The natural hormone that boosts our brains after intense exercise
How exercise actually promotes brain health
- High-intensity exercise, including sprinting and heavy weightlifting, has been found to significantly benefit brain health and function.
- Scientists discovered that intense physical activity triggers a process that releases lactate, also known as lactic acid, when the body is pushed to the limit.
- Lactate subsequently increases levels of pro-BDNF, a crucial brain-related substance that promotes the growth, survival, and maintenance of nerve cells.
- Dr Marcus Moberg, the lead author, suggests that exercise intensity is vital for healthy neurological ageing, recommending high-intensity workouts a couple of times a week.
- These findings could lead to more targeted and individualised exercise prescriptions for brain health, and potentially inspire pharmacological interventions.