Cat pads, also called balls, have many functions. Damage or injury to one of these pads can be painful and disabling. Therefore, taking good care of your cat's pads is important for their health and well-being. In any case, if in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Anatomy of the cat's pads

The cat is a so-called digitigrade animal, that is, it walks on its fingers. Its pads are organized in this way:

The front (or foreleg) legs are each made up of 7 pads: 1 lug pad (first finger that is not in contact with the ground), 4 finger pads (each protecting a finger in contact with the ground), 1 metacarpal pad (also in contact with the ground) and 1 carpal pad (placed higher and not in contact with the ground);

The hind legs (or hind legs) are each composed of 5 pads: 4 finger pads (which each protects a finger in contact with the ground) and 1 metatarsal pad (also in contact with the ground).

Each finger has a fingernail, or claw, at its end. These claws are continuously growing just like in humans, so they should be looked after, especially if your cat is not using them enough on her own. The special thing about the cat's claws is that they are retractable. Thus they do not make noise when the cat is walking, unlike dogs. They are therefore much more complex. Particularly suitable for hunting, they are sharper and form a well-rounded curve. Claws are also important for the cat's territorial marking behaviour, this is called visual marking. Thus, by scratching support, the cat shows others that this is its territory. This natural behaviour is a means of communication.

Just like in dogs, the cat's paws allow it to move on different soils. The pads, which have a cushioning and insulating role, protect the cat's fingers. Cats also sweat through the pads, made up of sweat glands. In addition, these glands are also used to secrete pheromones to mark their territory when the cat scratches its claws or during its movements, this is the olfactory marking. 

Claw cut

Made up of keratin like our nails and hair, cat claws grow continuously. Cats naturally scratch their teeth on many surfaces. This allows them to maintain them by removing the dead horny layers but also sharpening them. This is normal behaviour essential to their well-being.

Cats with access to the outdoors generally have little need for nail clipping. This mainly concerns cats living indoors as well as older cats. To do this, it is essential to have a nail clipper specially designed for cats. Indeed, this is necessary for their safety in order to avoid any injury. Cat's claw is made up of blood vessels contained in what is called the nail matrix. This is the pink part that can be seen through the transparency of the nail. This is the part that will bleed if the nails are cut too short. It is therefore important to cut only the end where the die is not present. Before cutting, be sure to bring out the claw by exerting light pressure on the finger to deploy it before cutting its end.

However, if you've inadvertently cut a claw too short and it's bleeding, don't panic. Just take a compress and apply pressure on the end of the claw for several minutes. Do not hesitate to have another person help you while the hemostasis (stop bleeding) takes place. Be sure to monitor this nail in the days that follow. If you find that it is painful, infected, or in any other abnormal condition, see your veterinarian.

Also, cutting the claws can be tricky if your cat is not cooperative. In this case, for your safety and that of your cat, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian.

What to do if the pads are injured?

Cold

The cold can damage the pads with the appearance of cracks. They do not cause bleeding and are the result of a lack of hydration of the pads. Solutions exist to remedy this. Many moisturizing pad balms are now commercially available. For more information on which balm to use on your cat, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Burns

The cat's pads can be burned in several cases. First, in the winter, the salt used for snow on the roads can be caustic to the pads that are exposed to it for prolonged periods. In addition, in summer in the event of high temperatures, the pads can burn on contact with surfaces that heat easily, such as bitumen. A consultation with your veterinarian may then be necessary. It is therefore recommended not to let your cat go outside in extreme temperatures and to take him out during the cooler hours in summer.

Cut

The cuts of the pads often occur when the catwalks on glass or sharp objects for example. This usually results in lameness and bleeding from the affected pad. In this case, rinse the wound with clean water and bandage it before going to your vet. Depending on the severity, a cut in a pad can be an emergency, especially if a foreign object is lodged in it.

