Exercising changes genetic patterns!
We know that eating well and exercising is good for our health, inside and out. This, in turn, reduces risk of both diabetes and obesity, as well as, an assortment of other maladies. When we make lifestyle changes, our condition often gets better but how does the body work to reverse what has already taken place?
Our DNA is made up of thousands of genes- these genes are then regulated, turned on and off, depending on the signals that they receive and what the body needs. An important regulating signal is called methylation where a carbon and hydrogen compound attaches at certain parts of the gene. Methylation plays a large role when it comes to the regulation of fat (adipose) cells due to diet and exercise.
In a recent physiological study, they took a group of relatively sedentary males and put them on a moderate work out plan. After six months, their health had improved in terms of body fat, endurance, blood pressure and cholesterol, but the research group was also digging deeper. On the molecular, DNA, level- what had changed? The regulation of a number of genes changed through the pattern by which the methylation appeared. The genes that showed the biggest change were those that have been previous identified as contributors to fat storage, diabetes, and obesity. Methylation changes also were mapped in muscle cells post-exercise which resulted in the production proteins associated with metabolism.
Even though we knew that exercise was a good route to health and fitness, there is now no denying it! It changes our makeup right down to our DNA. There is, in fact, a molecular change that takes place when we exercise. To learn more about the study the New York Times put together the article: How Exercise Changes Fat and Muscle Cells. An interesting read for those who have the brain for science.
Broadway Wellness is a friendly and community focused integrated healthcare clinic helping people meet their healthcare needs through Registered Massage Therapy, Network Chiropractic Care, and Naturopathic Medicine.
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