A study shows that running marathons destroys brain cells

Running a marathon damages the brain.

When there are no carbs from meals available, runners’ bodies break down fat, according to a study. Experts think this happens in parts of the brain, which could have an impact on how the organ functions.

Eight men and two women had MRI scans after the marathon that revealed a decrease in myelin, a fatty layer that shields neurons and accelerates electrical transmissions.

According to Dr. Carlos Matute of the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao, Spain, a “extensive” alteration was observed in areas related to emotions, senses, and coordination; however, two months later, follow-up scans revealed that the levels had returned to normal.

The boffin believes that when the brain’s energy reserves are low, myelin helps keep it going.

“Our results demonstrate that marathon running lowers runners’ myelin water levels in white matter areas,” Dr. Matute stated.

“This could lead to a new understanding of myelin as an energy reserve that can be used when normal brain nutrients are scarce.”

“It would be important to assess whether these changes affect brain functions,” he continued.