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The health benefits of regular exercise could not be more vividly demonstrated by the current epidemic in our society. The number of individuals suffering and dying from diseases related to obesity including diabetes, strokes and high blood pressure continues to rise. In fact it's estimated, by the Center For Disease Control, that up to 40 million people are obese and another 3 million are morbidly obese in the U.S.A alone. The biggest cause of this epidemic is that 78% of Americans do not exercise regularly.

Regular exercising regardless of the type i.e., whether targeting specific area/organ such as cardio for the heart or involving the whole body as in full body workout has various health benefits. Exercising increases energy out put, which in turn increases metabolism. This causes the breakdown of stored low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad' cholesterol, which if left stored leads to obesity and clogging of arteries causing high blood pressure or strokes. The increase in energy also results in increase in blood flow. This ensures that nourishments reach various cells/organs as well as enables the body to release any toxins'. The lack of nutrients as a result of a sluggish blood flow combined with toxins built up weakens many muscles including the heart causing pain and diseases. Thus exacerbating the conditions in those suffering from back pains, arthritis and heart diseases. Thus regular exercises can relieve such symptoms.

It has been illustrated in various studies that the result of the body's need to rid itself of toxins while exercising triggers the immune system. The elevated temperature experienced during exercising is an indication of the immune system in action in much the same way as an infection causes a fever. The toxins' are removed through various cavities/openings i.e., sweat via sweat glands or mucus through the nose and chest as coughing. The latter is beneficial especially in allergy sufferers in that the resulting unblock nose and chests relieves the symptoms.

Finally exercising benefits the overall mood of the individual. This is due to the fact that exercising triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural stress/depression' busters. Endorphins are responsible for the feeling of euphoria in those who exercise regularly. This benefits greatly those who suffer from stress as well as depression. Furthermore studies have shown that the benefits of exercising against depression are much quickly felt and long lasting as oppose to anti-depressants that can take up to two weeks to work effectively. Unlike anti-depressants exercising does not have any side effects, which in some cases can be more damaging that the depression been treated.

These benefits among many others undoubtedly make regular exercising along side healthy diet the best medicine.

Learn more about this author, Mariam Nundu.
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