Physical Activity and the Best Neuropathy Treatment

Physical Activity and the Best Neuropathy Treatment                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
Much has been written about the effects of exercise and health in general. But what you may not know is there are good studies showing improvements in many health parameters with regular physical activity and exercise.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
Not too long ago, the American College of Sports Medicine made the statement that adults should be very physically active seven days a week. Not unexpectedly, the media attacked this as totally not doable by most adults.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
But the fact is, the more sedentary our lives become, the worse our health becomes. For example, we know that metabolism slows with as little as 90 minutes of continued sitting at your desk. As your metabolism slows, you become much more efficient at making fat than you do burning it. And as a regular reader of this column, you know that poor metabolism can lead to the development of neuropathy, type II diabetes, or more serious illnesses.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
So this means you can boost your metabolism with a workout at the gym or a stroll in the morning--and eat properly--but sitting all day without moving will negatively impact your health.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
Typically, inactivity will make your neuropathy worse. So, for patients who already suffer from peripheral neuropathy, this is even more critical.            John Hayes Jr., DC, MS, DABCO