Running Your Immune System Up

I found some proof of this in my own family, and decided to check out the rumor of extra-strong immune systems for those who have a regular cardiovascular routine. My mom is prime example. She started running regularly 7-8 years ago; as a result, I cannot remember when my mother was last in bed with a cold.

I did a little hunting on this phenomenon and found an interesting article which explained the immune system strengthening.

“In a recent yearlong study of over 500 men and women, for example, those who were “moderately active” had a 20 percent reduction in risk for upper respiratory tract infections as compared with physically inactive adults. Women who walked briskly for 35 to 45 minutes, five days a week, for 12 to 15 weeks, were found to have colds half as often as inactive women. And, although immune function naturally declines with age, some studies have shown that highly fit elderly people have better preserved immune system”

Further research in the article explained that a study on mice showed that active mice were delayed the growth of tumors in the animals and sped up their recovery rate when illness came about.

Running promotes a higher concentration of lymphocytes, or white blood cells that attack disease. Encouraging additional white blood cells is most likely the key to the super-immune systems in our regularly active friends. Lymphocytes helps fight illness when it comes on, and increased levels can do so faster for runners than it does for couch potatoes. Plus, it reduces the risk of sickness or disease even forming in the body- like a self created flu shot or cancer fighter.

Regular cardiovascular activity manages weight, fights the aging process, strengthens our bones and frame, and fights numerous diseases. It also raises the HDL (good cholesterol), reduces the risk of blood clots and encourages he use of ½ of our lungs that are usually go unused.

In retrospect, if you head out in hopes to rid your body of all toxins and over do it, you will actually cause more harm than good. Over training adds additional harmful stress to your mind and body which does the exact opposite from the benefits prolonged healthy activity can do.