UNAIR NEWS – Modern lifestyles are not only about following trends but also about the body’s ability to survive and adapt. This is where lifestyle physiology plays an important role by examining how the body responds to dietary patterns, physical activity, rest, and stress management, from the level of the whole body down to the cellular level.
Sugar as source of calories
Excessive sugar consumption can have various effects on the body’s health. Sugar is easily absorbed by the body, allowing it to rapidly raise blood glucose levels. When consumed excessively, sugar intake, contributing about 3–5 percent of total daily calories, can disrupt the function of insulin-producing cells. In addition, irregular high-calorie dietary patterns may increase the production of free radicals in the body. Over time, this condition can raise the risk of activating programmed cell death pathways, known as apoptosis.
Addressing through exercise
Exercise can function as a biological stimulus that encourages the body to develop new physiological adaptations. For this reason, physical activity should ideally be performed at a moderate intensity and not initiated abruptly, allowing the body time to adjust. It is also important to consider the appropriate dosage or portion of exercise to prevent damage to skeletal muscles. For women, moderate-intensity exercise is particularly recommended because it can help maintain reproductive health. Furthermore, combining appropriate calorie restriction with moderate-intensity exercise can help restore the body’s physiological balance, or homeostasis.
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