Yoga as a Method to Control Metabolic Syndrome
Yoga for Metabolic Syndrome: Exploring the Science Behind the Hype
If you've ever heard a yoga devotee extol its virtues for body and mind, you might have wondered: does the science back it up? A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports and led by Dr. Parco M. Siu from the University of Hong Kong investigated the impact of this ancient practice on cardiometabolic health, particularly in those with metabolic syndrome.
At Medical News Today, we've been reporting on numerous studies that hint at the myriad health benefits of yoga. From improved brain health and cognition, to relief for thyroid issues and depression, it seems that the practice can be a panacea. But most of these studies are observational, meaning they don't establish causality, and few have delved into the underlying mechanisms.
This study aimed to change that. It focused on the effect of 1-year yoga practice on people with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure. Previous research conducted by Dr. Siu's team found lower blood pressure and smaller waist circumference among those who undertook yoga for a year. So, the researchers wanted to extend this investigation.
They randomly assigned 97 participants with metabolic syndrome to a control group or a yoga group. While the control group received no intervention, the yoga group attended three 1-hour sessions each week for a year. The study also monitored the participants' sera for adipokines - proteins released by fat tissue that signal the immune system to release an inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response.
Here's the kicker: The results showed that 1-year yoga training decreased proinflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure. In simpler terms, yoga seems to decrease inflammation and boost the immune response.
These findings suggest that yoga could be a valuable lifestyle intervention for managing metabolic syndrome. Dr. Siu commented on the results, stating that they help reveal the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, highlighting the importance of regular exercise for human health.
It's important to note that while direct evidence linking yoga specifically to reduced inflammation in adults with metabolic syndrome is scarce, existing research provides insights into how activities similar to yoga may impact inflammation through related mechanisms. These mechanisms include reduced systemic inflammation, stress management, improved gut health, and better cardiovascular health, all of which are beneficial for managing conditions like metabolic syndrome.
While more research is needed to fully comprehend yoga's impact on this specific population, the existing evidence suggests that it could contribute to reduced inflammation, making it a promising addition to any holistic approach to managing metabolic syndrome.
- This study, focusing on the impact of 1-year yoga practice, particularly examined its effect on individuals with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
- The researchers monitored the participants' sera for adipokines, proteins released by fat tissue that signal the immune system, during the study.
- The surprising results indicated that 1-year yoga training decreased proinflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
- The findings suggest that yoga, as part of a holistic approach, could be beneficial for managing chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes and other medical-conditions related to metabolic disorders, due to its potential to reduce inflammation and boost the immune response.
