According to a new investigation from UC Riverside in mice, exercise and a healthy diet in childhood leads to adults with larger brains and lower anxiety levels.
This study is the first to examine the combined and lasting effects of both factors when experienced early in life.
Long-term exercise and diet
To carry out the study, The researchers divided the young mice into four groups: those who had access to exercise, those who did not have access, those who ate a standard, healthy diet, and those who ate a Western diet.
Researchers determined that exercise early in life generally reduces anxious behaviors in adults. It also led to an increase in muscle and brain mass in adults. When fed "Western"-style diets high in fat and sugar, the mice not only gained weight, but they also became adults who preferred unhealthy foods.
Previously, the research team found that eating too much fat and sugar in childhood can alter the microbiome for life, even if they later eat healthier. In other words, boosting health in the first years of life is extremely important.
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The news
Healthier adults with less anxiety if they take care of their diet and exercise as children
was originally published in
Xataka Science
by
Sergio Parra
.