Plasma cell pododermatitis

Plasma cell pododermatitis is a rare dermatological disease in cats. This is an inflammation of the pads which swell, become soft and may change colour to purplish. This disease is painful and can therefore cause lameness in cats. In rare cases, the nose and mouth can also be affected. Complications can be serious like ulcers with bleeding leading to bacterial infections. The treatment prescribed by your veterinarian will help fight this disease.

 The barking dog, is that normal?

Barking is an innate form of communication in dogs. The barking dog wants, among other things, to interact with its congeners and other species. The barking is variable in frequency, intonation and power depending on the message the dog wants to pass. It could be an invitation to play, defence of the territory, to attract attention…. And also the externalization of excitement or stress.

One of the dog's oldest roles was to warn its owners of a possible intrusion into the territory. It is therefore normal for our companions to bark when they sense a stranger nearby. In the countryside, no problem, the houses are spaced out and it is rare for people to park in front of the gate. In the city, where the gardens are stuck to each other, where the passages in front of the fences are repetitive, where we can hear our neighbours discussing, walking over our heads, the dog's senses are constantly on the alert and the urge to bark To warn us and to defend its territory are multiple.

The barking dog can also suffer from anxiety: stress can cause him to bark unreasonably. His stimulation threshold is lowered and at the slightest stimuli, the dog begins to vocalize to request the return of his master. This is often the case with behavioural problems related to separation from the owner, during hyperactivity syndrome, but also simply when the dog's needs for physical activity, exploration and play are not met.

When barking excessively, try to identify the reason for the barking and find solutions. For example, when defending the territory, we should avoid leaving the dog behind the garden gate or encouraging him to bark by shouting ourselves. During a lack of activity, we will increase the physical exercises and exploration. But, as these can also be behavioural disorders such as anxiety, if other damage or symptoms are added to barking, seek advice from your veterinarian and sometimes even consult.

How to teach your dog not to bark too often?

To avoid having a barking dog, education begins upon adoption. When you welcome the puppy into the house and leave it alone in a room or at home, it is important not to respond to the puppy's vocal requests. Do not come back to him until he is calm and has been silent. Otherwise, the puppy will become used to barking to call you even when you are away. (read the article on the crying and howling dog).

During education, there are certain rules to follow so as not to exacerbate the dog's urge to use his voice. Without even realizing it, you develop barking in your dog. Indeed, by shouting at him to shut up, we can give the dog the impression that we are barking with him, which reinforces his behaviour.

To teach the dog not to bark, you must therefore give a short, sharp command such as “STOP” or “Hush”. If this is not enough, one can initially act to physically stop the barking by closing the mouth with the hand gently. You can also create a diversion to redirect the dog's attention, for example by throwing a can full of coins or something nearby. This diversion or the stopping of the sequence will always be accompanied by the “STOP” command which in the end will suffice. It is also preferable at the beginning to call the dog to oneself and put him in the basket to cut the sequence. Remember to congratulate him on adopting the right behaviour.

When barking excitedly or if the dog asks for your attention, simply ignore it. Turn your back on him, go into another room, and come back to him once he's calmed down.

You can also get your dog used to a sound or a situation that makes him bark, by desensitizing him. The principle is to reduce the stimulus that triggers the barking, such as doorbells or the sound of someone at the door, and to order silence if the dog reacts. Over time, the intensity and frequency are increased until the dog loses attention and loses interest.

What about the bark collar? All collars are designed to create an instant diversion when the dog is barking and thus stop him in action. The electric collars produce an electric shock therefore a physical sanction. This type of collar is not recommended for dogs with anxiety as it may make it worse. The citronella bark collar is softer. It has the advantage of helping you know if the dog has barked a lot in your absence, as it will leave a scent in the house. We will be able to assess the progress of his dog and there is no physical punishment. Each necklace has its advantages and disadvantages, but the most recommended currently is without doubt the one with lemongrass. Some studies show that they are more effective if the problem is recent.

