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Stop the Sniffles with Exercise
Find out if you should stock up on chicken soup and workout gear this fall.
Cold and flu season is coming; it's time to stock up on hand sanitizer, phytochemical-rich foods, and… workout gear? Yes! Studies have shown that moderate exercise can reduce your risk of getting sick. So lace up those athletic shoes, but use caution: Exercising too much could cause you to become rundown and make yourself more susceptible to illness. Your best bet is to strike a healthy balance. Here's how.
Keep It Moderate
Most experts say a half-hour of physical activity on a regular basis is enough to make a difference in your overall health. Michael Flynn, who studies exercise’s effects on the immune system at Purdue University, agrees: "The general consensus, I believe, is that 30 minutes, three or four times a week, is generally considered to have positive effects."
Go Aerobic
Aerobic exercises—such as cycling, jogging, and brisk walking—are some of the best ways to boost the body’s defenses against viruses and bacteria. That’s because they cause the heart to pump antibodies and white blood cells more quickly through the body, they help flush out waste, and they speed up your breathing, which transfers more oxygen into your blood. All of these are thought to help your body make more natural virus-killing cells. Plus, exercise slows down the release of stress-related hormones, which can help to fortify your immune system.
What if You Get Sick?
If a cold or flu bug does catch up with you, it doesn't necessarily have to interrupt your fitness routine. Experts say a good rule of thumb is that if your symptoms are contained above the neck—such as runny nose, headache, or sore throat—then you usually can continue to exercise safely. Just go easy and let up if you become overly tired.
If your symptoms are below the neck, such as coughing—which indicates a lung issue, diarrhea, or vomiting, you should refrain from exercising. Take a break as well if you’re experiencing fever, body aches, or chills. Give yourself three days to a week of rest before starting up again, and ease back into your routine with shorter, less strenuous workout sessions.
Topics:
Cardiovascular Fitness, Motivation
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Start Making Choices does not provide medical advice.
Information is intended for educational purposes only. See additional information.
Buy freezer fish. It's cheaper and flash frozen at the height of freshness; so it tastes just as good, if not better, than fish you get behind the counter.
