Regular Exercise Strengthens the Immune System

Regular Exercise Strengthens the Immune System Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association member Dr. Esra Hazar, Associate Professor, noted that in individuals who exercise, inflammation in the body decreases and the immune system strengthens. "Physical activity also causes a significant decrease in allergic antibody levels. A short exercise session raises blood neutrophil counts, which play an important role in fighting microorganisms," she explained. Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association member Dr. Esra Hazar, Associate Professor, cited a review published in the Allergy journal investigating the contribution of physical exercise to the immune system and its effect in reducing susceptibility to infections. She stated that in this review, scientific studies confirmed that exercise reduces inflammation. Hazar noted that with a single intense exercise session, the production and secretion of inflammatory cytokines initially increase, but secondary effects lead to an increase in serum levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, namely inflammation-suppressing cytokines. She stated: "If exercise is performed regularly, cytokines that initiate inflammation gradually decrease, while cytokines that suppress inflammation increase." According to studies, exercise causes changes in the number and functions of cells involved in the immune system, thereby increasing metabolic rate and the release of certain hormones and growth factors. A short exercise session raises the counts of neutrophils, blood cells that play an important role in fighting microorganisms.

Hazar continued her remarks as follows:

"In studies, athletes showed an increase in serum protective antibody G levels following acute exercise and long repeated training periods, while the opposite—a decrease—was observed when they performed much more strenuous exercise. Based on information obtained from studies, regular moderate-intensity physical activity positively stimulates the immune system and has beneficial effects on health, while excessive intense physical activity can lead to negative consequences."  

Harms of excessive exercise

Engaging in intense sports every day and not allowing the body to rest can cause harm in many ways. Dr. Hazar lists some of these harms as follows: • Performance level and motivation may decrease. • Difficulty falling asleep may occur. • Excessive exercise can cause elevated stress hormone levels. • Heavy sporting activities can cause permanent cardiac arrhythmias. • Can pave the way for chronic injuries. • While wanting to gain muscle, it can instead lead to muscle loss. • In conditions such as herniated discs, bone loss, meniscus injuries, ligament injuries, and muscle problems, it can cause further disease progression.