Managing to bark

The management of barking in dogs begins as soon as they arrive home. Above all, be careful not to invite your dog to bark. Desensitization, the command 'stop' or 'shhh', the reward for good behaviour, distraction are all methods that can stop or reduce barking. However, keep in mind that this is a natural means of communication and the dog will always bark a little

A beautiful perennial herb up to 1.5 meters tall, Loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria - is very common in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America, and Australia. Appreciating wetlands, stream edges, flood meadows, and marshy areas, it bears vertical red stems with lanceolate leaves and pink or purplish flowers, arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. It is also called Lysimachus or Colic Grass and you will understand why ...

The medicinal benefits of loosestrife

Internal use

Loosestrife internally is renowned for its many virtues:

Astringent and anti-diarrheal, antiseptic and antibiotic, loosestrife has the ability to tighten the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, stopping diarrhoea, but also acting against bacillary dysentery and intestinal flu, in adults as in infants;

Hemostatic, it treats hemorrhagic enteritis and metrorrhagia in women (bleeding that occurs outside of menstruation, before puberty or after menopause, in an abnormal manner);

Hypoglycaemic, studies have shown that extracts of loosestrife reduce blood glucose.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic action highlighted by the aqueous extracts, loosestrife relieves all types of pain;

For the respiratory tract, it seems to have an antitussive and dilating action on the bronchi.

External use

Externally, loosestrife can be used to treat disorders of the genitourinary system such as metritis (important uterine disease), abnormal white discharge, vaginitis, or vulvar itching.

The plant can also be recommended in case of leg ulcers, or dermatological disorders such as eczema.

Fresh loosestrife is known to stop bleeding from wounds and wounds. It also helps to heal.

In gargle, loosestrife has interesting antiseptic properties for all affections of the mouth and pharynx.

Finally, it can be used externally or orally for the treatment of venous insufficiencies (heavy legs, haemorrhoids, etc.) in the form of lotions or creams.

Usage and dosage

Internal way

Loosestrife is consumed in various forms. With herbal tea, it is the dry or fresh flowering tops that are traditionally used.

In infusion, we let infuse 5 grams of dry plant for 250 ml of water, covering for 15 minutes, then filtered and the preparation is drunk. One can consume 1 to 2 cups per day.

For other dosage forms, such as fluid or dry extracts, tinctures, or capsules, reference should be made to the dosages recommended by the manufacturer.

External route

Prepare a decoction with 2 handfuls of plants in 1 litre of water, boil for about 5 minutes. This preparation can be used for vaginal injections or for poultices and lotions for skin use to treat dermatoses and ulcers.

Contraindications

There are no contraindications or precautions for use at the recommended dosages.

Composition

Loosestrife is made up of many active substances, the main ones being:

Tannins (5-12%: gallic);

Anthocyanosides;

Flavonoids (orientin, vitexin);

Phenol acids (chlorogenic, p-coumaric);

Heterosides (salicarin);

Iron salts, mucilages.

A little history

Loosestrife is not mentioned in the writings of Greek or Arabic medicine, but from the Middle Ages, it became popular in Germany with the belief that elves took shelter under its flowers.

Its genus name, Lythrum, comes from the Greek luthrôn, a term which designates blood soiled by impurities, certainly in connection with the more or less pronounced blood-red corolla that all plants of this species bear. Salicaria gives it its French name Loosestrife, derived from the Latin name Salix, relating to Willow because the leaves of Loosestrife resemble the leaves of certain Willows.

Its therapeutic virtues are mentioned much later: the first time in 1654 by the herbalist Nicholas Culpeper who advocated its benefits on the sight (to date, studies would deserve to be carried out on the ophthalmological sphere); And then by Cazin, in the 18th century concerning diarrhea, dysentery, and leucorrhea among others.

Loosestrife has been known in folk medicine for centuries for its external use against itching and eczema problems.

Cultivation of loosestrife

In the garden, it is planted near a pond or a stream: it cannot live without having its roots in the water. It can stay in place for a long time and quickly spread around water areas.

