Running and new brain cells?!

[the_tea_fairy]

Those of us who run in part to stave off the slobbering advances of the Black Dog; there's a really interesting episode of All In The Mind on iplayer here bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08v09y4 - one of the researchers explains that 'neurogenisis' (growing new brain cells in the hippocampus) is inhibited in depressed brains, and that antidepressants only work when neurogenisis is happening. And guess what increases neurogenisis in rodents, by up to 50%? Running.

I'm extrapolating that information to decide that we're all getting bigger brains by getting out there 😉 - but seriously, super interesting.

[Midriff_Crisis Graduate]

For me, taking up running has been the single most positive lifestyle change when it comes to fending off the dark side. I'll watch that iplayer thing, sounds interesting.

[Hidden]

Sounds like an interesting watch...thanks 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

So are you saying we are all big rats?

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Big rats with big brains!

Seriously I do get the great effects of running on mental health....i need more running!

[davelinks Graduate]

So I had a brainy brown rat run across my path while running today, I shall keep running!😁

[icklegui Graduate]

Wow! Must listen - thanks for the link!

[Theziggy Graduate]

The bad part is when the dog lies at the door and won't let you out!

Thanks for the link the_tea_fairy

[MickGJ Graduate]

Fascinating stuff...I hadn't really thought of this as an anti-Black Dog initiative but why not. The great thing about exercise is you get all the other benefits anyway. It's like learning the piano and then finding you can speak Japanese as well.

[the_tea_fairy Graduate in reply to MickGJ]

Love this analogy 😊