{"id":46355,"date":"2025-12-26T15:06:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T14:06:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/proacomunicacion.es\/?p=46355"},"modified":"2025-12-26T15:11:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T14:11:57","slug":"why-doctors-prescribe-physical-exercise-the-science-behind-the-most-effective-accessible-and-universal-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/proacomunicacion.es\/en\/por-que-los-medicos-recetamos-ejercicio-fisico-la-ciencia-detras-del-farmaco-mas-eficaz-accesible-y-universal\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do doctors prescribe physical exercise? The science behind the most effective, accessible and universal \u201cmedicine\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dr. Jos\u00e9 Antonio R. Piedrabuena<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical exercise is probably the most comprehensive and cross-cutting intervention for improving human health. Its impact ranges from cancer prevention to reducing cognitive decline. Today we know that movement not only strengthens muscles: it transforms the entire body into a more efficient, resilient and youthful metabolic and immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise: a \u201cmedicine\u201d with solid evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In adults, regular physical activity is associated with a 10 to 20 per cent lower risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, colon, endometrial, bladder, and stomach cancer. In the cardiovascular sphere, the benefits are even more striking, with a 30 to 50 per cent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and a 30 to 40 per cent decrease in mortality associated with these pathologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, exercise improves cognitive functions such as memory and learning, and acts as a powerful natural antidepressant and anxiolytic. It is also crucial in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and other related conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muscle: an endocrine organ that communicates with the entire body<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skeletal muscle is now recognised as a true endocrine organ. When it contracts, it releases a variety of molecules called myokines, which act on multiple tissues in the body. These include BDNF, nucleic acids, lipids and lactate, many of which are transported in exosomes, small vesicles that allow these \u201cchemical messages\u201d to reach distant cells. Among these substances, KLOTHO stands out, a protein that has been shown in animal models to rejuvenate and prolong life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interleukins: the messengers of the immune system activated with each contraction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When muscles work, they release interleukins that regulate essential processes in the immune system, from activation to cell proliferation. During exercise, these substances generate a generalised anti-inflammatory effect, increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1RA and IL-10, and decreasing levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just 20 minutes of exercise is enough to induce a temporary but significant increase in lymphocytes, especially NK cells, CD8+ T cells and neutrophils, which are the most effective at eliminating tumour cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of exercise: accelerated ageing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muscle loss, weakness and impaired mobility, associated with a sedentary lifestyle and ageing, lead to higher levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress, an increased risk of vascular problems and premature ageing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise and the brain: more neurons, more connections, more protection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular exercise increases neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a region essential for memory, improves synaptic plasticity, intercellular communication, and multiple cognitive functions. This makes exercise a key tool in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myokines: the molecular explanation for the overall benefits of exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After 30 minutes of physical activity, muscles produce myokines that optimise the metabolism of muscle, fat, liver, pancreatic, bone, heart, immune and brain cells. Some of the main myokines and their effects are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n