Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1477603
www.AbbysHealthFood.com | # 51| Page 7 research points to a higher risk of infec on and development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders due to a reduction in antibodies and the production of inflammatory cytokines in people with a modest amount of sleep loss . 4. Exercise decreases risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases Exercises can reduce cardiovascular risk factors, prevent or delay development of type 2 diabetes, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and lower res ng heart rate. Having one or more of these condi ons may make it more difficult for your immune system to ward off infec ons and viral illnesses such as COVID-19. 5. Exercise decreases stress and other condi ons such as depression There's a reason people like working out a er a long day at work: It helps decrease stress. More specifically, moderate- intensity exercise can slow down the release of stress hormones while posi vely influencing the neurotransmi ers in the brain that affect mood and behavior. Furthermore, regular exercise may offer a protec ve benefit against stress — meaning that exercise helps you proac vely handle stressors with more resilience and a be er mood. According to some research, stress and depression can have a dramatic impact on the regular function of the immune system, leading to a low chronic inflammation status that favors infections, diseases, and other illnesses . 6. Exercise reduces inflamma on Inflamma on is a normal immune system response that your body uses to address pathogens or toxins. Acute inflamma on isn't necessarily a problem, but when that acute response remains uncontrolled, it can become chronic and poten ally lead to a host of inflammatory diseases. Research has shown that exercise can reduce inflamma on and keep that immune response in check — but exercise intensity ma ers. Studies suggest that moderate-intensity exercise reduces inflamma on, while prolonged bouts of high intensity exercise can increase inflamma on. The takeaway? Moderate exercise with appropriate rest periods can maximize the effec veness of your body's inflammatory immune response, lowering your risk of chronic inflamma on. SUMMARY Regular exercise can result in be er sleep, improved moods, lower stress levels, and increased circula on of immune cells in your body — all factors that contribute to a healthy immune system. Should you exercise when you' re sick? You might want to think twice before heading outdoors for a run or to a packed gym if you're feeling under the weather. Exercising while sick may make you feel worse or delay recovery, especially if you're running a fever or experiencing severe symptoms. It also puts others at risk of getting sick if your illness is contagious. To decide how to proceed, you'll need to take inventory of your symptoms. If you're experiencing above-the-neck symptoms like congestion, sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose, you may have the common cold and be OK to do some mild to moderate exercise. But if you have a fever or chills, body aches, a cough, or nausea, you could be dealing with a more serious condition, such as influenza or COVID-19. If that's the case, skipping your workout is probably in your best interest. SUMMARY You should listen to your body and take note of your symptoms before exercising when sick. If your symptoms are above the neck, you may be OK to work out. But if you have more severe symptoms such as a fever, rest is the best option. The bottom line Making moderate exercise a regular part of your rou ne contributes to your overall health and helps support your immune system. If you're new to exercise or have ques ons about how physical ac vity fits into your life, make sure to talk with a healthcare professional. They can help you determine the best type of exercise for you.