Exploring the Role of Yoga in Regulating Metabolic Syndrome
Yoga enthusiasts claim that the practice offers numerous health benefits for both body and mind. But does science back up these claims?
A recent study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, investigated the impact of yoga on individuals with metabolic syndrome, providing some answers.
Commonly linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, metabolic syndrome affects approximately 47% of adults in the United States. Previous research conducted by the study's lead author, Dr. Parco M. Siu, from the University of Hong Kong in China, found that a year of yoga reduced blood pressure and waist circumference.
Curious to explore the effects of long-term yoga practice on metabolic syndrome sufferers, the researchers randomly assigned 97 participants with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure to either a control group or a yoga group. The yoga group participated in three 1-hour yoga sessions per week for a year.
The scientists also examined the participants' sera for adipokines, signaling proteins released by fat tissue that prompt an inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response from the immune system.
The study results revealed that a year of yoga Training decreased pro-inflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with metabolic syndrome. The researchers concluded that the findings support the notion that yoga offers beneficial effects on managing metabolic syndrome and inflammation.
Dr. Siu explains the study's findings, stating, "These results help reveal the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, which underpins the importance of regular exercise to human health."
When asked about the research, Dr. Siu added, "These findings provide valuable insights into the potential role of yoga in reducing inflammation, which is an important aspect of managing metabolic syndrome."
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of yoga for individuals with metabolic syndrome, this study suggests that regular yoga practice could prove a valuable lifestyle intervention. Integrating the ancient practice into daily life may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health for those suffering from metabolic syndrome.
- Yoga was investigated in a recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports for its impact on individuals with metabolic syndrome, a condition commonly linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Dr. Parco M. Siu, the study's lead author from the University of Hong Kong in China, previously found that a year of yoga reduced blood pressure and waist circumference in people.
- In the latest study, Dr. Siu and his team randomly assigned 97 participants with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure to either a control group or a yoga group, with the yoga group participating in three 1-hour yoga sessions per week for a year.
- The study results showed that a year of yoga training decreased pro-inflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with metabolic syndrome.
- Dr. Siu explains that these findings help reveal the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, which he believes underscores the importance of regular exercise to human health.
- The researchers concluded that the findings support the notion that yoga offers beneficial effects on managing metabolic syndrome and inflammation.
- While more research is needed, this study suggests that regular yoga practice could prove a valuable lifestyle intervention for managing chronic diseases like metabolic syndrome, thus contributing positively to health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and nutrition.
