Moderate, consistent movement remains one of the strongest pillars of long-term health!
A recent study from the Inova Schar Cancer Institute (presented at ASCO 2025) reminds us that when it comes to exercise, more is not always better - balance is key!
During very long runs, blood is often redirected from the digestive tract to the working muscles. This can lead to repeated episodes of low-level ischemia (oxygen shortage) in parts of the colon. Combined with the mechanical and metabolic stress of extreme endurance effort, this may trigger ongoing cell injury, inflammation, and increased cell turnover - all factors linked to cancer risk.
The findings are still preliminary, but they highlight an important point: endurance exercise places the body under significant stress. Pushing it to extremes may sometimes backfire if recovery and repair are neglected. For those who love marathons or ultramarathons, focusing on recovery and preventative health measures is essential.
The bottom line: Moderate but regular training, combining both strength and endurance, remains one of the best ways to protect long-term health.
