04/27/2017 / By S.D. Wells
It’s spring time, with summer on the horizon, and many people are looking to get in shape, get back in shape, or just simply get outside and get some fresh air daily. There are several benefits to going for a brisk walk, especially in the morning, some of which you may not realize. Now, even science is proving that your feet’s impact increases blood flow to not only the heart and other muscles, but walking sends pressure waves through the arteries that increase the supply of blood to the brain.
Did you know that walking just two miles daily reduces the risk of death by nearly 50 percent? Walking in the morning reduces that risk even more. Even the risk of cancer is reduced by walking. But wait, there’s lots more walking does for you. Let’s take an inside look at this simple, enjoyable way to increase longevity and cognitive function.
Researchers at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) discovered something amazing. Until now, scientists and health researchers thought cerebral blood flow was only involuntarily regulated by the body, and that changes in blood pressure from exercise did not effect the blood supply to the brain.
Using non-invasive ultrasound to measure carotid artery blood velocity waves and arterial diameters, the NMHU researchers measured cerebral blood flow on both sides of the brain. The effects were contrasted between the 12 healthy young adults while they were standing upright during rest and then while steadily walking about one meter per second. Though the blood circulation effects in the brain are less than those from running, they were greater than cycling, since cycling does not involve any foot impact.
Get ready to jumpstart your energy for the entire day. You don’t have to join a gym or cycle 10 miles to get in shape and get healthy. You don’t have to “cross train” or run in mini-marathons to lose weight, fight disease and get smarter. When people say, “there’s no easy way out,” they’re wrong, because walking is easy. Daily morning walks can help you regulate your sleep cycle, lower your risk of breast cancer, burn glucose, improve blood sugar levels, improve blood circulation, and increase the flow of oxygen to the brain. Want improved mental faculties? Walk. Want to raise your self-esteem? Walk. Want to reduce stress? Walk.
Taking prescription medications to alleviate “symptoms” of deeper rooted health problems can complicate matters and lead to worsening health conditions. Prescription medications are nearly always made in laboratories with chemicals, and that is why there are so many horrific side effects and “adverse events” listed on the warning labels and reviewed on the commercials on television. There’s always the freedom of choice to eat organic food, consult a naturopathic physician, investigate natural medicine, and choose an easy daily workout that won’t injure your body. Go buy some good walking shoes today and choose to walk. It’s as essential to your health as clean food and clean water.
Other benefits of walking every morning include beautiful skin, better vitamin D absorption by your body, better control of cholesterol levels, increased stamina, increased muscle strength and improved metabolism. Are you ready for some extra energy throughout the day, better mental alertness and psychological clarity?
Drop the gluten, the GMOs, the tap water and the flu shots, they’re just polluting your body. Start walking every morning and experience clarity and longevity, the natural way. Now there’s science behind the “theory” that walking helps your brain!
Learn more about the benefits of exercise at MensFitnessFocus.com and WomensFitnessFocus.com.
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