Does Exercise Boost Your Immune System?: The Science Driven Facts You Need to Know

Did you know only one in three American adults get the recommended amount of exercise every week? Exercise offers more than a method to lose weight and stay fit. Regular exercise improves your heart health, relieves stress, and you’ll overall feel better and stronger. But what about your immune system? Does exercise boost your immune system? Or does it weaken it? 

If you want to start exercising to enhance your immunity, continue reading to discover the science and how to improve your immune system.

Can Exercise Boost Your Immune System?

Yes, exercise does boost your immune system. But the process is different than what you would expect. Exercise kickstarts your immunity, and may not provide long-lasting effects in everyone.

There is an immune response when you exercise, and it’s perfectly normal. That’s because exercise is a physiological stressor; no matter if you’re jogging or lifting heavy weights, your body will respond to this stress in many ways.

One of the most beneficial exercise immune responses is the release of white blood cells into your bloodstream. White blood cells are the ones that actively fight viruses, bacteria, and other harmful organisms. During exercise, your body releases more white blood cells, which can more effectively detect and kill pathogens.

So, why doesn’t exercise provide long-lasting benefits for everyone? After you’re finished exercising and are at rest, your body releases fewer white blood cells. The cells that were released migrate to other bodily areas, performing immune surveillance to try and rid your body of other infections.

There’s only one way you can reap the immunity benefits of exercise: you have to exercise frequently.

How often should you exercise? This depends on many factors, such as the workouts you perform. If you perform a moderate cardio activity, such as walking, aim to do this five days a week. If you perform a vigorous aerobic activity (HIIT) or lift weights, aim for three days a week.

Which exercise is best for your immune system? Both cardio and strength training are recommended.

Can Too Much Exercise Hurt Your Immune System?

Yes, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. While exercise is essential, too much exercise can only weaken our body and cause other issues.

But what effects do excessive exercise have on your immune system? While exercise can boost your immune system, most agree that exercising more than 90 minutes at a time will put too much stress on your body. This makes your body temporarily unable to do its job.

But what if you need to exercise for long periods of time? For example, what if you’re competing for a race or a fitness competition? You can train for long periods of time without impacting your immune system.

The key is to rest. Do a little bit of exercise in the morning and a little bit at night, or exercise throughout the day. If you perform certain exercises such as HIIT, make sure you take longer rests in between movements.

Does Exercise Boost Your Immune System? Yes! 

Does exercise boost your immune system? It can, as long as you exercise frequently but nit too excessively. But many people don’t know how to exercise to boost your immune system.

Don’t worry, we can help. We offer weight loss and nutrition plans to ensure you stay fit and lose weight in a healthy way. If you’re in Mill Creek, take a look at our services.

Sports Chiropractic in Mill Creek

Did you know that nearly 500,000 basketball sports injuries took place in the year 2007 alone? Bicycling followed closely with around 450,000 injuries and football caused nearly 340,000 injuries in the same year. Practicing a sport is great for health and entertainment, but accidents can occur sometimes.

That’s why everyone who practices a sport should take advantage of sports chiropractic services. A sports chiropractor can identify a skeletal misalignment and correct it before it can cause a more serious complication or debilitating injury. Keep reading to learn the benefits of seeing a sports chiropractor in Mill Creek, Washington.

Helps the Athlete Heal Quicker

Being sidelined for a few weeks or months because of an injury can be an athlete’s worst nightmare. We all know how much we crave the summer here in the Pacific North West so we can partake in golf, tennis, and other outdoor sports. Luckily, a chiropractor can intervene and drastically reduce that time. By applying the correct chiropractic techniques, it’s possible to considerably reduce the healing time of a dislocated shoulder or injured hip. This helps athletes come back into the game quicker and improves their confidence and morale.

Chiropractors Can Tackle Different Types of Sports Injuries

A sports chiropractor can work with different types of injuries and accidents. Whether it’s about a shoulder, hip, neck, leg, tight hamstrings or a damaged spine, experienced chiropractors in Mill Creek can find ways to improve these conditions and facilitate healing. The art of chiropractic care is based on bone and muscle manipulation and it can be effective for most athletes, regardless of their age, size or sport practiced.

It Can Improve Range of Motion

Range of motion is essential for an athlete whether he has to run, jump or hit the ball hard. It basically dictates how freely an athlete can move his limbs. Having a limited range of motion can predispose athletes to injuries and poor game performance. A chiropractor can work closely with athletes to improve range of motion and make sure they’re performing at their maximum physical potential.

It Might Reduce the Need for Pain-Relief Drugs

Especially when it comes to highly competitive sporting events, athletes need to be on their A-game all the time. If they get injured, they might receive a quick pain-relief drug to numb the pain and help the athlete continue the game. Many athletes also rely on multiple pain-alleviating drugs to train correctly. A sports chiropractor can reduce the need for drugs by improving an athlete’s range of motion, minimizing healing time, and correct skeletal misalignment.

Chiropractic Care Is a Non-Invasive Treatment Option

No one wants to be on a surgeon’s table unless it’s a life-threatening condition. Luckily, sports chiropractors in Mill Creek, Washington, can prevent that through routine chiropractic sessions. Athletes who receive regular chiropractic care are less likely to ever need surgery because their bones and muscles are functioning correctly. At the same time, undertaking a few chiropractic sessions is better for an injured athlete because this is a non-invasive treatment option with minimal side effects.

Now You Know Why You Should Try Sports Chiropractic Care in Mill Creek!

Basketball players, fighters, cyclists, football players, all of them have received sports chiropractic care at some point in their lives. This is a great treatment method that can be applied to athletes from all sports to reduce discomfort and pain as well as prolong their careers.

To take advantage of the benefits of sports chiropractic care, make sure that you contact us today! We are a team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists in Mill Creek and we work with amateur and professional athletes on a regular basis.