Physical activity’s role in immune health

Our immune systems are under attack this time of year, but there are ways to reduce your chances of getting sick.

One of the things you can do? Move more.

Obviously, physical activity has many benefits including a positive effect on our metabolism, heart health, brain function, and even mood.

But, while few know this, modern science tells us that physical activity also supports immune health. PubMed has an amazing collection of studies on this topic: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6523821/#bib0021

One particular study found here suggests that regular 30-to-45-minute moderate-to-vigorous exercise is beneficial to immune function.

In the study, a group of healthy and active elderly women were divided into two groups: walkers and non-walkers. The walkers were told to walk three times a week with an elevated heart rate.

After 10 weeks, the participants were tested for cellular immune function, and the walking group had far better immune function than the non-walkers.

Make sure and keep moving through this sick season.

Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash