We all know that exercise has a powerful effect on our immune systems, but did you know that it’s not true that the more exercise we do, the better we can fight off sickness? The truth is, exercising too much is just as bad as not exercising at all in terms of boosting our immunity.
The issue is that intense, prolonged and intense workouts suppress the body’s immune response for a period of time right after exercising, and the longer and more intense the workout was, the longer the immune system is down. This is because the body interprets long periods of exercise as stress. This raises the levels of the hormones norepinephrine and cortisol—stress hormones that suppress the immune system. They cause immune cells (including white blood cells) to drop in numbers during and after the workout.
Here are some simple exercises that can help you during this time.
The key is to listen to one’s body. A good gauge is to be panting at the end of each exertion period but not be taxed and exhausted through the whole workout. Work at your own pace and you will build up your stamina as you keep working out.
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