What effects does physical exercise have on the brain, and how does it improve your mental health? The brain contains three different types of neurotransmitters: norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These three substances help regulate mood and emotions. Regular physical activity triggers these chemicals, which have a protective effect on the brain. Moreover, physical exercise promotes healthy brain cells and promotes the growth of new neurons. Neurons are the working building blocks of the brain, and their health is linked to the overall function of the brain.
The hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory, shrinks naturally as people age, but regular aerobic exercise increases its size. Balance and resistance training do not have the same effect. Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain and keeps it supplied with fuel. Exercise also helps the body reduce stress and anxiety, two factors associated with cognitive impairment. Physical activity is like a supercharged 401(k) for the brain, and it costs nothing.
Research suggests that aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain, increasing the brain’s oxygen level and promoting the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Exercise also increases the level of certain hormones in the body, such as serotonin, which improves memory and cognition. Further, exercise boosts the levels of brain chemicals that improve the functioning of the brain, such as serotonin and glutamate.