In herbalism, we harvest loosestrife when it begins to bloom, from August to mid-October, in the driest possible weather if you want to dry it yourself: in fact, growing near water, molds can More easily develop during drying if certain precautions are not observed. You can use the whole plant: stem, leaf, and flowers, either fresh or dry.

 10 benefits of pineapple

Pineapple has multiple health benefits thanks to its vitamin, fibre and bromelain content, an enzyme with amazing virtues.

Energy-wise, pineapple contains 52 calories per 100g. It contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks up large proteins, facilitates their evacuation, allowing cellulite tissue to be broken and thus promote the elimination of fat, even if it does not strictly speaking make you lose weight.

It relieves the pain of osteoarthritis

A study has shown that bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, can relieve the pain of osteoarthritis without unwanted side effects, unlike other osteoarthritis drugs. This is why there are now food supplements indicated for osteoarthritis pain, the active ingredient of which is bromelain.

It accelerates the healing of ENT diseases

Bromelain can also be used in the case of ENT diseases, in particular bronchitis and colds. It calms and reduces inflammation. Its mucolytic action thins the mucus, reducing the viscosity of the mucus and promoting its elimination. An interesting alternative to conventional drugs.

It preserves ageing

Pineapple is a source of vitamin C, as long as it is eaten fresh. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties: it helps reduce oxidation and inflammation in the body and has a protective effect against the onset of certain degenerative diseases associated with ageing.

It prevents cardiovascular disease

The bromelain contained in pineapple is known for its anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiplatelet and fibrinolytic properties (helping to dissolve blood clots). It would therefore be particularly useful in the prevention and treatment of thrombophlebitis as well as cardiovascular diseases.

It fights against constipation

Pineapple contains insoluble fibre, specifically cellulose. Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water and has a very high swelling power. They speed up transit and prevent constipation by promoting regular bowel function and good digestive system health.

It fights inflammatory diarrhoea

Bromelain helps fight diarrhoea caused by certain bacteria such as Escherichia coli. It will limit the inflammatory phenomenon by attaching itself to the mucous membrane, preventing the bacteria from settling there and damaging the intestinal wall.

He is vermifuge

Pineapple bromelain works effectively against intestinal parasites, especially pinworms, which infect children. The molecule traditionally used to get rid of it is pyrantel which is a chemical anthelmintic. However, bromelain has been shown to be almost as effective as pyrantel against pinworms.

It is a source of copper

Pineapple (fresh, canned or in juice) is a source of copper. As a component of many enzymes, copper is necessary for the formation of haemoglobin and collagen (a protein used for the structure and repair of tissues) in the body. Several copper-containing enzymes also help in the body's defence against free radicals.

It could fight cancer cells

According to various studies, the bromelain in pineapple causes a reduction or even the cell death of certain cancer cells. In addition, the polyphenols and flavonoids it contains have antioxidant properties that help prevent the onset of several diseases, including cancer and various chronic diseases by neutralizing free radicals in the body.

What fruits and vegetables give you energy?

Clementine

With only 70 kcal for 2 fruits, clementine is a flagship food of the season! Its various properties make it an excellent fruit for health. The flavonoids, limonoids and carotenoids it contains are compounds whose antioxidant power has been recognized. Clementine thus helps protect against diseases such as certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases or degenerative diseases (eg Parkinson's). Carotenoids are also essential for the production of vitamin A, as the body converts them into this vitamin as needed. Clementine also provides an important source of vitamin C, known for its anti-fatigue and stress-relieving effect, and which helps stimulate our immune system.

Pomegranate

One pomegranate, a fruit with a tangy taste, is equivalent to about 128 kcal. Its juice contains a large number of antioxidants beneficial to the prevention of many diseases, including prostate cancer. It protects against atherosclerosis (= deposit of fat on the arterial wall) and cardiovascular diseases since it increase the antioxidant activity of the blood.

Pomegranate also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties, ideal for helping the body fight, especially when temperatures start to drop, against the little winter ailments.

Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke is a root vegetable also known as Canadian truffle. Low in calories with only 72 kcal per 100 g, it has interesting properties for health. Jerusalem artichoke contributes to gut health, in particular thanks to its content of fructans, a carbohydrate that contains inulin, a mixture of polysaccharides. These fructans help relieve constipation and have the advantage of balancing the intestinal flora.

Finally, the inulin in Jerusalem artichoke helps the absorption of calcium and magnesium, minerals essential for the prevention of osteoporosis. Tip: if you don't know how to cook it, know that it can be eaten raw, grated on a salad for example, or baked, in the oven, sautéed in a wok or in a soup.

Leek

Leek is a vegetable from the lily family, of which onion and garlic are also part. Very low in calories with around 60 kcal per 100 g, the leek is a healthy ally that will go perfectly into your soups. It contains an antioxidant from the flavonoid family, kaempferol, which protects against damage caused by free radicals and gives leek anti-cancer properties. Finally, leeks have the advantage of being an important source of vitamins and nutrients. It contains vitamins A, B6 and B9, C, as well as copper and iron.

kiwi

The kiwi is arguably one of the most consumed fruits in autumn and winter. A kiwi (90 g) represents only 56 kcal, but above all 2.7 g of fibre, that is to say a very significant amount. Fibre, in addition to facilitating intestinal transit, regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Kiwi fruit also provides 70 mg of vitamin C, knowing that the recommended daily intakes are around 90 mg for a man and 75 mg for a woman in Canada, and around 110 mg for an adult, in France. Tip: eat two kiwis a day, in the morning, to replenish vitamin C and to enjoy its benefits throughout winter!

pineapple

Pineapple belongs to the bromeliad family. Rich in fibres (cellulose), it facilitates intestinal transit and helps fight against chronic constipation. It also contains polyphenols which, associated with vitamin C and beta-carotene, have recognized antioxidant properties and help fight various chronic diseases.

Slimming virtues are also attributed to it because of its bromelain content which does not destroy fat but makes it possible to limit its absorption by the body.

Carrots

Carrots (raw, cooked or in juice) contain carotenoids including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. They have antioxidant properties capable of neutralizing free radicals in the body and would allow the body to better fight against certain diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and certain diseases linked to ageing, in particular cataracts.

In addition, carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A by the body if the body needs them. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of mucous membranes, normal skin and vision, and iron metabolism.

 Pear

Pear contains phenols with antioxidant power. These substances, especially found in foods of plant origin, can prevent several diseases, including certain types of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Containing fibre also contributes to good digestion. Rich in vitamin C and vitamin K, it strengthens the body's immune system.

To preserve all its benefits, it is better to buy it organic and consume its skin.

Physical Activity And Health: What Are The Benefits Of Sport? 

First of all, let's face it, there is no age to get into the sport! You can resume sporting activity at any age, simply by respecting your body, its rhythm and its state of health. Do not hesitate to ask a doctor for advice on finding a suitable activity, in addition to following our advice on this matter.

Resume an activity to enjoy the benefits of sport

Physical activity is not only a very effective way to lose weight and maintain a slim and toned figure. In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, it is also a great ally for your immune system and your general well-being. The intensive or regular practice of a sport helps to prevent many chronic, mental, and/or age-related diseases. Let's see in detail the benefits of sport on your body and your general quality of life.

What physical activity to practice to be in shape?

To begin with, we need to come back to the meaning of “practising physical activity”. Are some sports more suitable than others? Indeed, when looking to start an activity, the choice that arises is particularly wide.

However, please note that, unless there is a contraindication related to your physical condition (pregnancy, specific handicap, particular disorders), all sports are beneficial to your body. Jogging, swimming, bodybuilding, team sport, aerobics at home… It's up to you to decide according to your preferences and your physical capacities. The important thing is to spend at least thirty minutes each day. Of course, you have to adapt this sporting activity to your age and your physical capacity, otherwise, it will generate nothing but frustration. Or worse, injuries!

