Physical activity and immunity are words that go hand in hand and it is important to know that one works with the other. Exercising helps the body’s defense response, so by having a routine of activities, your body will function quickly and effectively, also helping to prevent common diseases .
Understanding the function of each of these two tools ensures that anyone can change habits to adapt their routine and ensure a good quality of life.
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How are physical activity and immunity connected?
A regular routine of physical activities ensures that the body has a better response to the immune system, as the practice will increase the production of leukocytes (cells that act in the body’s defense), for example, and also hormones responsible for making the practitioner feel a sense of well-being.
The 3 areas that are achieved with this union are the physical, mental and emotional parts.
Physical part
Regular exercises therefore ensure an improvement in the immunity system, which makes it more efficient in functioning and maintenance, hence low chances of respiratory diseases, such as flu.
When talking about what we are going through with the coronavirus, it is essential to point out that physical exercise will strengthen most of the respiratory system, such as the lungs, which is the area of the disease. If the athlete performs the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise per week by WHO, he or she will likely have all the benefits mentioned.
Furthermore, regular exercise improves cardiorespiratory function, as it maintains areas such as the heart and lungs, as previously mentioned.
Mental and emotional part
The two areas end up working together as well, as the body’s responses end up impacting both at once.
Exercise will release substances, including some hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine for example. They will help not feel tired and bring feelings of well-being when doing some activity. The release can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, thereby helping regulate mental health.
Benefits of physical activity on immunity
As mentioned, physical activity and immunity are allies that, when in harmony, will deliver a series of benefits to the human body, helping the mental, emotional and physical aspects. Here are 3 benefits of this combination:
Increases dopamine production
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for acting in various parts of the brain, therefore, it is necessary to have its production active to avoid some problems such as:
- Demotivation.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Lack of memory and attention.
Having a regular and consistent routine will help you feel good, motivated, and get a good night’s sleep, among other benefits for your daily life, and is a way to increase dopamine production through physical activity.
As an impact, you will be able to deliver better results in your service, have more energy for yourself and others, and create new habits that will improve your quality of life.
Helps release endorphins
Endorphins are a natural substance that all athletes will experience when they exercise. Do you know how you relieve stress, relax your body and feel pleasure when you do some physical activity? Endorphins are one of the substances responsible for delivering these benefits, but it is necessary to keep up with your exercise routine.
Therefore, running , walking or doing some other aerobic activity will help release this substance into the body. This will reduce the tensions of your day and help reduce or combat some illnesses, such as depression.
Helps with cognitive functions
Cognitive functions refer to the information phases that involve some parts of cognition. There are several topics that are part of a process that is developed over time.
The impacts on the body involve memory, attention and concentration, increasing the capacity for logic and reasoning , that is, it strengthens and favors intelligence.
Your willingness to study, understand new mechanisms and even seek new paths of knowledge can be some of the great benefits of including sport in your life.
Beyond physical activity
As we have seen, exercise is a tool that improves the body’s immune response, so its continuous practice is necessary to strengthen the body’s defenses. Combining both in your routine guarantees well-being and better responses from your body, but it is also necessary to focus on other areas.
Pay attention to other aspects of your routine that impact your immunity, such as a good night’s sleep, a balanced diet and a routine that doesn’t wear down your mental health .
These are small steps you can take to help your body, so go beyond physical activity to get more protection. Use these tips and benefits to combine your well-being with sport, plan ahead and do your best to take care of your body.