DOES EXERCISE BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Exercise and Immunity

Battling another cough or cold? Feeling tired all the time? You may feel better if you take a daily walk or follow a simple exercise routine a few times a week.

We are all familiar with the fact that exercise helps decrease your chances of stroke and heart disease and keeps your bones healthy and strong, etc.

There is plenty of anecdotal information on physical exercise increasing your immunity to certain illnesses and there are several theories put forward to explain this, although none has been proven scientifically.

Some of the theories between exercise and immunity

•  Physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. This may reduce your chance of getting a cold, flu, or other illness.

•  Exercise causes change in antibodies and white blood cells (WBC). WBCs are the body's immune system cells that fight disease. These antibodies or WBCs circulate more rapidly after exercise, so they could detect illnesses earlier than they might have before.

• The brief rise in body temperature during and right after exercise may prevent bacteria from growing. This temperature rise may help the body fight infection better. (This is similar to what happens when you have a fever.)

• Exercise slows down the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and may likely protect you against illness. Cortisol suppresses the immune system, making you more prone to infections.

• Exercise is good for you, but, you should not overdo it. People who already exercise should not exercise more just to increase their immunity. Heavy, long-term exercise (such as marathon running and intense gym training) could actually cause harm.

• Studies have shown that people who follow a moderately energetic lifestyle, benefit most from starting (and sticking to) an exercise program. A moderate program can consist of:

1. Bicycling with your children a few times a week
2. Taking daily 20 to 30 minute walks
3. Going to the gym every other day
4. Playing golf regularly

Summary

Exercise makes you feel more energetic and healthier with a stronger immune system. It can also help you feel better about yourself, lowering your stress. So go ahead, take that aerobics class or go for that walk. You will feel better and healthier for it, but remember not to overdo it.


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