Aerobic exercise helps body on multiple levels
by Joe Elrod
Typically, when we think of aerobic exercise, we think trim bodies, burning calories, looking healthier and having more energy. These are certainly great benefits.
However, the good news is that there are many other underlying positive benefits happening that are not only increasing the length of your life, but impacting the quality of your life as well.
Just having more knowledge of the benefits of running, walking, elliptical machines, treadmills and aerobic classes may in fact motivate you to be more prudent with your aerobic activity and lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at two important health factors that aerobic activity impacts in significantly positive ways: the body’s pH balance and the body’s production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
What is pH? The human body consists mainly of water (75 percent), which is a biological advantage, since oxygen, nutrients and biochemicals need to be transported throughout the body tissues for efficiency.
Our water-based body is made up of acid and alkaline properties, which are measured by a graduated scale called pH (potential hydrogen). The acidity and alkalinity must remain in the proper balance for a healthy state to exist in the body.
On a scale of 5 to 8, your pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5. Some foods that cause a lower pH (more acidic) include high-protein foods (meat, fish, poultry, eggs), carbohydrates (grains, breads, pastas) and coffee. Some of the foods that cause a higher pH (more alkaline) include fresh vegetables and fruits.
The key is balance.
I work with people on a daily basis in their teens through 40s who are low energy, have chronic fatigue and a lack of concentration (brain fog). They experience frequent headaches, colds, flu, and viruses, have fibromyalgia, lupus, Type II diabetes, arthritis, taking anti-depressants, antibiotics, steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS).
How does HGH perform in my body? When the pituitary gland releases a burst of HGH at night or during a between-meal period, the hormone is rapidly taken up by the liver, which is then informed chemically (enzymes) to make a myriad of growth factors.
Benefits of boosting HGH production include tighter, healthier skin, stronger bones, higher energy levels, deeper and rebuilding sleep and lowered blood pressure.
Who would have ever dreamed that these would have been the benefits of a run?
Joe M. Elrod is a former college professor, consultant, speaker and author. One of his books, Reversing Fibromyalgia, has sold more than 500,000 copies. Elrod, of Montgomery, can be reached for consultation and speaking engagements at 334-669-8406, or by email at drelrod@drelrod.org.
COMMENTS