How to Boost Immunity with Exercise

Right now, more than ever in my lifetime, boosting immunity is on most people’s list of things to do.  And as you know, I am in the business of helping people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.  It may seem obvious that I should let you know a few things to do, to reduce your chance of getting sick, and in the process, you would feel better.  Unfortunately, it is not that simple.

It should be that simple, but between businesses trying to sell you something, your political view, everyone has a different “way for you to stay healthy”.

At this point I want to give you some personal insight into my life.  My mission is to help people live the best life they can.  I want for you to be as healthy and happy as you wish to be.  Yes, I own a business, and yes I have to make money to pay my bills, but that is secondary to me.  I come into work everyday knowing that I am serving God, and doing God’s will.  That is my primary purpose.  Earning an income is a fortunate side effect of fulfilling my purpose.  That is why I am grateful for every day I get to work, I am serving God and helping my fellow man.  I believe God gave me the challenges that He did, so that I would be better equipped to fulfill this purpose.

So it is with that back story that I come to you today.  I don’t let politics, or my bank account dictate what I tell you or recommend, I let my heart and my mind tell you what I think is best.

When the threat of Covid-19 first came out, I sent out a blog post regarding immune boosting supplements and activities. If you missed it you can read my blog about supplements for increasing immunity by clicking here.  I still stand behind that post.  Things like vitamin D, Zinc, vitamin C, and meditation are very important for keeping your immune system strong.  But what about exercise?  Physical exercise WILL boost your immune system and help fight off bacteria and viruses.

How does exercise boost your immune system?

• Physical activity will help flush bacteria out of your lungs and airways.  When you increase your breathing and blood flow, your lungs and sinuses work harder, getting rid of anything that may be there to cause a problem.
• Exercise causes change in antibodies and white blood cells.  White blood cells are the body’s immune system cells that fight disease. When you exercise, these antibodies and white blood cells will circulate faster, which means they cover more area in a shorter period of time, detecting bacteria and viruses faster, making it easier to destroy harmful illnesses before they have a chance to multiply.
• When you exercise, your body temperature increases. This brief rise in body temperature will help prevent bacteria from growing.  A rise in body temperature helps the body fight infection (this is what happens when we get a fever).
• Exercise slows the release of stress hormones, much like mindful meditation does.  Some stress hormones increase the chance of illness.
• Exercise helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and helps your overall health. If you are healthier, your body can work more efficiently at destroying bacteria and viruses.

How much should you exercise?

Like most things, if one is good, one hundred is not better. Extreme amounts of exercise actually weakens your immune system.  If you are planning on running a marathon, just understand, your immune system will be weakened for a week or two following the event.  I recommend moderate exercise, 30 min – 60 min, 3-5 times per week, depending on your current fitness level.  If you’re not sure how much to exercise, or what to do, give us a call and we can point you in the right direction.  I am more than happy to give you some pointers and help you out.

If you know you are ready to do something, but are unsure of what to do, and want to get the best results you can, now is the time to set up a free consultation with me.  We can have the consultation over the phone or in person in our private one-on-one facility.  Give us a call at 470-604-0038 and set it up.