11 Health D.a.n.g.e.r.s Of Sitting Too Long, And How It’s Slowly Crippling Your Body
11 Health Dangers of Sitting Too Long, and How It’s Slowly Crippling Your Body
Experts are constantly warning us about the dangers of prolonged sitting. Our sedentary lifestyles, combined with regular stress, seriously endanger our health, so many people have developed different conditions as are a result of it.
Prolonged sitting, known as sedentary behavior, can dramatically endanger our health, and lead to health issues such as cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes and even premature d.e.a.t.h.
This unhealthy behavior is often compared to smoking due to the negative effects, and some researchers even claim that “sitting is the new smoking.”
The human body is designed to stand upright, and in this way, all its organs are more efficient. Physically active people have stronger bones, have more energy and endurance, and are generally much healthier.
Here are 11 reasons why you should avoid sitting for too long:
1. Prolonged sitting raises the risk of colon, lung, and endometrial cancer, and older women that lead sedentary lifestyles are at an increased risk of breast cancer
2. A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that even if they exercise, people who sit for too long have a higher risk of premature death. But don’t let that be your excuse to skip the gym, continue to keep moving!
3. Prolonged sitting slows down everything in the body, even the function of the brain. The less we move, the less fresh blood and oxygen get pumped into the brain, and this reduces the release of chemicals and productivity
4. As we sit, our abs start to loosen, the hip flexors shorten, and the legs become weaker. It also causes poor balance and stability and raises the risk of injuries and bone fractures
5. Siting can also lead to obesity, as 30% more calories are burned while standing, and according to Tel Aviv University researchers, sitting for too long can develop fatty tissue cells known as preadipocyte cells.
6. Aside from the ability to burn less fat when we are sitting, when we sit for elongated periods of time, our blood sugar levels rise too. Not only are you burning fewer calories, but doctors believe that sitting may change the way our bodies react to insulin (the hormone that helps burn sugar and carbs for energy purposes).
7. People whose job requires sitting have increased rate of heart disease, as their muscles burn less fat and the blood flow is slowed down, leading to fatty acids build-up
8. Insulin is produced by our pancreas, and this hormone helps carry glucose to our cells for energy. When inactive, our body does not respond properly to the release of insulin, and this organ becomes over-productive
9. Elongated sitting can also increase the risk of herniated lumbar disks, due to the increased pressure on the spine.
10. Elongated sitting can also lead to neck pain and poor body posture
11. Inactivity creates an imbalance of the softs dicks between the vertebrae, and they become starved of important nutrients. Collagen, that supports the spine, hardens around the tendons, and thus reduces the flexibility of the back and causes stiffening
How to take a stand for your health
To reverse the innocent habits we have found ourselves forming that is resulting in our bodies deteriorating, there are changes you can make.
Work more movement into your day: Stand up and stretch every half hour or so. Touch your toes. Take a stroll around the office, stand at your desk for part of the day, or see about getting a desk that raises if you are unable to make your own.
Practicing yoga, or becoming conscious to stand tall while working on maintaining a straight posture is highly beneficial. All these things can help stop the negative effects of uninterrupted sitting and keep you on the road to good health.
Source: belmontchiropractic.com, healthyfoodhouse.com, healthnutnews.com, betterhealth.vic.gov.au, mayoclinic.org
