Chronic stress has been linked to accelerated biological aging, and increased chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, two processes that cause cellular and genetic damage. Because this low-level inflammation typically accompanies aging, scientists have nicknamed it ‘inflammaging.’ Many doctors and geroscientists site inflammaging as the cause of many of age-related diseases including stress, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression, dementia, and a weakened immune system. These chronic diseases accelerate aging and shorten our lives.
Recent studies suggest that yoga could slow the harmful physical effects of stress and inflammaging. Biomarkers in the blood can be used to measure the level of chronic inflammation and stress in the body. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a naturally occurring protein in the body that regulates neuroplasticity and promotes brain development. People who have depression, anxiety, or Alzheimer’s disease have been found to have lower levels of BDNF. Another biomarker that can measure chronic inflammation is cortisol, which varies throughout the day based on the circadian rhythm. A higher baseline level of cortisol is one indicator of high chronic stress. Cortisol becomes less variable throughout the day in people who are chronically stressed, signaling an overactive fight-or-flight or sympathetic nervous system.
Learn about turmeric and its effects on inflammaging by clicking on the link below and stay tuned for a later blog on how yoga improves Inflammaging…
https://lyfebotanicals.com/health/turmeric-benefits/
