Guest guest Posted March 16, 2009 Report Share Posted March 16, 2009 Fight the Cold and Flu Season with Exercise Twenty to thirty minutes of mild to moderate exercise such as walking is all you need to help boost your immunity during this cold and flu season. Scientific studies show that people who exercise regularly report fewer colds than their sedentary peers and near-daily physical activity reduces the number of days of sickness per year. Moderate exercise has been linked to a positive immune system response including a temporary boost in the antibody response, the natural killer (T-cell) response, and the production of macrophages- the cells that attack bacteria. During exercise immune cells circulate through the body more quickly and are better able to kill bacteria and viruses. After exercise ends the immune system generally returns to normal within a few hours, but consistent, regular exercise seems to make these changes a bit more long-lasting. When moderate exercise is repeated on a near-daily basis, there is a cumulative effect that leads to a long-term immune response. Too much of a good thing can be actually detrimental to the immune system. More than 90 minutes of high-intensity endurance exercise can make athletes susceptible to illness for up to 72 hours after the exercise session. Prolonged intense exercise seems to cause a temporary decrease in immune system function. The body produces the hormones cortisol and adrenaline which can temporarily lower immunity. This is important information for those who compete in longer events such as marathons or triathlons. http://www.sandpointwellnesscouncil.com/2009/02/fight-the-cold-and-flu-season-wi\ th-exercise/ Alana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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