Health – Exercise- the holy grail?

Last week a large review was published in the medical journal Molecular Psychiatry (The Serotonin Theory of Depression: A Systematic Umbrella Review Moncrieff J, Cooper RE, Stockmann T, Amendola S, Hengartner MP and Horowitz, MA, 7.20.22). 

Reviews like this collate the results of a wide range of studies on a certain topic and aim to provide a consensus of the results. This study was of particular interest as it relates to the growing issue of mental health in New Zealand.

The review aimed to investigate the link between serotonin and depression. Most of us have heard of serotonin – loosely called the “happy hormone’, it is the one that influences mood and mental wellbeing. As such, pharmaceutical anti-depressants that are designed to boost serotonin have long been one of the primary treatment options for depression. 

However the conclusion of this review was that there is no definitive link between the hormone serotonin and depression. In turn, this challenges whether traditional anti-depressants that act on this pathway are really as effective as health professionals may have previously thought. It is clear there is a small percentage of people who do experience genuine benefit from these medications. Therefore it is important not to consider throwing the baby out with the bathwater. 

Nevertheless, this review highlights that both the health sector and society at large should perhaps be looking to other treatment options that are known to have a positive effect on mental health. This is where exercise comes in.

Exercise, even in the form of a simple walk, has been shown to regulate hormone levels associated with stress, anxiety and depression. Exercise is also at the top of the food chain for managing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, osteoarthritis, auto-immune disorders and more. 

As mentioned in a previous column, a world of “comfort” where our bodies are rarely exposed to any exertion, is the opposite of healthy. In fact being physically active vastly improves outcome for those who contract Covid-19. Essentially, when our body is deliberately exposed to ‘stress’ we actually become healthier and more resilient.  

Perhaps a vital element in treating many of our largest social ailments is the simplest – and it’s often free! If we can build a habit of even the simplest form of exercise, the health returns are both rapid and widespread.

Admittedly the challenge in winter is that getting out and about in cold, rainy weather isn’t very appealing. Perhaps a gym membership over winter is the answer? Maybe an exercise bike? That being said our skin is (surprise-surprise) waterproof! When was the last time you went for a walk or run in the rain with your children? Jump in a puddle, get saturated and then find a hot shower waiting for you at home. 

If we want to improve our health, be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual – I believe that exercise should be at the very top of the list.

Disclaimer: This column does not intend to replace qualified medical advice on pharmaceutical interventions or management. Please discuss further with your GP/health provider if appropriate.