Staying In Motion
We do a lot of sitting around and that is mainly a consequence of our work; we are mentally extremely busy, but physically not much at all. Therefore, we do not need many calories and have to be mindful not to eat more then we burn, because that equates in weight gain.
I recently found out that there are more negative aspects to sitting down too much; it can and eventually will mess with our blood sugar levels. Being physically active means using muscles and the muscle cells need glucose to be and stay in motion.
When being inactive, this glucose is not used and when it stays in the blood too long it causes an increase of levels of AGEs which are dangerous compounds that will lead to extensive damage to nerves and blood cells.
Another consequence is that some of the sugar which remains in the blood stream is converted into body-fat. The cells of this fat produce chemicals which will affect your immune system, because it leads to a decreased resistance to insulin and inflammation. In other words; it's a health hazard.
This all sounds pretty scary, but we can do something about it by watching our diet and incorporating exercise. Just going for a walk will already take care of both the unburned glucose and calories and when you find yourself sitting down more often then not, you better get in gear. It sure sounds like we need to give our treadmill a good work-out. Grin.
We all need a day to rest, relax, to refuel and recharge. There is nothing against that after a week of hard work and there is a special day for doing so; the day God appointed!
Genesis 2:3
Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
I recently found out that there are more negative aspects to sitting down too much; it can and eventually will mess with our blood sugar levels. Being physically active means using muscles and the muscle cells need glucose to be and stay in motion.
When being inactive, this glucose is not used and when it stays in the blood too long it causes an increase of levels of AGEs which are dangerous compounds that will lead to extensive damage to nerves and blood cells.
Another consequence is that some of the sugar which remains in the blood stream is converted into body-fat. The cells of this fat produce chemicals which will affect your immune system, because it leads to a decreased resistance to insulin and inflammation. In other words; it's a health hazard.
This all sounds pretty scary, but we can do something about it by watching our diet and incorporating exercise. Just going for a walk will already take care of both the unburned glucose and calories and when you find yourself sitting down more often then not, you better get in gear. It sure sounds like we need to give our treadmill a good work-out. Grin.
We all need a day to rest, relax, to refuel and recharge. There is nothing against that after a week of hard work and there is a special day for doing so; the day God appointed!
Genesis 2:3
Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
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