According to a new study, there may be a link between obesity and blood flow – specifically a reduction of blood flow to the brain.
Scientists at The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin recently came out with a new study. Their research shows that obesity can significantly reduce blood flow to the brain. Conversely, their study finds that increasing physical activity may even negate this blood flow reduction. Cerebral hypoperfusion, or reduced blood flow in the brain, can be an early factor in vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Obesity and Overall Health
More than 1 billion adults throughout the world are overweight, with at least 300 million being clinically obese. In addition to negatively impacting the overall quality of life, obesity places an increased strain on the immune system.
It also impacts physiological function, an effect that is more evident as we become older. For this reason, it’s important to find cost-effective ways to deal with obesity that are also easy to implement.
Research Findings
Three different measures of obesity were used as part of the study: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and waist circumference. Additionally, researchers took into account physical activity in adults over 50 years old.
While blood flow to the brain declines with age, researchers found that obesity had a greater impact. However, they also found that being physically active can help to negate these effects.
Specifically, the research shows that the three different measures of obesity have a link to blood flow reduction to the brain. Furthermore, researchers found that a waist size increase of +1 cm causes the same reduction as +1 year of age. On the bright side, by implementing high levels of physical activity, you can modify these effects and improve circulation.
Research Recommendations
Due to the results, the study recommends being physically active for at least 1.5 to 2 hours per day. These activities can be moderate and include brisk walks and cycling. However, even minor increases in physical activity can have a positive impact on brain circulation. For example, an activity like gardening can potentially improve blood flow if turned into a daily or weekly habit.
Dr. Silvin Knight, Research Fellow at TILDA and lead author, had this to say:
“Consistent, healthy blood supply to the brain is critical, as it ensures that the brain is provided with enough oxygen and nutrients to function correctly… The study also shows the importance of being physically active for older overweight or obese individuals, as this may help to protect against reduced brain blood flow and the poor health outcomes that can arise from this.”
If you’re looking to improve blood flow to the brain, start exercising regularly and partake of a healthy diet. Another thing you can try is taking circulation supplements like Circulation Boost.
Its ingredients help to naturally increase nitric oxide production, a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. Try Circulation Boost along with your exercise routine if you want to promote your blood flow and health.