Exercise as a Drug
Exercise as a drug is a subject that has been much debated recently, but as it turns out, it could be one of the most versatile and powerful drugs in existence. If this is true, it is great news for the people who have conditions that can benefit from it, because exercise is free. It costs nothing and most people are capable of doing it. Also, this drug has no negative side effects!
Mental Benefits
Most everyone knows that a person’s level of physical activity can affect their health, mentally and physically, but to exactly what extent is what most people don’t know. It has been shown in research time and time again, that a brisk exercise routine affects people with depression in pretty much the same way as antidepressant medication. It can improve a person’s mood and give them energy. It can also alleviate the symptoms of depression and help to keep them from coming back.
Physical Benefits
Aerobic exercise has been shown to help control high blood pressure, but you should start out slow and easy and work your way up to a more vigorous workout. Try to get in at least thirty minutes of aerobic activity at least five days per week. Walking or jogging, swimming, or bicycling would all be great choices.
Recovery Benefits
Exercise also may be able to help with the process of recovering from drug and alcohol use. It can invigorate people who are going through recovery and give them something to think about other than withdrawal. It also gives them a new, healthier and better activity to replace the old one.
Exercise can also be of help with pain from migraines and other headaches. In one trial, it was shown to have the same effect as one of the most commonly used migraine medications. There is still a need for more research in this area though.
One report has stated that a mild to moderate exercise routine conducted for about 30 minutes per day five days per week can help with cancer treatment and recurrence, and also help to alleviate the symptoms that are caused from cancer and its treatment. Exercises like walking or swimming are a great place to start. This kind of exercise can also help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and lessen the chances of a cancer patient dying. Some of the cancer symptoms and side effects that exercise can help relieve are depression, fatigue, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Exercise as a Drug
All of this information makes it seem like exercise is a wonder drug. Exercising and being physically active really can do a lot to make a person feel better. It makes people feel stronger, healthier, and can give them a better outlook on life.
It is definitely worth it for anyone to try their best to get in at least a few minutes of physical activity every day. Even things like going for a walk, playing with your kids, and mowing your lawn count as exercise. It really seems as though exercise as a drug is not such a far-fetched idea.