Exercise, BMP, and Noggin

Most people realize that exercise is good for your mental well being, especially the older you are. What most people do not know is why it works this way.

BMP and Noggin's effect on the brainThe process your brain goes through to replace dying brain cells is called neurogenesis. As you age your body makes a build up of a protein called BMP which stands for Bone Morphogenetic Protein. The BMP slows down the stem cells that in turn slows down and can even stop the neurogenesis process.

The way exercise comes into formula is because exercise releases a counter protein named Noggin. Noggin is a natural inhibitor of BMP and keeps the stem cells in the brain from being slowed down.  Thus the stem cells are able to generate the necessary neurons and function as normal.

Leave a Reply