Can Exercise Prevent the Common Cold?
Call it another reason to stick to your New Year’s resolutions. Dr. Andrew Weil, one of our go-to health resources, posted today about a new study that shows exercise may reduce the risk of contracting colds.
The study followed just over 1,000 adults (ages 18–85 years, 60% female, 40% male) for two 12-week periods in 2008. Those who exercised five days a week spent 43 percent fewer days with a cold than those who exercised just one or less. The exercisers who did contract colds exhibited much less severe symptoms.
Apparently, the immune system is stimulated for a few hours after aerobic activity but investigators suspect there may be some kind of cumulative effect as well. Pretty cool. The study, which was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, can be found here.
Five days a week is a lot of exercise but getting sick—especially these days when viruses seem to last forever—really, really sucks. So is a stronger immune system a motivator for you to exercise? It sure is for us.
A stronger immune system is definitely a motivation for me to exercise. I miss a lot of school because of my health and I can definitely feel the difference when I am working my body on a consistent basis. I do yoga, kickboxing, and walk in addition to going to the gym. Find an activity that works your body and stick with it! Exercise comes in more forms than going to the gym.
Very interesting!
I’ve never linked an increase in exercise to improved immunity but I do find that I feel more energetic and upbeat when I am exercising on a regular basis.
Some food for thought…
I exercise 6-7 days a week. I haven’t had a cold or flu in years, even when others in my home are sick. I’m heading out the door in this 45 degree weather as soon as I finish writing this. There is nothing better than getting my workout finished first thing in the morning, so it isn’t hanging over my head the rest of the day. Cheers!
i’ve been drinking bird nest soup every night (i only get the homemade kind back at home). the only reason why i drink it is because it’s supposed to be good for complexion.
i’ve been taking the store-bought kind online (e.g. http://www.geocities.jp/hongkong_bird_nest/index_e.htm of famous branded only of course) which is directly mailed from Hong Kong. this would be at a more affordable price.