Running Keeps my Brain Cloud-free, Running as Lupus Treatment

Running as treatment

At the age of 35, with a teenager and a newborn at home, running and exercise has become my priority to start the day. Running, precisely, is my treatment for Lupus.

I am diagnosed with Lupus, Hashimoto and Sjögren’s syndrome. Autoimmune disorders usually do not appear alone. Misery loves company. 

I discovered running while trying to find myself and healing a few years back. When I started running, it was as a substitute for a bad habit. Author Charles Duhigg of The Power of Habit makes a statement that in order to stop a bad habit, just stopping will not suffice as the mind needs to be occupied, instead, he suggest take up a habit, a healthy habit, and substitute. 

One mile turned into 3 and soon I was off running marathons at the joy I experienced by the endorphins, a runner’s high. This is a common experience by runners as it is known that exercise changes the structure and function of the brain. 

Exercise and its benefits

All exercise has health benefits. It reverses physical decay, providing more brain power, more energy and losing inches off waist.  Running specifically, research shows targets the brain. The brain is like other muscles, it builds, but running unlike any exercise jumpstarts neurogenesis- the creation of new cells. 

For a healthy brain, running is good. It creates fresh cells. For a brain suffering with inflammation, and an active nervous system from Lupus, running is essential. 

I no longer view it as a great way to stay fit, running is a necessary activity to keep my mind cloud-free- clear and positive thinking. The endorphins work their magic in my brain and body. But, it’s more than that.  

Running wonders for an autoimmune diseased body

Running loosens up the joints, and stiffness in the neck and shoulders that accompany RA and lupus. The biomechanics of running help the brain releases the toxins it accumulates from stress, or a bad diet. It is cleansing. 

Running or walking, depending on inflammation level and mood helps sweat out that cloud that builds in our brain when we are not feeling well and become fatigued, depressed and simply negative. 

Recent studies show that running also helps prevent and restore the brain of alzheimer’s patients. It does this by increasing nerve cell growth and better connectivity in the hippocampus. Running and exercise has also shown improved quality of life in patients with Crohn’s Disease. It was used as the sole therapy and significant improvement was seen on how patients feel and as a result it is a game changer in their day. 

Autoimmune disorders are all similar in symptoms

Autoimmune diseases all have similar characteristics in symptoms ranging from inflammation, fatigued, weight-gain and depression. Unfortunately, it is a vicious cycle that once you start feeling this way, you have to fight to climb the latter and get yourself out of this state. If you give yourself a pass and stay inactive because of how you feel, it doesn’t get better, only worse. 

 Although, I love working out, getting up in the morning while I feel stiff or inflamed it’s a challenge. It becomes a daily battle but one that I know after that initial 10 minutes into a workout, the results permeate through the day. 

Running has changed my life, not because I’m off to races around the country or running marathons anymore. But because it is safe-keeping my brain. I am not counting on the new cells to boost my brain power, which according to research I’m generating new ones, I’m counting on the new cells to combat the sick cells and replace them.

I feel it when I run. My brain suddenly starts detoxifying itself and the opacity of the cloud start to clear up. I start liking myself again and begin to have a positive view of the day ahead. 

Take action and run 

Don’t take my word for it. Start walking or running and feel the difference from the first time. Scientists and drug companies should stop looking for ways to model exercise and its effect in a pill form, when the visible sensible thing is strap on a pair of sneakers, put on some headphones and take to the outdoors on a run. Feel the breeze and feel good for reversing nature in your body.