Frequent and prolonged sitting has become, unfortunately, something from which we cannot escape. From an early age, society accustoms children to a sedentary lifestyle during schooling, so this generally continues at work, at home...
Experts claim 'sitting is the new smoking'. And while many believe that by exercising they can undo the negative effects, this is not exactly the case.
11 dangers of excessive sitting:
1. Heart diseases
When we sit, our muscles melt less fat and blood circulates more slowly than it should. Over time, this can encourage a build-up of fat in the blood vessels that eventually results in a blockage of the heart. Research shows that people who sit a lot have twice the rate of cardiovascular disease than those who are on their feet more.
2. Development of diabetes
In addition to the fact that fats are broken down more slowly, excessive sitting also increases the blood sugar level. Doctors believe that sitting for long periods of time can change the way our bodies respond to insulin.
3. Premature death
According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the odds of premature loss of life due to long-term excessive sitting increase even if you exercise regularly. However, this is not a reason to immediately stop physical activity - it is extremely important for physical and mental health.
4. Tumor development
The risk of colon, breast and endometrial cancer increases in people who spend most of the day in a sitting position. Increases in insulin levels, which promote the growth of tumor cells, are the main link between sitting and cancer. Getting up, stretching and moving more often helps lower insulin and blood sugar levels.
5. Tendency to gain weight
If you live a sedentary lifestyle, whether it's your job or you simply like to sit in front of the TV or play games, the chances of accumulating extra pounds become higher. Studies show that standing burns 30 percent more calories than sitting. Namely, in a sitting position, the circulation of lipase, an enzyme that absorbs fat, decreases, which contributes to the accumulation of fat deposits. Researchers from Tel Aviv University have found evidence that sitting for too long stimulates the production of fat tissue cells known as - preadipocyte cells.
6. Neck and shoulder strain
Excessive sitting at the desk or in front of the computer leads to strain on the neck and shoulders and pain. Neck pain occurs due to muscle tension. The sitting position of the neck is called a 'cranial neck' and puts stress on the cervical vertebrae which can lead to permanent imbalance. Also, prolonged sitting leads to poor posture.
7. Stiffness of the spine
When you are active, the soft discs between the vertebrae expand and act as shock absorbers. It also helps supply those discs with essential nutrients, fresh oxygen and fresh blood. With excessive sitting, they become unbalanced and begin to lack these nutrients. Collagen then knows how to harden around the tendons and ligaments, and thus limited flexibility occurs, the back becomes stiff.
8. Destruction of disks
In addition to the limited circulation of nutrients in the discs between the vertebrae, a long period spent sitting increases the risk of developing lumbar disc herniation. This happens because the spine is constantly under a lot of pressure because the weight of the body is not evenly distributed.
- When you sit, the natural curve is disturbed, which means that the muscles on the back are under load to maintain the shape of the body. Namely, when you don't use the natural curve of the spine to rise against gravity - explained Kelly McGonial, Ph.D. sc., transmitted by the moon-child.net portal.
9. Slowing down of the brain
While sitting, everything in the body slows down, including the work of the cerebral gyri. Namely, the more we move, the more fresh blood and oxygen reaches the brain, which in turn results in its better and faster work and increased productivity. In addition, physical activity stimulates the production of mood-enhancing chemicals.
10. Muscle degeneration
Abdominal muscles are idle when we sit because they normally help us to keep ourselves upright while standing. Certain muscles on the hips shorten and become tighter, which in turn leads to limited movements during walking. Exercises such as squats, lunges and stretching the leg muscles in a standing position help here.
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