The heart healthy benefits of yoga come from controlling several risk factors for heart disease. Various forms of yoga promote circulation, reduce stress and calm harmful cytokines that promote heart disease. According to Ohio State University researcher Ron Glaser, yoga seems to be a simple and enjoyable intervention that could reduce the chances of developing heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses that accompany aging.
Heart Rate Variability
A small study found yoga could help control heart rate variability that normally rises with activity and slows at rest. Uncontrolled heart rate from poor sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system control is linked to higher risk of heart disease. In a study, regular yoga was found to potentially improve heart health by controlling autonomic control of heart rate variability. The research was published in the "International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics," November 25 2009.
Yoga and Depression
Depression is a known risk factor for heart disease. It can lead to irregular heart rhythm, lowered immunity and greater chance of cardiac rhythm disturbances. Boston University researchers found yoga to be a promising treatment for depression, because it increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric, which is also known as GABA, a brain neurotransmitter linked to depression from low levels, After one session of yoga, the scientists found study participants had increased levels of GABA in the brain.
Obesity
Yoga can help curb obesity and unhealthy dietary habits that can lead to heart disease and heart attack. Regular practice raises awareness of food over consumption. Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center published a study August 16 2009 suggesting yoga empowers individuals toward a healthy relationship with food and eating, which also promotes healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body.
Arterial Health
Practicing yoga can improve flexibility that is linked to arterial health, according an October 6, 2009 press release from the "American Physiological Society" journal. Researchers found that individuals over age 40 who cannot reach and touch their toes are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Lack of flexibility in the body could be a way to measure heart disease risk, investigators concluded.
References
- Inderscience Publishers: "A Comparative Study on Spectral Parameters of HRV in Yogic and Non-Yogic Practitioners"
- Mayo Clinic: Depression and Heart Disease
- Boston University: "Study Finds Yoga Associated with Elevated Brain GABA Levels"
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: Regular Yoga Practice is Associated with Mindful Eating"
- The American Physiological Society: A Simple Way for Middle Aged and Older Adults to Assess How Stiff their Art" eries Are: Reach for their Toes.
