Do you really need another reason to try active transportation? By now you know cycling and walking can lead to weight loss, better health, cleaner air and even less stress. Did you know that being active can also lessen inflammation?
According to research published in the European Journal of Public Health, incorporating active transportation for at least 45 minutes a day was associated with lower levels of low-grade inflammation, which can reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable conditions.
“Promoting active modes of transport may lead not only to reduced emissions from motorized traffic but also to [improved] population-level health benefits,” noted the journal.
Researchers studied the habits of more than 6,000 middle-aged Finnish working adults to better understand the associations between commuting habits and inflammation.
The study found that adults who walked or biked at least 45 minutes a day for their commute showed lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory protein, than those who didn’t have active commutes. According to mindbodygreen.com, CRP is “one of the strongest markers of inflammation in the body.”
“CRP is strongly associated with a host of autoimmune diseases, as well as brain inflammation, cancer, chronic fatigue, and even depression,” wrote Sarah Regan for mindbodygreen.com.
Although the study was limited to the Finnish population, the findings should apply to other countries.
“Given that there’s plenty of additional evidence to back up physical exercise for combating inflammation, taking an active commute to work is a great place to start,” added Regan.
If active transportation does not work as part of your commute, walking or biking for 45 minutes a day can have the same benefits. Additionally, maintaining proper hydration, limiting refined sugars and eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as turmeric, garlic, salmon, olive oil and berries can help.
