Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation cause cellular, genetic damage and chronic stress is linked to our bodies aging faster. In today’s world stress has become a presumed emotion we all have to deal with which ultimately weakens our health. Yoga, one of the oldest spiritual practices recently proved to show a slowdown of the aging and healing process.
Low-grade Inflammation in the body is so prevalent today. It leads to aging and is associated with stress, heart disease, diabetes, and depression which all lead to a weakened immune system. We cannot avoid aging but through yoga, as new studies suggest the process of reaching the old age with aches and pains can be reduced. Regular yoga will have long term effects on your body which will go a long way and keep you feeling healthier and younger. Yoga slows down the harmful physical effects caused due to stress or inflammaging ( a new term by scientists which represents inflammation eventually leading to aging) at the cellular and DNA level. A study by Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity measured biomarkers of cellular aging before and after regular Yoga for 12 weeks. 12 weeks consisted of yoga which included physical postures, meditation, and breathing, 5 days a week. The after results showed slowed down markers of cellular aging and lowered inflammation in the body. Since then the researchers are also working towards studies that might suggest that yoga can reverse the harmful effects of depression in the body.
Biomarkers basically measure the level of inflammation in the body, and there are different kinds of biomarkers in the blood. The brain derived important biomarker neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which promotes brain development is usually lower in people with anxiety, Alzheimer's and depression. In a Frontiers in Human study, it was found that a ninety-day yoga retreat which included controlled breathing practices, two hours meditation and chanting, the biomarkers which are less in people with anxiety and depression, tripled. Protective anti-inflammatory markers increased and pro-inflammatory markers decreased. People also felt less depressed and anxious.
All these studies continue to prove that this ancient spiritual practice is packed with wonderful fruits is made for us to last longer and that as humans we should worry about our physical and mental well-being. Chronic stress and inflammation has become a common issue and which should not be. 2-3 hours of regular yoga a week can be wonderous for the body.
