A little bit of exercise can go a long way in boosting your immune system. Engaging in just 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise daily can improve your body’s immune response.
Exercise helps flush out bacteria from your lungs and airways, improves circulation, causes mild fluctuations in body temperature to fight infection, and releases stress-reducing endorphins. In fact, even a daily brisk walk can stave off those unwanted colds.
If you have thought about trying natural health supplements to boost your workout, talk to your health care professional first to see if this is a good solution for you.
The Canadian Health Food Association offers these suggestions:
Krill oil: When coupled with exercise, krill oil supplementation could help increase white blood cell production, which helps sustain immune function.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D supplementation in some athletes has been shown to limit infections. If you’re engaging in winter sports or plan to hit the gym hard, consider adding this vitamin for immune health and overall well-being.
Echinacea: This herbal supplement has been shown to improve the immune function of high-intensity and endurance in some athletes, such as marathoners and triathletes. It can also decrease the number of chest colds you may experience.
