Clues to understand the potential effects of yoga on the brain

 


A clue to understand the potential effects of yoga on the brain is the increase of serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Physical exercise is associated with an increase of this neuromodulator that has a crucial role in ameliorating the function of the brain (1).

 This neurotrophin is a mediator of cognitive enhancement. It supports memory function through molecular and cellular mechanisms that help to strengthen communication between neurons (synapsis). This is relevant to the plastic changes that happen in the brain.

 The central nervous system is designed to perceive stimuli and to adapt to the environment in response to the information it receives. In these dynamic processes neuroplasticity of the brain plays a role. Neuroplasticity is what happens to the brain when it strengthens neural pathways and enhances the interactions between neurons to learn and gain knowledge in response to stimulation. BDNF is part of this process.

 Studies have shown that physical exercise is associated with an increase of BDNF (1) in the blood. As a form of physical exercise, yoga is also associated with an increase of BDNF. A study published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular longevity in 2017 explored the effects of regular yoga and meditation for 12 weeks on cellular aging in healthy individuals (2). One of the markers they checked was serum BDNF level, and they found that the mean levels of it were significantly increased after 12 weeks of yoga and meditation lifestyle intervention.

 Yoga, however, is not just a physical exercise but a body-mind practice whose effects transcend the realm of a physical practice. A systematic review and meta-analysis by Patama Gomutbutra et al published by Frontiers in Psychology found that both mindfulness based interventions with exercise and mindfulness based intervention with meditation were associated with an increase of BDNF (3).

More randomized controlled studies are necessary to understand how yoga as a body-mind practice can help to protect the aging brain. To learn more on this, you can read the previous post:

https://mindfulnessyogaresearch.blogspot.com/2022/01/do-yoga-and-meditation-change-brain.html


References:



1) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2018.00052/full

2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28191278/

3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522212/

 

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