Researchers now believe that regular participation in yoga exercises may reduce the level of inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation is the physiologic response to normal aging as well as stress, and has been implicated in a whole host of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

The current findings, published in the journal, Psychosomatic Medicine, revealed that levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) were lower in women who regularly took part in yoga. These women also experienced smaller increases in IL-6 after stressful experiences versus women of the same age and weight who did not practice yoga. IL-6 is an integral component of the body’s inflammatory response.

In the study, women were divided into two groups based on their yoga experience. Those who had not practiced yoga very much were classified as “novices,” while women who took part in yoga at least twice a week were considered “experts.” The subjects were, on average, 41 years of age.

Baseline levels of anxiety and mood were measured, and blood samples were taken at defined intervals throughout the testing during which women were asked to perform several tasks that were designed to increase their stress levels. These included physical and mental challenges.

Following these “stressful” events, subjects were then asked to either practice yoga, exert themselves in a manner that mirrored the metabolic demands of yoga, or watch a boring video. At the end of the study, blood samples indicated that women who did not practice yoga (novice group) had 41% higher levels of IL-6 than women who did (expert group). What this implies is that the “experts” entered the study with lower levels of IL-6 while also being better suited to cope with stress, as indicated by lower levels of the inflammatory cytokine.

Inflammation is our body’s response to stress, both physical and psychological. When a physical injury occurs, inflammation is a process by which our body protects us from infection and foreign invaders, setting in motion the healing process.

However, inflammation can occur in the absence of any physical injury, especially when stress and poor diet are involved. In these instances, systemic stress hormones and cytokines can cause the body to react in negative ways, leading to whole host of health disorders, including chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, allergies, and numerous auto-immune disorders.

To address the problem, doctors are continually looking for alternative and more natural approaches, primarily through diet and lifestyle choices (i.e., reducing stress). In light of this, yoga appears to be a good fit because it is low impact and not excessive in terms of physical demand. Furthermore, the stretching that is an integral part of yoga is a good way to increase flexibility of the muscles and joints that diminishes with age.

If you have any questions, speak to you physician, especially before you embark on any new exercise programs.