Sweat It Out: The Surprising Link Between Immunity and Exercise
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We already know that exercise brings us a host of wide-reaching wellness benefits, but researchers have now identified some surprising links between immunity and exercise. It turns out that pumping iron in the gym, or going for a jog in the park, doesn’t just make your muscles stronger. It even strengthens your immune system.
The Link Between Immunity and Exercise: 6 Surprising Benefits You Need to Know Today
When your personal trainer tells you to “sweat it out,” that may be literally true when it comes to immunity and exercise.
First, exercise helps you to maintain a healthier body weight. And this isn’t just about a number on the scale, or fitting your favorite pair of jeans, or achieving a much-vaunted “beach body.” According to the Obesity Action Coalition, studies on both humans as well as on animals have found that being overweight impairs your immune system's ability to respond to infections. Specifically, obesity has been found to reduce your immune cells' functions, impairs your killer cells, and even reduced cytokine production. Cytokine are important substances secreted by your immune system cells. You see this in a variety of scenarios. For example, obese individuals are more at risk of respiratory diseases, warns a study published in the International Journal of General Medicine. And obese people are more at risk of secondary infections when they are hospitalized.
Second, when your personal trainer tells you to “sweat it out,” that may be literally true when it comes to immunity and exercise. “Physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways,” explains the U.S. National Library of Medicine. “This may reduce your chance of getting a cold, flu, or other illness."
Third, exercise improves circulation. As it helps your body pump fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients through your system, that same circulatory boost assists your white blood cells and circulates them through your body faster. This speeds up your immune system’s chances of identifying an incoming infection, and fighting off that infection.
The best way to create an exercise routine that you stick to is to find workouts that you truly enjoy. If the gym isn't for you, think outside the box! Whether it's playing with your grandkids, walking the dog, going for a swim or enjoying a hike, all you need to do is move your body.
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
Talk to your doctor and a certified coach about the right fitness regimen for you. However, most adults should aim for approximately 150 minutes of moderate-level aerobic activity per week.
Even if running or jogging are a challenge for you, consider a hike or fast-paced walk. But aerobic exercise isn't the only goal. You also want to strengthen your bones and muscles with impact-based exercises and strength training. Most professionals suggest we should strive to exercise all of our major muscle groups at least twice a week. This could be done through weight training, but if mobility is an issue for you, you could opt for more gentle resistance chair exercises you can do at home.
Read More:
https://www.alternative-health-concepts.com/get-fit/ https://www.alternative-health-concepts.com/5-signs-dehydrated-solution/