The Benefits of Exercise – Boost your Immune System

This week, we will continue we will look at how exercise affects our immune system. 

 

What is the immune system?

The immune system is the body’s defence against infection and is comprised of a network of cells, tissues and organs[i].

Photo by Eraxion/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by Eraxion/iStock / Getty Images

 

The Benefits of Exercise on the Immune System

The effect of exercise depends on the exercise intensity and duration[ii]. High exercise training workloads, competitions are associated with physiological, metabolic and psychological stress, inflammation, oxidative stress and  muscle damage.[iii]. As such, prolonged exercise is linked to a suppression of the immune system (immunosuppression) and increase the risk for viral and bacterial infections[iv]. Additionally, the risk of illness also increased when athletes go through repeated cycles of unusually heavy exertion[v].

Photo by ElNariz/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by ElNariz/iStock / Getty Images

 

However, exercise can also contribute to general good health and therefore a healthy immune system[vi]. Regular exercise has been found to have an overall anti-inflammatory effect[vii]. As such, moderate exercise, and vigorous exercise less than 60 minutes, has been found to increase immune function[viii]  For example, one study found that 20 minutes of moderate exercise stimulated the immune system and produced an anti-inflammatory cellular response[ix]

 

Exercise activates the sympathetic nervous system which leads to increased heartrate, blood pressure and the release of hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine[x]. However, the exact way exercise affects the immune system is still unknown and is currently under investigation[xi]

Photo by marekuliasz/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by marekuliasz/iStock / Getty Images

 

How does it work?

There are a few theories that are currently being proposed:

  1. Exercise may help to flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways reducing the change of getting sick.

  2. Exercises changes antibodies and white blood cells which circulate more rapidly and detect illness earlier.

  3. Exercises increases body temperature which may help the body fight infection and prevent bacteria from growing.

  4. Exercises slows down the release of the stress hormone which may protect against illness[xii].


Photo by image_jungle/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by image_jungle/iStock / Getty Images

So, while the research is still investigating, most agree that moderate exercise can improve your immune system and improve your ability to fight off illness.

 

Conclusion

Our immune system plays the viral role of defending us against infection. While high exercise loads can suppress our immune system and increase the risk of viral and bacterial infections, regular, moderate exercise can improve immune function. It is thought to help flush out bacteria, help circulate white blood cells, slow the release of the stress hormone and elevate the body temperature to prevent bacterial growth. Why not give some exercise a go and help boost your immune system.

Why not give some exercise ago and boost your immune system.

 





[i] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/immune-system

[ii] Van Dijk, J. G., & Matson, K. D. (2016).

[iii] Nieman, D. C., & Wentz, L. M. (2019). The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system. Journal of sport and health science8(3), 201-217.

[iv] Ibid.

[v] Ibid.

[vi] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

[vii] Ibid.

[viii] Ibid.

[ix] Dimitrov, S., Hulteng, E., & Hong, S. (2017). Inflammation and exercise: Inhibition of monocytic intracellular TNF production by acute exercise via β2-adrenergic activation. Brain, behavior, and immunity61, 60-68.

[x]https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-01/uoc--ei011217.php

[xi] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007165.htm

[xii] Ibid.

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