With the current public health crisis, we are all looking for products to help boost our immune systems and ward off viruses like COVID-19. You may have even seen a run on vitamin C, zinc, black elderberry and other immune boosting vitamins.
But what about exercise? Can it help boost our body’s natural defense?
“You bet!” says Kim Yawn, manager of the LifeFit Wellness Center. “Exercise is great medicine.”
Read More: Can Supplements Boost Your Brain?
Benefits of Exercise for Immune Health
Here are a few ways exercise can help us stay healthy from the inside out:
- Improved Sleep. Sleep is when our body recovers. Poor sleep habits can weaken your immune system’s ability to fight against an infection or illness. Regular exercise helps to increase the time spent in deep sleep, which is the most restorative sleep phase.
- Decrease Stress. Exercise slows the release of some stress hormones and releases mood boosting hormones. Slowing the stress hormone release may be helpful in preventing illness by reducing the stress your body feels, which can weaken your immune system.
- White Blood Cell Count Changes. The body’s immune system relies on our white blood cells (WBC) to help fight infection. Exercise helps to circulate WBCs more rapidly. Thus, they may detect illness earlier, allowing them to start fighting infection sooner. Exercise also causes a brief rise in body temperature, which may help prevent bacteria from growing and aid in fighting an infection (much like a fever).
- “Cleans” Respiratory Tract. Exercise may help to clean the bacteria out of the lungs and airways by increasing the breathing rate and circulation, reducing your risk of getting sick.
Moderation is Key
Too much exercise or high-intensity workouts don’t necessarily provide more benefits. In fact, according to Yawn, it can potentially overstress the body and weaken your immune system.
“A good workout plan should include 3-5 days of moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise and 2-3 days of strength training,” Yawn recommends.
“Don’t forget to incorporate yoga or mind/body exercise work to improve flexibility and aid in stress relief.”