It has been established with certainty that regular exercise (aerobic or anaerobic) is beneficial to one’s overall health. This is especially true if combined with a regimen that includes a balanced diet with plenty of fruit ,nuts and vegetables.
Lately, there has been a series of studies linking physical exercise to improvement of mood and mental health. It has been known for a long time that Tai Chi exercises and Yoga movements and poses improve balancing, muscle strength and flexibility with the concomitant benefit of an improvement of anxiety and depression. More recently the understanding of the relationship of multiple internal body systems with the brain has shown there are specific benefits from physical exercise to achieve and maintain better mental
health. One of the benefits comes from the “neutralization” of stress during physical exercise. This effect is related to a better autonomic nervous system regulation of the heart function as well as modulation of the body’s inflammatory response (HPA axis). Major depression and anxiety by virtue of their pro-inflammatory status cause to endothelial dysfunction that ultimately lead to “arterial stiffness”. The association between depression and cardiovascular disease is bi-directional. Both entities share common pathophysiology. Following a myocardial infarction the presence of depression has a cumulative effect on morbidity and mortality. At Central California TMS Centers in California and in Guatemala we emphasize lifestyle modifications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. These key changes include: to achieve a BMI 25% or under, exercise regularly, do yoga or Tai Chi, smoking cessation, reduce alcohol intake, modify or better manage stressful conditions, change diet to one low in carbohydrates, with plenty of vegetables, nuts and fruits.

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