Regular exercise synergistically improves physical and mental health

Thursday, September 27, 2012 by: John Phillip
Tags: exercise, mental health, perception

(NaturalNews) There is little doubt that we have evolved from a past carved from consumption of nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and free-range animal meats, all necessary components in shaping our present genome, muscular strength and intelligence. Similarly, we are products of regular exercise, as our ancestors required short bursts of intense physical energy to secure food and avoid predators. Remove either of these critical elements and we would look and feel much different today, or would cease to exist altogether.

Researchers reporting in the journal of the Association for Psychological Science, Clinical Psychological Science have determined that certain psychosocial factors may help to explain the benefits of daily physical activity for adolescents' mental health. The study was designed to determine what actually accounts for the association between exercise and mental health.

Two existing hypothesis for the link between physical activity and mental health include the self-image hypothesis suggesting that physical activity has positive effects on body weight and body structure, leading to positive feedback from peers and improved self-image, ultimately improving mental health. The social interaction hypothesis posits that it's the social aspects of physical activity, including social relationships and mutual support among team members that contribute to the positive effects of exercise on mental health.

Physical activity promotes self-perception and mental health in adolescents and adults

To conduct the study, researchers examined over 7,000 Dutch students, aged 11 to 16. The participants completed validated surveys designed to assess their physical activity, mental health problems, body weight perception, and participation in organized sports. The researchers also gathered data on age, gender, and socioeconomic status, as well as if they lived at home with their parents or were from an urban area.

The study team found that those individuals who were physically inactive or perceived themselves as being overly fat or thin were at the greatest risk for internalizing self-image problems, and displayed a higher degree of depression and anxiety. These individuals were also much more likely to be aggressive and prone to substance abuse. Participants who were involved in organized sports and exercised regularly were at much lower risk for mental health problems.

The study leaders conclude "These results suggest that certain psychosocial factors, body image and social interaction, may help to explain at least part of the connection between physical activity and mental health... our findings indicate that physical activity may be one effective tool for the prevention of mental health problems in adolescence." Regular physical activity is just as important as consuming a natural, predominately plant-based diet to prevent chronic disease and ensure lifelong mental health.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.psychologicalscience.org
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-09/afps-eda092512.php
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120925171454.htm

About the author:
John Phillip is a Certified Nutritional Consultant and Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.