Benefits of yoga 🙏

[Greengal314]

Does anyone else do yoga and have information or experience on it reducing portal hypertension ? I have been doing yoga more often, and it is great from a stress reducing and muscle toning perspective,

I came across a research article about how yoga decreases the sympathetic and increases the parasympathetic nerve system… lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

I was thinking about it and it seems to have the same effect as beta blockers.? (Not that it would be a substitution of such). But could be very helpful in reducing portal hypertension. ?

Trying to bring some positive vibes/info

[MINTVCX]

I would say that natural medicine is from its nature based on beliefs not medical study/science.

Of course if it helps someone somehow to feel better (and it not harmful nor interfere with other proven treatments) it is ok.

However in my personal opinion it cannot help with reducing portal hypertension in medical way.

[Greengal314 in reply to MINTVCX]

Thanks MINT. 😊. I am curious to see what information people may have. I appreciate your reply.

I had read that it was helpful but was looking for any data (measurable) or real life experiences.

I believe it helps with anxiety thru deep breathing, slowing the heart rate. I’m guessing this has already been looked at 🙃

I’m suggesting that it would be in addition not in lieu of prescription drugs when recommended.

Any ideas are appreciated Maybe it is scientifically helpful but not measurable?

[Hidden]

I'm only doing Yoga if it involves stretching to get a bag of Cheese Doodles...

[Greengal314 in reply to Hidden]

Maybe instead of sun salutations it can be called snack salutations. 😂. Yum!

The only high risk is involved is getting orange fingers . Lol

[pushthrough in reply to Hidden]

oh that was funny. Thanks for the chuckle.

[Kristian]

Hi Greengal,

Thats an interesting question so had to look it up and see what a friendly Internet search came back with. Whilst there are a few articles out there they dont look to be very reliable. Sample sizes were usually pretty small and the findings may not necessarily be down just to the practice of yoga.

I also varied the search a bit to look at what effects yoga had on BP. It did seem that the effects were positive, however the reduction was pretty small when compared to the reductions that I experienced when taking beta blockers. The studies I saw gave an average reduction of around 5pts. This was good enough to get those with a higher than desired blood pressure to closer or even within normal recommended ranges. So clearly beneficial. However, it didn't look to get folks into the ranges that beta blockers got me. Just as a reference desired bp being around 120ish/80ish whereas my bp on beta blockers was always around 100/60.

I also looked up effects of yoga on heart rate. Again it looks beneficial. But, it was likely that this benefit came as a result of just becoming 'fitter' through practicing yoga. Pretty much in a similar way becoming fitter doing other forms of exercise also can reduce resting heart rate.

So in answer to your direct question as to whether yoga can reduce portal hypertension. I think the answer is the jury is still out on that one. Insufficient evidence exists to say one way or the other. Even where benefits were seen, those weren't necessarilly in the range you'd see with beta blockers. Its also not clear whether yoga on top of beta blockers would reduce bp any further than what was achieved with beta blockers alone, or indeed whether it was even desirable to do so. Your BP is pretty low when on beta blockers and thats bad enough, lol.

However, there is plenty of evidence that moderate exercise in people with liver disease, cirrhosis and portal hypertension is very beneficial. The British Liver Trust even has a page covering it and there are lots of reasons for that. So, as a form of exercise that will help your liver disease, I think you are safe to assume that yoga would be beneficial. Indeed, its probably a really good exercise for those with cirrhosis and portal hypertension as its a less intense form of exercise. Its good for flexibility and muscle improvement too.

So, in summary, yes yoga is beneficial. Being that bit fitter will help your portal hypertension, and if yoga is used to do that, then great.

Hope thats helpful.

[Greengal314 in reply to Kristian]

Hi Kristian, thanks so much! I agree. I had stumbled upon some information and found it to be logical.

I’ve been doing power yoga, which is a more advanced type involving movement, breathing, poses, strengthening and balance in a heated room. It appears to increase endorphins and strengthen muscles.

Here is the one article I ran across. It has a small group involved and was targeted for heart failure patients, but the same concept was the goal:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

I do agree with you that drugs produce a more marked effect, but the comparison of the similarities is interesting and maybe compounding when used together.

Plus, I’m stronger than ever…ok at least appear that way. 😂

[Chick_atee]

Well I think that the right type of yoga can only benefit you done in the correct way and the breathing work is super beneficial for anyone I believe. When I’m strong enough I am going to go back practicing Qi Gong and Tai Chi. Hoping I have the energy soon! Really sick of feeling extremely fatigued all the time. Best of luck with your yoga practice and positivity 🧘‍♂️ ommmm

[Greengal314 in reply to Chick_atee]

Thanks so much Chick! I hope your energy increases real soon, so you can practice the exercises you enjoy! I go to classes, which are led by an instructor. I’ve done it for years and love it. I hope I’m doing it correctly ! 😅

It’s great for anxiety, stress, and strengthening. I figure baby steps of improvement with every aspect while enjoying life, and hope for a good outcome. I don’t know what else there is ?