The feeling of clarity that athletes feel during cardiovascular exercise, commonly known as a "runner's high," is no accident, nor is it a myth. The same exercises that keep your heart healthy also release powerful neural chemicals that improve brain function. The results aren't just temporary; a healthy heart's ability to pump blood throughout the body and to the brain is necessary for the brain's well-being.
Instant Gratification
After a strenuous cardiovascular workout, you might find yourself dripping with more than sweat. While the exercise forces the heart and lungs to pump blood and oxygen, it also cues the brain to produce the chemical dopamine, which improves focus and attitude. In his book "The Athlete's Way: Sweat and the Biology of Bliss," endurance athlete and author Christopher Bergland says dopamine "is a neurotransmitter that facilitates achievement, goal-oriented behavior, motivation, mood and movement. It is the cause for the feeling that floods your body when you accomplish a goal."
Long-Lasting Effects
The relationship between a healthy heart and healthy brain isn't severed once an athlete washes away the sweat. A strong, steady heart feeds the brain continuously. In an August 2010 article, "Brain and Heart Link Studied," England's National Health Services reported that "scientists found there was an association between a greater cardiac index and higher brain volume."
Bergland agrees, citing Salk Institute professor Fred Gage's study of the link between exercise and brain cell growth. The deduction of that study, according to Bergland, was that "miles logged correlate directly with the numbers of increased cells."
The Stress Factor
While a healthy heart can promote growth in the brain, a healthy brain can also protect the heart by defending it from stress. When stress levels get too high, the heart takes a hit from spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as from increases in cholesterol and blood sugar. According to Bergland, the stress molecule cortisol can cause the brain to weaken with age, but "exercise brings these levels to a healthy set point. The harder and longer you work out, the lower your cortisol level."
Listen to Your Heart
If the benefits of a healthy heart and brain aren't enough to convince you to adopt a healthier lifestyle, consider the consequences. Poor heart health and blood flow have been linked to diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Even something as simple an unhealthy, high-fat diet can weaken memory by lowering the level of glucose in the brain. To keep your brain sharp, keep your heart strong with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
References
- "The Athlete's Way: Sweat and the Biology of Bliss"; Christopher Bergland; 2007
- NHS Choices: Brain and Heart Link Studied
- Nutra Legacy: Connection Between Cardio Health and Brain Functions
