Regular exercise lowers risk of chronic ailments

Regular physical activity plays a critical role in the prevention of many chronic illnesses, as well as in the general maintenance of good health. But while a recent study indicated that people who are active have a better quality of life, it is estimated that nearly 70% of the western world get less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day.

This can be dangerous considering that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer like colon and breast, type 2 diabetes and other degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's.

The close link between a lack of exercise and the development of these chronic conditions is due in large part to the strong anti-inflammatory effects of regular physical activity. When we are inactive, chronic inflammation begins to occur in our bodies that can lead to an over-production of inflammatory cells that can impede the normal functions of many organs.