eli5: Why does working out helps so much with mental health?

Question

I have OCD and working out ALWAYS makes me feel better whenever I have spikes. How does that work?

In: 896

Answer 1

Theres a bunch of different ways, that most people have talked about already.

One less known way is the effect of exercise on something called kinurine. Kinurine is a precursor to quinolinic acid – which is something that contributes to depression.

During exercise, your body transfers the kinurine from your brain to your muscles (to be used for metabolism). There’s less in your brain to then contribute to the development of a depressed state.