Among the most popular sports activities, walking is a favourite. Not only does it integrate perfectly with your daily activities, but it is also extremely easy, in the sense that it does not require any equipment. For its part, weight training is also a very effective activity for maintaining muscle mass. It also allows you to sculpt an irreproachable silhouette. You should know that the damage of time is considerable. From the age of 30, we lose on average 0.5% of our muscle mass per year. Sport intervenes here as a real elixir of youth, helping the regeneration of bone, muscle and even nervous tissue.

Respect your pace!

Whatever activity you choose, whether it's weight training, running or any other activity, start slowly, gradually increasing the intensity as you work out. Respect your body signals, and know-how to stop when you need to. A workout always begins with a general warm-up, often in the form of light jogging. It ends with ten to fifteen minutes of cool down and stretching, during which you gradually decrease your exercise and therefore your heart rate.

Beyond the obvious improvements in sports performance and physical condition, regular sports practice is incredibly effective in preventing many chronic, cardiovascular, and even degenerative diseases.

An effective vector in the fight against cardiovascular disease

Regular physical activity improves and regulates the functioning of the heart system, dramatically reducing all cardiovascular risk factors. The sport :

Helps reduce high blood pressure by up to 50%;

Reduces the level of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) and blood triglycerides ;

Increases the level of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) in the body;

Intervenes in the vasodilation of the vessels, to improve blood circulation ;

Regulates blood sugar levels, thus reducing the risk of diabetes;

Over time, it helps to make the heart more resilient and tireless during physical exertion.

An effective way to fight overweight and obesity

Be careful, obesity remains a pathology that requires medical treatment, and this is not to say that sport systematically prevents obesity or overweight. However, it is an activity widely prescribed by therapists, in addition to appropriate treatment, to support patients on the road to recovery.

In general, physical activity remains ideal for small weight loss, and for keeping your healthy weight, in order to achieve a slimmer and more toned figure. The sport also helps reduce the risk of overweight or obesity in children. If you want to slim down, focus on cardio sports such as swimming, elliptical, or running. On the other hand, if you prefer to build muscle, activities like dancing, Pilates, weight training, or aerobics will work best for you.

Reinforcement of the bone structure

It's not the most well-known effect of exercise on the body, but it is one of its greatest benefits. Engaging in regular physical activity is beneficial for improving your bone density. In fact, the contraction movement exerted by the muscles on the bones, via the tendons, will help strengthen the strength and robustness of your bones. The good health of your bone mass, therefore, depends not only on the amount of calcium you ingest but also on the sport you practice.

When it comes to bone health, one reference is often cited: Wolff's law. According to her, bones are formed and resorbed according to the mechanical stresses we impose on them. Muscular and athletic activity can condition these constraints and make the bones stronger. This bone and muscle strengthening is perfectly suited to limit the appearance of chronic conditions such as low back pain, inflammatory rheumatism, osteoporosis, or even arthritis.

The benefits of sport against ageing

Sport is a great prevention tool against degenerative diseases, often related to age. By promoting endurance, muscle volume, bone density, and quite simply strength, physical activity fights the appearance of many signs of ageing, while helping to reduce bone injuries, back pain or knee pain. , joint pain, and other chronic diseases, thus improving longevity. It is estimated that two to three hours of sport per week, for older subjects, can extend life expectancy by nearly five years.

Enough to age in good shape and in total autonomy! In fact, sport helps to postpone the loss of autonomy that most often occurs with age. This is linked to our sedentary lifestyle, and not just to ageing.

