Early-life Exercise Promotes Healthy Brain
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published November 22, 2016 | 06:55 PM
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Nov, 2016 ) : Exercising early in life can alter microbial community in the gut for the better, promoting healthy brain and metabolic activity over the course of a lifetime, said a new study.
The research indicates that there may be a window of opportunity during early human development to optimise the chances of better lifelong health. "Exercise affects many aspects of health, both metabolic and mental, and people are only now starting to look at the plasticity of these gut microbes," said senior study author Monika Fleshner from University of Colorado Boulder in the US.
Microbes take up residence within human intestines shortly after birth and are vital to the development of the immune system and various neural functions. The human gut harbours over 100 trillion microorganisms, said the study published in the journal Immunology and Cell Biology.
These microbes can add as many as five million genes to a person's overall genetic profile and thus have tremendous power to influence aspects of human physiology.
While this diverse microbial community remains somewhat malleable throughout adult life and can be influenced by environmental factors such as diet and sleep patterns, the researchers found that gut microorganisms are especially 'plastic' at a young age.
The study found that juvenile rats who voluntarily exercised every day developed more beneficial microbial structure, including the expansion of probiotic bacterial species in their gut compared to adult rats, even when the adult rats exercised as well.
A robust, healthy community of gut microbes also appears to promote healthy brain function and provide anti-depressant effects, Ms Fleshner explained. The researchers have not pinpointed an exact age range when the gut microbe community is likeliest to change, but the preliminary findings indicated that earlier is better.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From Pakistan
-
Naval Chief participates in 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in China
10 hours ago -
Int'l symposium addresses capacity building for safe, environmentally sound ship recycling in Pakist ..
11 hours ago -
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
11 hours ago -
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
11 hours ago -
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
11 hours ago -
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
11 hours ago
-
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil Rights in South Asia ..
12 hours ago -
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
12 hours ago -
Pakistan embassy organizes scholarship award ceremony in Kathmandu
12 hours ago -
SC to hear case pertaining IHC judges' letter on April 30
12 hours ago -
SC orders removal of barriers outside buildings in Karachi
12 hours ago -
PFA launches crackdown, impose fine for selling expired drinks, food items
12 hours ago