REGULAR EXERCISE BEST WAY TO PREVENT COLDS, EXPERT SAYS

Regular exercise is the best protection against colds, according to research conducted by Appalachian State University researcher David Nieman.

For more than 10 years, Nieman has investigated the relationship between exercise, the immune system and upper respiratory tract infection. His findings show that near-daily exercise boosts the immune system and reduces sickness.

“People who walk at a brisk pace for 40 or 45 minutes on a nearly daily basis have half the sick days with the common cold than people who don't walk at all,” Nieman says.

Regular exercise releases more “killer cells” and antibodies into the body, Nieman explains.

On the other hand Nieman points out that too much exercise — such as an hour-and-a-half-long run or bike ride — can weaken the immune system's ability to fight illness.

ASU – November 2, 2005.

http://www.appstate.edu/