A new study has suggested that regular exercise could reduce the risk of developing around two dozen physical and mental health conditions-including some cancers and dementia.
The research said that apart from not smoking, being physically active is the most powerful lifestyle choice any individual can make to improve their health.
Leslie Alford from the University of East Anglia reviewed 40 papers covering the latest international research published between 2006 and 2010.
“The literature reviewed shows that how long people live and how healthy they are depends on a complex mix of factors, including their lifestyle, where they live and even luck. Individuals have an element of control over some of these factors, including obesity, diet, smoking and physical activity,” said Alfred.
“Although the focus of my study was on men’s health, the messages on physical activity are relevant to both sexes and all age groups,” he added.
Exercise
He further explained, “Physical inactivity results in widespread pathophysiological changes to our bodies. It appears that our bodies have evolved to function optimally on a certain level of physically activity that many of us simply do not achieve in our modern, sedentary lifestyles.”
“What is clear from the research is that men and women of all ages should be encouraged to be more physically active for the sake of their long-term health,” concluded Alfred.
There is growing evidence that this daily bout of exercise could also decrease the risk of dementia in older age.
Other benefits could include a reduced risk of a list of other conditions such as osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and high blood pressure.
Research has also found that a simple half-hour a day of exercise was associated with a reduction in the risk of cancer.
If you can step it up to an hour a day, then the gains rise as well, with the incidence of cancer falling by even more.
Physical activity
Evidence, however, is mixed when it comes to specific cancers. Research has shown a strong relationship between increased physical activity and reduced colon cancer in both sexes.
And men who are more active at work, rather than just sitting at a desk, have lower rates of prostate cancer, according to the report in the International Journal of Clinical Practice. Other cancer studies have shown that physical activity after diagnosis can aid recovery and improve chances of survival.
Physiotherapist Leslie Alford, a lecturer at the University of East Anglia, said: ‘It appears our bodies have evolved to function optimally on a certain level of physical activity that many of us simply do not achieve in our modern, sedentary lifestyles.
‘What is clear from the research is that men and women of all ages should be encouraged to be more physically active for the sake of their long-term health.’
He added that other factors can boost the effects of a daily walk, such as not smoking, eating healthily and not being overweight.
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A review on Monday outlined that those following a stern exercise regime on regular basis could lower their risk of developing a spate of physical and mental health ailments. The researchers involved in the review claimed that exercise could assist one in lowering the risk of developing some cancers and dementia.
The study carried a review of over 40 papers that were published over the past four years.
The likeliness of developing major diseases, including colon cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and stroke are all lowered with proper and regular exercises, concluded the research published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.
The research author, Leslie Alford hailing from the school of physiotherapy at the University of East Anglia, posted: “Apart from not smoking, being physically active is the most powerful lifestyle choice an individual can make for improved health outcomes”.
Besides, Alford advised that regular exercise, no smoke, healthy diet and a body mass index of less than 25, are vital conditions for those seeking to grab maximum health benefits.
As per the study guidelines, one’s exercise regime should involve over 150 minutes a week at a moderately intense physical level, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes for a period of five days a week.