Immune Function Adaptations

The immune system is our body's defense against predators like infectious and malignant diseases. The white blood cells it produces are responsible for finding anything that could possibly harm the body and shutting it down. There are many ways to help our immune system do its job. From eating fresh fruits and vegetables to maintaining a regular and sufficient sleep pattern, we can assist our body's natural healing properties. Regular exercise also seems to be one of these assistants. Strength training can especially bolster our immune system by increasing the production of human growth hormone.

Although many studies have shown that exercise in general increases immune cells, understanding the exact link between the two, and the process that occurs, is in its infancy. Research models are difficult and complicated because of the interconnection of the immune system, endocrine system, and central nervous system-specifically, the manner in which psychological processes of the brain affect the body. New areas of science are emerging, like neuroendocrineimmunology and psychoneuroimmunology, to explain how the interaction of these body systems influences health. It is also difficult to determine whether it is a specific exercise program that benefits the immune system, or the fact that people who exercise lead healthier lives in general, or both.

Whatever the reasons, one thing is clear-you can't be a casual, once-in-a-while exerciser to get the full benefits of immune functioning. You have to engage in regular, moderate exercise sessions and make them a part of your daily routine. A recent study showed that positive immune effects don't occur until after eight weeks of exercising at a moderate intensity. However, when exercise is extremely heavy for prolonged periods and a person becomes the victim of overtraining, immune function decreases and susceptibility to infection increases. Moderation, therefore, is also a key.