You read that right! According to a recent study published in Nature Metabolismrunning a marathon can temporarily shrink the brain.
More specifically, a marathon can temporarily reduce the amount of myelin in the brain, a fatty substance that isolates nerve fibers and allows the brain to transmit signals quickly and effectively.
The Spanish researchers followed ten runners (eight men and two women) aged 45 to 73, by analyzing their brain by MRI before, after, then up to two months after a marathon.
Verdict: the white matter of their brain had melted as snow in the sun, especially in areas linked to movement, emotions and sensory perception.
In question? The extreme energy demand for prolonged effort. When the glucose reserves are exhausted, the brain seems to draw from its own structure … like a camper who would burn his equipment to warm up.
But not forever!
Do not panic, this brain mel is reversible. In a few weeks, the brain gets back into shape, regaining its normal volume. For lovers of long distances in kind, it is a reminder that recovery is not just a matter of muscles: your brain also needs rest!
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The good news is that the outdoors offers an ideal recovery field. Walking gently in the forest, sleeping in refuge, swimming in a lake: so many simple gestures that promote good physical and mental health.
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