Here's how exercise can support your immune system

There are many benefits to staying in shape. From lowering the risks of heart disease to helping safeguard brain health by increasing Neuroplasticity, exercise can play a significant role in aiding physical and mental wellbeing.

Staying fit and healthy is also said to help your immune system, something that has been even more important during the past two years with a global pandemic to contend with.

How Exercise Benefits The Immune System

We all know exercise brings multiple benefits such as better sleep, more energy and glowing skin, but it also has a positive impact on your immune system and mental health - and it only takes light, low-intensity exercise to bring about a change for the better.

Westfield Health says a 2018 study in China showed that people who work out at least three times per week decreased their likelihood of catching a cold by 26 per cent.

Health & Wellbeing Coach Aimée Browes tells Yahoo Lifestyle that exercise can bring an array of significant health benefits.

“Exercise can protect your brain health, it can uplift your mood, and it can also decrease the risks of heart problems," she says.

"One of its many advantages is that it can help your immune system, too.”

Aimée says this may be because there is a link between our immune system and regular physical activity.

“Exercise aids the contraction of muscles, increasing both blood and lymph flow and therefore the circulation of defence cells inside our body,” she explains. “This makes it easier for our immune cells to spot pathogens and tackle them.”

Hence, balanced exercise routines can support our immune system and boost our overall health.

“Regular walks, runs, dance classes, and golf matches can work wonders for your health and well-being.”

The Biology of Exercise and Immunity

According to the research, humans have only a limited number of immune cells roaming around their body, as they tend to stay in organs (e.g. spleen) and lymphoid tissues.

With exercise, however, the contraction of muscles increases lymph and blood flow, which aids the circulation of immune cells throughout the body.

By travelling at a higher number and rate, these cells will find it easier to track down pathogens and get rid of them.

These benefits don’t last forever though, which is why it’s crucial to exercise on a regular basis; to ensure the process is repeated.

Balancing Act

Daily workouts can go a long way in improving your general health and well-being, however it’s crucial to find the right balance.

For example, high-intensity activity for a prolonged period of time can have a negative impact on sleep patterns and energy intake, whereas

30-minutes of activity is enough to support the immune system.

And it doesn’t need to be complicated.

Going for a walk amongst nature, taking a dip in the ocean or even getting down to the latest hit song will all keep you moving.

And while Australia has some truly devastating weather events happening at the moment, generally speaking, working out or even doing chores indoors is also just as effective as exercising outside at keeping your body moving and your immune system supported.

What can’t exercise help?

Sometimes, physical issues arise that require surgery, and while the fitter you are the more likely you‘ll recover quickly, getting treatment fast can make a big difference to your health.

This is why a private health insurance plan can help you access surgery quicker and offer some well-deserved peace of mind.

In fact, benefitting from swift care can lower stress levels and ensure you’re in pain for less time.

With the clear, proven relationship between exercise and a healthy immune system, there’s never been a better time to bust a move and reap the health benefits!

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.