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There are many forms of yoga, and any effects on health likely vary with the type and amount. Some forms of yoga place more emphasis on physical postures and stretching or flexibility, others on breathing or meditation. Other forms of yoga include faster-moving series of movements.
Studies on yoga and its healthy benefits are often small short-term, and without clear comparison groups, so for now conclusions are tentative, but early research is promising.
The research is thin, but here’s what it says
A recent review of multiple studies found some evidence that those who do yoga may experience reduced blood pressure, blood triglyceride levels, and possibly LDL cholesterol over, compared to those do do no exercise at all. And limited research ties continued yoga practice to lower markers of inflammation and decreased low-back pain, especially after several months.
Some research also suggests that yoga has the potential to improve quality of life and decrease the fatigue experienced by cancer survivors, at least after several months of yoga practice.
If you are considering trying yoga, experts advise that you begin under the guidance of a well-trained instructor and that you ask about how the form of yoga practiced matches the benefits you seek. If you have any health problems, talk with your healthcare provider before starting more than a basic breathing and meditation practice. Women who are pregnant and people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, glaucoma (a condition involving fluid pressure within the eye that may lead to blindness), and sciatica (pain, weakness, numbing, or tingling that may extend from the lower back to the calf or foot), should modify or avoid some yoga poses.
Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research
By Karen Collins, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND. Karen Collins is a nutrition writer, speaker, and consultant. She has also worked as an expert nutritional research reviewer, reading and evaluating the scientific soundness of hundreds of research studies. In recognition of her accomplishments Karen was recently named a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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