Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Can exercise affect your genes?




OK, so we all know that exercise is "good" for you.  But, did you know it can actually change your DNA?  Yep, it's true.  A study just released from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden showed that endurance exercise affects DNA related to muscle adaptation, carbohydrate metabolism, and inflammation.  Basically, it showed that exercise helps us at a genetic level to build better muscle, metabolize carbohydrates better, and create LESS inflammation.

All of this happens due to epigenetics.  Simply put, our genes have switches that turn them off or on.  Healthy life choices predictably turn on "good" genes and turn off "bad" genes.  The opposite is also true.  Bad lifestyle choices equals "bad" genes getting turned on.  In a nutshell, this is epigenetics.

It's actually great news.  For years we assumed we had no control over our genes.  Now more and more we are seeing just how healthy choices affect our health, not just superficially, but truely at the genetic level.

So, get out there and do something healthy for the sake of your genes!

And, yes, doing something healthy includes regular chiropractic care.  Remember, once a month, even if you feel fine, keeps you in good shape!

Ken Hicks, DC
www.lookoutvalleychiro.com

No comments:

Post a Comment