Physical activity boosts brain health even when energy is lagging, study finds
Exercise has long been known to benefit physical health, but recent research from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) suggests that it can also boost brain power, even on days when you’re feeling low on energy. The study, published in the journal Physiology, focused on the impact of limited ketone production in the liver on cognitive function.
Ketones are molecules produced by the liver when the body is low on glucose, its primary source of energy. These molecules play a crucial role in supporting cognitive memory, learning, and overall brain health. However, when the liver is unable to produce enough ketones, cognitive function may suffer. This is particularly relevant for individuals with liver conditions that affect ketone production, as well as for older adults who are at a higher risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers at Mizzou found that exercise can help compensate for the loss of ketone production in the liver, potentially reversing some of the cognitive decline associated with limited ketones. Lead researcher R. Scott Rector emphasized the importance of ketones for brain health and highlighted the role of exercise in maintaining memory, learning abilities, and overall brain health.
The study’s findings were unexpected, as the researchers initially thought that exercise might not have a significant impact on brain health when ketone production was limited. However, they discovered that exercise activates other pathways in the liver that can enhance brain health, even in the absence of sufficient ketones.
These findings have important implications for individuals with liver conditions that affect ketone production, as well as for those at risk of cognitive decline with age. By understanding the relationship between liver health, ketone metabolism, and brain health, researchers hope to develop new strategies for preventing or slowing down brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health as part of the NIH Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium. The researchers at Mizzou continue to explore the link between liver health and brain diseases, underscoring the importance of exercise as a key factor in preserving brain health as we age.
In conclusion, even on days when you’re feeling tired or low on energy, don’t underestimate the power of exercise to give your brain a boost. Whether you’re dancing, walking, or engaging in any form of physical activity, you’re not just benefiting your body – you’re also supporting your brain health in the long run. So lace up those sneakers and get moving for a healthier body and mind.
