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Exercise as a Treatment for Depression [Scientific Review] — Whalespan

Content›Video›Exercise as a Treatment for …

Exercise as a Treatment for Depression [Scientific Review]

Rhonda Patrick16m · 2019-08-05

Claims Made

33

Claims Supported

33

Support Rate

100%

Support rate

33 of 33 claims supported

33 supported0 partial / not

Claims from this content

27

✓Well SupportedVigorous-intensity aerobic exercise lasting at least 40 minutes at 80% of heart rate reserve may significantly elevate brain-derived neurotrophic factor.✓Well SupportedEndurance exercise can beneficially alter kynurenine metabolism by increasing muscle tissue activity of kynurenine amino transferase.✓Well SupportedStimulating inflammation after a stressor can lead to an antidepressant response, while blocking inflammation afterwards worsens outcomes.◐Partially SupportedPhysical activity resulted in an average 32% increase in serum BDNF levels compared to baseline and a 45% increase compared to controlled conditions.Partially Supported

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Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

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◐

Moderate intensity running or cycling increases endocannabinoid levels, particularly when reaching 70-80% of maximum heart rate.

◐Partially SupportedExercise mitigates depressive symptoms, facilitates recovery, and prevents relapse.

◐Partially SupportedExercise has anti-inflammatory effects, including the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which impact brain function.

◐Partially SupportedExercise consistently increases BDNF in serum, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and exert beneficial effects in the brain.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals with genetic variants that increase the likelihood of being physically active are protected from depression.

◐Partially SupportedIncreased activity of the enzyme Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO) is associated with increased depression in individuals with chronic inflammation.

◐Partially SupportedVigorous exercise offers enormous benefits for the brain and behavior.

◐Partially SupportedTryptophan can be converted into kynurenine, which can form the neurotoxin quinolinic acid in the brain, associated with depression and neurological disorders.

◐Partially SupportedStress hormones like cortisol and chronic inflammation can shunt tryptophan away from serotonin production.

◐Partially SupportedExercise activates muscle cells to treat depression through the kynurenine pathway.

◐Partially SupportedExercise is beneficial for mental recalibration.

◐Partially SupportedExercise-induced release of myokines like IL-6 can stimulate microglia to produce neurotrophic factors, promoting neurogenesis and potentially decreasing depression.

◐Partially SupportedReductions in serum and plasma BDNF levels are found in people with depression.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals should choose an exercise modality that they find enjoyable and motivating, such as indoor cycling or long runs.

◐Partially SupportedA 60-minute cycling session provides unique mood and brain benefits.

◐Partially SupportedLower levels of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 can have neurotrophic effects and act as hormetic stressors.

◐Partially SupportedBeta-endorphin activity in the brain increases after long endurance runs.

◐Partially SupportedIL-6 produced by muscle during exercise induces insulin sensitivity.

◐Partially SupportedBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for neuron growth, survival, and neuroplasticity, and its disruption is involved in depression.

◐Partially SupportedStrength training is associated with a 45% reduction in depressive symptoms.

◐Partially SupportedIntense aerobic exercise increases tryptophan availability in the brain, promoting serotonin synthesis for mood and cognition.

◐Partially SupportedAerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity improves depression.

◐Partially SupportedExercise benefits mental health through increased tryptophan transport, prevention of quinolinic acid, immune molecule increases, boosted neurotrophic factors, and increased endocannabinoids/endorphins.