases like metabolic disorders, as it helps modulate inflammation in the body.
- As obesity rates rise and many American adults struggle with metabolic syndrome associated with conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, understanding the positive effects of yoga on this population is crucial for promoting health and wellness.
- The science behind yoga's impact on metabolic health is complex, but it's clear that regular practice can contribute to improved fitness and exercise, nutrition, and overall health in those with metabolic disorders.
