Benefits of Myokines Release so Powerful Doctors are Social Prescribing

Psychologists have long known that exercise helps improve mood. They know that physical activity causes the body to release dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin that help lift a person’s mood. Still, researchers could not explain all the mood-lifting effects they were seeing. They now think they have found the secret in myokines.

How Do Myokines Work?

When you exercise, your body naturally pushes myokines out of your muscles. Then, they enter the bloodstream and cross over the blood-brain barrier, acting as antidepressants.
Therefore, when people exercise, they feel better.

What Else Does Myokines Do for the Body?

In addition to working as a natural antidepressant, myokines can help in many ways, including:
• Decreases anxiety
• Helps with metabolism
• Increases ability to learn
• Protects the brain from aging
• Reduces inflammation

Myokines and Youth

While researchers are not 100% sure why, children and teens seem to especially experience mental well-being effects from myokines released through physical activity. Repeated studies show that the current generation of young people feel less happy than any previous generation. They also lead a more sedentary lifestyle. Increasing physical activity in youth may help them feel better. Adults still benefit significantly from myokines, so do not let your age stop you from exercising.

Social Prescribing

England’s National Health Services believes so strongly in physical exercise that releases myokines in the body that they have started prescribing exercise for youth with depression. The study found that youth who felt worse at the start received the most benefits from physical activities, such as walking, rollerblading, and surfing.

While physical exercise releasing myokines into the brain can help many people, sometimes it is not enough. In that case, we are here to help. A variety of treatment techniques are available, so give us a call to set up a program tailored made for you.