Exercise To Fight Off Colds

Getting regular exercise strengthens muscles and conditions our hearts, and it may also bolster the immune system enough to help us ward offcolds and flu. A study from South Korea examined this potential benefit in mice. The researchers reasoned that inflammatory compounds produced in fat cells can weaken the immune system’s response to illness or infection. However, exercise can reduce the number and size of fat cells and thus potentially lower levels of inflammation. To test whether physical activity can actually have that effect, the researchers compared the results of infection with Staphylococcus bacteria in mice that exercised and those that didn’t. They divided laboratory mice into two groups. Those in one went about their usual activities, while those in the other group exercised by swimming. Because they’re not natural swimmers, the mice expended a great deal of energy staying afloat. Even though the strain on their muscles promoted some inflammation, the exercise also led to fewer and smaller fat cells. After putting the mice through theexercise, the researchers inoculated half the swimmers and half the sedentary mice with Staphylococcus. All the infected mice became ill, but the swimmers had lower levels of pro-inflammatory cells and their bodies produced greater numbers of immune system cells capable of fighting the infection. Would this effect be reproducible in humans?  The Korean researchers think so. My take? These findings may help expl...
Source: Dr. Weil's Daily Health Tips - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Science and Supplement News cold exercise flu immune system Source Type: blogs