Walking more than 7,000 steps a day removes depression, the study ends

Walking more than 7,000 steps a day removes depression, the study ends


Physical activity increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine, among other physiological and psychological changes

It is already known that physical activity improves the symptoms of depressionBut there is evidence that the more the person walks, the better. Over 7000 steps a day, for example, the risk of suffering from the disease is 31%lower, according to a review of the studies Recently published in the magazine Jama.

The results show that there is a strong correlation between greater quantities of passages and less depressive symptoms, as well as a lower prevalence of the risk of depression. The major benefits have been observed in those who adopt more than 7000 steps per day; Above this brand, for every thousand additional passages, the risk decreases by 9%. On the other hand, walking less than 5,000 daily steps has been associated with small benefits.

“The association between physical activity And less depressive symptoms are well established in medical literature, usually underlining that more than a slight walk “, says the psychiatrist Elton Kanomata of the Israeli hospital Albert Einstein. “This study is new to underline the association with the amount of passages instead of the type of physical activity.”

To achieve the result, researchers from the University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain and other institutions have evaluated 33 observational studies, for a total of over 96,000 adults aged 18 to 91.

Among the mechanisms behind these benefits, experts indicate physiological changes and psychological. Physical activity increases neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin and dopamine, known to improve mood and reduce rates cortisol, the stress hormone.

“In addition, regular exercise can improve the Sleep qualityAnd sleeping well helps to restore emotional balance and the ability to face stress, “explains Kanomata.

Exercising regularly can still increase self -esteem by providing a sense of realization and well -being and promoting social interaction, which is a protective factor against depression.

“The approach of daily passages has the potential to improve communication, adhesion, feedback, prescription and car -monitoring as regards the levels of physical activity. Therefore, establishing objectives for the number of daily passages can be a promising and inclusive public health strategy to prevent depression”, says the expert.

But it is possible to start slowly: according to the authors, getting out of physical inactivity is already an important step to avoid depression. Even small quantities can be relevant, especially for those with daily limits.

It is worth remembering that other activities, such as aerobics, strength and mind-body, such as Tai chi chuan or yogaThey are also associated with less depressive symptoms.

Source: Terra

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