Is being lazy hurting your brain? Just a little inactivity takes a toll, says study

Are you a couch potato and do not like to move around much? There is bad news. Being lazy or inactive can take a huge toll on your

brain health

, says a new study.
The study demonstrates how these periods of inactivity impact your brain and cause

cognitive decline

. While not moving out of bed for the entire day may seem like a good idea to your tired brain, it can do the opposite when done in excess.
In the study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers found that just 10 days of

physical inactivity

leads to both

insulin resistance

and an increase in reactive oxygen species production in the hippocampus, the brain region associated with memory and learning.
The muscle disuse lasting for just 10 days may elevate markers for certain proteins in the brain that are strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, an incurable, irreversible, neurodegenerative disease that impacts mostly older adults, and is one of the major causes of their mortality.

The opposite is true as well. Study findings confirm that staying physically active can preserve your brain health and prevent or delay the development of

neurodegenerative diseases

.
“If you compare the 1940s to today, the average lifespan has risen from the mid-60s to the high 70s, but the rate of type 2 diabetes has skyrocketed,” says Frank Booth, who studies the consequences of physical inactivity at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

“While the average lifespan of Americans has improved, the average health span—the number of disease-free years lived—tends to decline after age 65. Physical inactivity has already been linked to insulin resistance in the body, and we are starting to learn more about the connection between muscle disuse and insulin resistance in the brain. We want to help people live more enjoyable lives in their later years.”
Even small bursts of activities can help with cognitive gains.
Previous studies have shown huge improvement in health markers for those who switch from getting no exercise to getting periodic exercise. These benefits increase further when the periodic exercise is turned into regular exercise.

Best habits for your brain

Eat a balanced diet: Getting the right amount of nutrients and consuming a diverse diet with necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, healthy fats and complex carbs can help nourish your brain for the better. Adding brain-boosting foods like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, berries, and leafy greens can help provide essential nutrients.

Regular exercise: Get up and move. If you are not able to exercise intensely or for longer durations, even short bursts of activities will get you the required benefits. Move from your bedroom to the living room and walk indoors to keep your brain active.
Good sleep: Adequate rest is essential for memory consolidation and overall brain performance. Establish a sleep routine and stick to it.
Challenge your mind: Staying glued to the screen continuously can lead to cognitive decline. Engage in activities like puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing strategy games to keep the brain sharp.
(Picture courtesy: iStock)