Colds and exercise
Key points
- At least one study suggests that regular exercise can cut in half the number of days a person suffers from colds and the flu.
- Exercise stimulates the disease-fighting white blood cells in the body to move from the organs into the bloodstream.
- Overall, you can improve your immune system by eating a proper diet, getting sufficient rest, reducing stress, and exercising regularly.
- This will decrease your chances of getting a cold or the flu.
Alternative names
Flu and exercise; Exercise - colds and flu
Information
Question:
Can exercise help you avoid colds and flus?
Answer:
Yes. At least one study suggests that regular exercise can cut in half the number of days a person suffers from colds and the flu. Exercise stimulates the disease-fighting white blood cells in the body to move from the organs into the bloodstream. Overall, you can improve your immune system by eating a proper diet, getting sufficient rest, reducing stress, and exercising regularly. This will decrease your chances of getting a cold or the flu.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.