Running is Good for the Body, Good for the Brain

A lot has been written lately about the over-prescription of anti-depressants to women suffering from depression associated with PMS, as well as stress related illness.  Well, here's some interesting news;

According to studies conducted by the University of Georgia's Department of Exercise and Fitness and the National Institutes of Mental Health, running can not only reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression, but in some cases, running actually relieves the symptoms of these diseases just as well as prescription medications.

Anxiety - defined as feelings of apprehension, tension and fear can erode our relationships, damage our health and effect heart health.  According the study, "Anxiety translates as stress to our minds and bodies and stress is not unlike taking a regular dose of poison due to an excessive production of adrenaline-like hormones."

In the University of Georgia study, subjects were administered large doses of caffeine - equivalent to about eight cups of coffee - (listen up all you Starbucks-a-holics), and then were observed for various psychological and mood parameters after the subjects either rested for an hour or exercised at 60% VO2 max.  Turns out that the moderately intense exercise was three times as effective in reducing symptoms and perceptions of anxiety!

Additionally, running can be as effective as medication in controlling the symptoms of major depression.

In a separate study, 156 men and women diagnosed with major depression either exercised for 40 minutes, three times a week, took a prescription anti-depressant, or exercised and took an anti-deppressant medication.  Although symptoms responded more quickly to the medication, over the long run, exercise worked just as well at relieving symptoms!

OK.  So it's just confirmation of what most of all already knew.  Running is good for BOTH the body AND the mind...Next time your doctor prescribes Zoloft just say, "No thanks Doc - I'm going running!"

For more information, visit the National Institutes of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov/depression.

Copyright Reference: American Fitness and Running Association and Gale Group, courtesy of BNET.  Photo: abcnews

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