Save Your Tired Brain; A Small Change, a Big Impact

According to SAEDNEWS, recent research shows that even simple everyday movements can play an important role in brain health—from short walks to stretching exercises or even contracting abdominal muscles.

Many people think physical activity is only beneficial for heart and muscle health, but recent findings in neuroscience show that movement may also help “clean” the brain and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers have found that contraction of abdominal muscles during daily activities such as walking, running, or exercising acts like a natural pump and helps circulate cerebrospinal fluid, a fluid that plays an important role in removing waste from the brain.

Scientists believe that pressure generated by body movements can be transferred from the abdominal area to the brain, improving the circulation of this fluid. This may be one of the reasons exercise has a positive effect on brain health and the prevention of neurological diseases.

Mirshahram Safri, a postdoctoral expert in neuroscience and a board member of the Iranian Neuroscience Society, explains that researchers have used advanced brain scans to study the connection between abdominal venous networks, the spine, and the brain. The results show that these pathways can transfer movement-related pressure and influence brain fluid flow.

Sensitivity of cerebrospinal fluid
Computer simulations have also shown that even very small movements caused by abdominal muscle contractions can shift cerebrospinal fluid, which is responsible for protecting, nourishing, and cleaning the brain and spinal cord.

Previous studies have shown that proper circulation of this fluid helps remove waste materials linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It has also been observed that during sleep, this fluid flows more actively in brain tissue, enhancing the brain’s natural cleansing system.

Factors affecting brain health
The new study now suggests that body movement during wakefulness can also play a role in this process. According to researchers, even simple daily activities like walking, using stairs, or stretching may contribute to brain health.

For this reason, experts recommend staying active throughout the day, even if you don’t have time for structured exercise, because these small movements may have a significant impact on brain function.