Using yoga for managing metabolic syndrome symptoms
In a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, researchers from the University of Hong Kong investigated the effects of yoga on individuals with metabolic syndrome. Led by Dr. Parco M. Siu, the study not only confirmed the benefits of yoga for this patient group but also provided insights into the mechanisms behind these benefits.
Metabolic syndrome, often linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, affects approximately 34% of the adult population in the United States. Previous research led by Dr. Siu has shown lower blood pressure and a reduced waist circumference among those practicing yoga for a year. In the current study, the team aimed to examine the impact of a year of yoga on individuals with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure.
The research involved 97 participants, randomly assigned to either a control group or a yoga group. Participants in the control group received no intervention, while those in the yoga group undertook a 1-hour yoga training session three times a week for a year. The scientists also monitored the patients' sera for adipokines, proteins released by fat tissue that influence the immune system's inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response.
The study's findings revealed that a year of yoga decreased proinflammatory adipokines and increased anti-inflammatory adipokines in adults with metabolic syndrome and high-normal blood pressure. The researchers explain that these findings "support the beneficial role of yoga in managing metabolic syndrome by favorably modulating adipokines."
Dr. Siu comments on the study's results, stating, "These findings help to reveal the response of adipokines to long-term yoga exercise, which underpins the importance of regular exercise to human health."
While the study offers valuable insight into the anti-inflammatory effects of yoga on metabolic syndrome, specific details about the mechanisms behind these findings were not available in the research. However, other studies have suggested that exercise, including yoga, can promote the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, improve mitochondrial function, and reduce inflammatory markers, potentially contributing to the benefits observed in the current study.
- The study confirms the benefits of yoga for individuals with metabolic syndrome, as it reduces proinflammatory adipokines and increases anti-inflammatory adipokines, according to Dr. Siu.
- In the health and wellness arena, previous research by Dr. Siu has already shown decreases in blood pressure and waist circumference among yoga practitioners for a year.
- The current study underscores the importance of regular exercise, such as yoga, in managing chronic diseases like metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes, due to its potential to modulate adipokines.
- Beyond the study's findings, science continues to explore how fitness and exercise, including yoga, might positively impact nutrition and disease prevention by promoting the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines and improving mitochondrial function.
