Mighty muscles may stave off depression
Exercise blocks brain toxin brought on by stress, study in mice shows
A powerful body can protect the brain, a new study suggests. Toned muscles filter a toxin from the brain and keep depression at bay, researchers report in the Sept. 25 Cell.
By discovering a previously unknown link between muscles and brain in mice, the results provide compelling evidence for the healing power of exercise, says psychiatrist Andrew Miller of Emory University in Atlanta. “This paper really emphasizes ‘strong body, strong mind.’” The finding also hints at new ways to treat brain disorders, he says.