Yoga in dietetics practice

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Van Pelt, J. (2017). Yoga in dietetics practice. Today’s Dietitian. 19(4) 36. http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0417p36.shtml

          Yoga is now the most studied complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. Many research studies and 

systemic reviews have been published either using yoga alone, or adjunctively to treat a range of medical conditions. The 

popularity of yoga has been, in part, due to the dissatisfaction with pharmaceutical costs and side effects, as well as an 

increased interest in holistic health. The Ornish Program is an integration of yoga and dietetics; it combines diet, exercise, 

and lifestyle changes that have shown to prevent and even reverse heart disease. The program was founded by Dr. Dean 

Ornish, MD, who is also a yoga instructor. The program includes one hour of yoga every day, along with a low-fat 

vegetarian diet, a support group, and additional exercise. 

          Science has demonstrated that the poses, breathing techniques, and meditation that are involved in yoga practice 

not only relax the muscles, but also influence the central nervous system. MRIs have shown yoga has a positive effect on 

mood regulation. Other studies have shown that yoga improves regulation of sympathetic nervous system, as well as the 

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, which in turn can decrease anxiety and depression. Another study has shown 

increased GABA levels and improved mood and anxiety with practicing yoga three days a week for one hour. People 

surveyed also reported the following: a reduction in overeating and stress eating, increased awareness of the effect of junk 

foods on the body, improved mood and emotional stability, increased self-esteem and self-accepting, and and increase in 

mindfulness.
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