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"No matter how good your body is, you can't stand such a toss!" In the gymnasium full of sweat, doctor Zhang Yan stroked his brows, his tone full of helplessness.
The old friend in front of him, Li Dong, looked at him curiously while adjusting the speed of the treadmill.
Li Dong is an architect, and his leisure time on weekends is often used to exercise and release work stress.
On this day, he met Zhang Yan, a college classmate he hadn't seen for many years, and the two met on the treadmill and naturally chatted about health topics.
As an orthopedic surgeon, Zhang Yan is well-informed.
He recounted a point of view: years of heavy physical labor and high-intensity exercise, the damage to bones is long-term and far-reaching.
Although this topic is often mentioned, Zhang Yan has his own unique opinions.
"Many people think that sports injuries can be completely avoided as long as they pay attention to nutritional supplements.
But you know what?
Excessive exercise, especially weight training and prolonged strenuous exercise, can accelerate the wear and tear of joint cartilage, which cannot be compensated for by any nutritional supplement. ”
Zhang Yan also explained the importance of cartilage, which is a vital cushioning material in joints, and once it is worn out severely, it can lead to chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis.
He went on to add that another problem caused by excessive exercise is osteoporosis.
Although exercise helps to build bone density, when exercise is excessive, especially without proper rest, the body releases large amounts of stress hormones;
Like cortisol, this hormone can interfere with bone health and accelerate bone loss.
"There was a case of a long-distance runner who was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis before the age of 40.
He ran almost every day, for hours at a time, and in less than ten years, his knees were almost completely worn out. ”
Zhang Yan recounted the patient's treatment process in detail, including undergoing joint replacement surgery and later rehabilitation.
Li Dong was deeply shocked when he heard this, he had always thought that exercising more was only beneficial, and he had never realized the negative effects that such extreme behavior might bring.
Zhang Yan also mentioned a fact that is often overlooked:
The amount of exercise should be adjusted according to the individual's physique and age.
He uses data to back up his opinion, according to the latest research, showing that moderate aerobic exercise and strength training can significantly reduce the risk of fractures;
But more than 300 minutes of strenuous exercise per week can double the normal risk of fractures.
In addition, Zhang Yan emphasized the relationship between mental health and physical exercise.
He points out that psychological stress and mood swings can also affect muscle and bone health.
When mood swings occur, the level of inflammation in the body increases, which can also affect bone health.
"For example, there are often patients who experience more joint pain and fractures after experiencing significant life stressors."
Zhang Yan described in detail the internal mechanism of the impact of mental health on bones, which once again gave Li Dong a deeper understanding of health.
As night fell, the two ended a pleasant and meaningful conversation.
Li Dong thought about Zhang Yan's words on the way home, this fitness not only made him sweat, but also updated his health concept.
If psychological stress can affect our bone health through chemical pathways, how can we adjust our mental and behavioral habits in our daily lives to maximize the protection of bones from damage?
Psychological stress can indeed affect bone health by increasing levels of inflammation in the body.
Therefore, managing psychological stress is not only for mental comfort, but also for physical protection.
There are many ways we can manage stress in our daily lives, such as regular counseling, practicing meditation and deep breathing, maintaining positive social activities, and engaging in hobbies.
Through these activities, not only can the emotional state of the individual be improved, but also the level of chronic inflammation can be reduced, which indirectly protects bone health.
The advantage of this approach is that it works directly at the root of the problem – psychological stress, thus providing a more holistic protective strategy for bone health.
What do you have to say about this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!