The concept that exercise improves mental health is widely accepted. Research across psychology, neuroscience, and medicine has continuously reinforced this idea. However, the typical person may not consider the biological mechanisms that explain why exercise has such powerful effects on the brain. One of the most influential biological explanations for this phenomenon is the role of neurotrophic factors. This blog explains what neurotrophic factors are and explores how exercise influences these important biological processes to support brain health and mental well-being.
Neurotrophic factors are proteins that help brain and nerve cells grow, survive, and function properly. To break it down, “neuro” refers to the brain and nerve cells, while “trophic” refers to nourishment and growth. Therefore, neurotrophic factors are responsible for the growth, protection, and maintenance of brain and nerve cells throughout life.
One of the most important and well-studied neurotrophic factors is the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF helps brain cells grow, survive, and communicate, and is essential for brain development, learning, memory, and neuroplasticity. It functions by binding to specific receptors in the brain, which activate signaling pathways that regulate gene expression, promote cell survival, and strengthen neural connections.
Because of its wide range of functions, BDNF has become a focus of research relating to mental health, neurological disorders, and overall brain function. In the context of mental health, BDNF is associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. BDNF plays an essential role in how the brain regulates mood, stress, and emotional functioning. Healthy levels of BDNF are associated with effective brain cell communication, especially in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, the brain areas involved in emotion. When these areas function well, people tend to have better emotional regulation and resilience to stress. Through its role in neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and form new connections, BNDF supports recovery from stress, trauma, and emotional challenges.
This information leads to the fundamental question: How can BDNF production be increased? Studies have shown that one of the most natural and effective ways to increase BDNF levels is through aerobic exercise. Activities such as walking, running, and cycling have shown to increase BDNF production in the hippocampus, the area of the brain associated with learning and memory.
As BDNF levels increase with regular physical activity, the brain is better equipped to grow new neurons, strengthen connections, and regulate emotions more effectively. This biological response helps explain why exercise has been linked to better mood, enhanced cognitive performance, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Understanding the role of neurotrophic factors, particularly BDNF, shifts the conversation from exercise being a strictly behavioral benefit to a necessity for overall brain health. Exercise is not just a temporary solution to make us feel better, but an essential activity for the growth, survival, and resilience of brain cells. In essence, the science behind neurotrophic factors reinforces the powerful truth that exercise not only strengthens the body but is also a critical driver for brain growth, cognitive function, and mental resilience.
Gia Landino
Monmouth University