Anyone who has exercised regularly has seen the very positive physical effects of exercise—i.e. sleek toned bodies, heightened levels of energy, and of course, a smaller waistline. It’s true. Exercise makes you feel healthy. It makes you look healthy. But does it actually make you healthier? And the answer is yes.
Aerobic exercise not only makes you look and feel better, it does make your body healthier. In fact, some research shows a direct correlation between regular exercise and the prevention of the common cold, flu, and even alleviating some symptoms for asthma sufferers.
A quick review of an elementary school science class reminds us that our bodies are equipped with an automatic and powerful protection tool—our immune system. As we all know, our immune system defends us against the millions of bacteria, toxins and viruses—such as the flu and common cold—that can invade our bodies and make us sick. Each day, as we inhale germs that float in the air, our immune system responds to eliminate them, preventing a more serious response, such as a cold or flu.
And with regular exercise, we strengthen our immune system. Here’s why.
Improved circulation. Studies show aerobic exercise improves circulation, strengthening the heart to pump larger quantities of blood though our bodies.
Improved lung capacity. Exercise causes us to breathe faster, more efficiently transferring oxygen from our lungs to our blood.
Sweat production. As we exercise, we sweat to help regulate our rising body temperature.
All of these responses by our body help to stimulate our immune system and keep our natural virus- and bacteria-killing white blood cells—such as T cells and macrophages—strong and circulating. Studies have even indicated positive long-term physiological changes in the immune system as a response to regular exercise.
In general, leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and reduced stress, helps keep our bodies strong, and gives us the ability to fight the common cold, flu and effects of asthma. Most agree however, if you do get bit by the seasonal bug, its best to take it easy if you do workout, and to be sure you’re still getting plenty of rest and drinking more than the recommended 2-3 quarts of fluids daily. And of course, consult your physician.
Anyone who has exercised regularly has seen the very positive physical effects of exercise—i.e. sleek toned bodies, heightened levels of energy, and of course, a smaller waistline. It’s true. Exercise makes you feel healthy. It makes you look healthy. But does it actually make you healthier? And the answer is yes.
Aerobic exercise not only makes you look and feel better, it does make your body healthier. In fact, some research shows a direct correlation between regular exercise and the prevention of the common cold, flu, and even alleviating some symptoms for asthma sufferers.
A quick review of an elementary school science class reminds us that our bodies are equipped with an automatic and powerful protection tool—our immune system. As we all know, our immune system defends us against the millions of bacteria, toxins and viruses—such as the flu and common cold—that can invade our bodies and make us sick. Each day, as we inhale germs that float in the air, our immune system responds to eliminate them, preventing a more serious response, such as a cold or flu.
And with regular exercise, we strengthen our immune system. Here’s why.
Improved circulation. Studies show aerobic exercise improves circulation, strengthening the heart to pump larger quantities of blood though our bodies.
Improved lung capacity. Exercise causes us to breathe faster, more efficiently transferring oxygen from our lungs to our blood.
Sweat production. As we exercise, we sweat to help regulate our rising body temperature.
All of these responses by our body help to stimulate our immune system and keep our natural virus- and bacteria-killing white blood cells—such as T cells and macrophages—strong and circulating. Studies have even indicated positive long-term physiological changes in the immune system as a response to regular exercise.
In general, leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and reduced stress, helps keep our bodies strong, and gives us the ability to fight the common cold, flu and effects of asthma. Most agree however, if you do get bit by the seasonal bug, its best to take it easy if you do workout, and to be sure you’re still getting plenty of rest and drinking more than the recommended 2-3 quarts of fluids daily. And of course, consult your physician.
