Exercise strengthens immunity too

Immunity in simple terms is the body’s ability to protect itself from illnesses. While most of us are familiar with diet solutions for boosting immunity, a lot of us are unaware of the fact that exercising in moderation on a regular basis can also aid in giving your immunity a boost.

Here's how different exercises can help improve your body's defence to different illnesses:

Cardiovascular exercises

Cardio exercises comprise walking, jogging, running, aerobic dancing, cycling, swimming and certain stop-start sports like tennis and squash.

If you are someone who is constantly troubled by colds or any other minor respiratory ailments, you will be surprised that just by taking a brisk 30-minute walk daily you can bid goodbye to most of your minor ailments. Exercise not only improves blood circulation but also promotes the white blood cells to circulate at a quicker rate. Exercise slightly raises the body temperature temporarily which helps to destroy the disease-producing bacteria and viruses. Cardiovascular exercise like walking and swimming can particularly benefit people suffering from asthma as it helps to improve lung efficiency.

Weight training

The term weight training does not necessarily mean doing strenuous weight lifting. Lifting light to moderately heavy weights for just 20-30 minutes a week can actually rid you of several minor aches and pains by strengthening your bones, muscles and joints. It also prevents or delays the onset of conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, back pain, knee pain and joint pain. However, try your hand at weights only under professional guidance.

Exercise helps to detoxify your system

Once you start exercising, it increases your waste output through sweat and urine. Exercise also improves bowel movements which flush out harmful toxins from the body.

Exercise helps to deal better with stress

Prolonged stress suppresses your immune system making you prone to repeated illness and infections. Exercise releases "endorphins" the feel-good hormones which help you deal better with stress, thus giving your immunity a big boost. So the next time you feel weighed down by worries, take a walk and feel the change in your ability to deal with things.

Exercise improves digestion

Just eating the right kind of food is not enough. Your body should be able to successfully assimilate the nutrients and put them to use as well. Once you start exercising, no matter what type of exercises, the intake of nutrients by your system improves which in turn makes your immune system stronger.

Thus exercise not only improves our physical fitness but also helps us fight diseases.