The benefits of sport on the immune system
We talk too little about it: the importance of sport for the body's natural defences, which we simply call the "immune system". Of course, the effectiveness of our immune defences depends on several factors, such as the quality of our diet, or our physical condition. While sport helps to extend life expectancy and reduce mortality, it also preserves the health of young people and adults. It makes our natural defences more effective, more resistant to external aggressions of all kinds. Bacteria, viruses, pathogens, fungi, etc. In women, in particular, sport increases the production of the immune response regulator. Endurance sports are also known to help combat declining immunity. So, put on your sneakers!
Considerable anti-inflammatory properties
Whether you have pathology or are in good health, sport is really beneficial. We know, for example, that sports activity activates the sympathetic nervous system, generating an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, the body also produces norepinephrine and adrenaline through physical exertion. These hormones elicit beneficial immune responses, which help regulate the secretion of cytokines in the body. Cytokines are linked to the mechanism of inflammation (9)! Sports activity, therefore, has direct effects on markers of inflammation.
In addition, the sport has beneficial effects on chronic inflammation linked to inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis. Sport is essential for maintaining the shape of the muscles and for ensuring the proper functioning of our joints.

Benefits of sport: anticancer effects
Numerous scientific studies have shown the preventive action of sports activity against certain types of cancer. There is an 18% reduction in the risk of colon cancer or a 21% reduction in the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Beyond the preventive aspect, the sport also helps cancer patients to maintain good physical condition. Especially with regard to muscle mass. This can play a positive role in resistance to treatment and the healing process.

The benefits of sport on mental health
The benefits of sports activity are not limited to improving physical condition; sport is also a vector of well-being, by acting directly on our mental health.

Sport conveys a feeling of general well-being
This has happened to all of us. What is this feeling that invades us after an intensive sports session? We are emptied, washed out… but also completely relaxed and serene. This feeling of well-being, almost euphoric, finds its origin in endorphins. These pleasure hormones sent by the brain as a result of intense exertion. Like a drug, this is also what explains an overwhelming urge to work out. By dint of training, some athletes can no longer do without their sports routine. Practised with reason, sport allows you to feel more well-being and serenity.

The benefits of sport on intellectual capacities
As we have seen, the intensive practice of a sport, and in particular of an endurance sport, contributes to the improvement of the blood circulation in the body. Therefore, carbon dioxide is also transported faster, resulting in better oxygenation of the brain. Brain activity is therefore greatly stimulated, improving our thinking or memory skills. It also improves morale, psychological balance and fights nervous tension. In addition, it supports brain development.

Sport, a quality anti-stress
As a result of the action of endorphins, and of this general well-being, the levels of stress and anxiety also decrease significantly with the practice of intense sports activity. Beyond its tranquillizing effect, the sport also allows you to take a break from everyday life, and to forget, for a few hours, the little hassles that usually occupy our mind. Subsequently, he helps us to consider these problems with much more serenity.
It is a real tool in the fight against stress, anxiety attacks, or even depression. It is all the more beneficial in children, adolescents and the elderly, those most affected by lack of recognition and self-confidence.

Better quality of sleep thanks to sport

Intensive and regular exercise is ideal for improving sleep cycles and enjoying restful sleep. Again, endorphins, and the feeling of well-being they impart, help the body fall into a deeper sleep. Sleep free from stress and anxiety. Sport is therefore a formidable ally in the fight against insomnia.

The integration of new life values

Indirectly, sport helps to strengthen the bonds of social belonging and integration. It is often used in reintegration therapy for marginalized people. Indeed, whether it is a football team, a weight room, group activities (aerobics, dancing, etc.) ... Sport brings together different individuals around the same passion. Enough to be able to forge strong relational bonds.

Beyond the societal aspect, a sporting activity, and in particular team sports, are excellent vectors of learning for young people. Sport conveys the values ​​of friendship, solidarity, respect, self-control, surpassing oneself or even courtesy.

The benefits of sport: to conclude

Sport, accompanied by a suitable diet, has often been seen as a way to lose weight quickly and effectively. And without dwelling on its incredible benefits on the physical and mental health of those who practice it. However, with the elements presented above, we understand that physical activity is real therapy, effective at all ages and at all levels ... As long as we show a little motivation and will. So what are you waiting for to put on your sneakers?