Does exercise blunt your immune system? This depends on the
intensity of your exercise. Workouts can actually enhance your
ability to fight infection by increasing your antibody and
natural killer cell response. Typically, this applies to short-
term (20 to 30 minutes) of exercise at a moderate intensity. In
addition, after a moderate bout of exercise, your immune
system's surveillance is enhanced for approximately 2 to 3
hours. This is due to the production of interleukin and
interferon, antiviral molecules that stimulate the activity of
lymphocytes. One scientific study explored the effects of
moderate exercise on immunity and demonstrated that fitness can
reduce the severity of symptoms associated with the common cold.
Individuals who were physically active, had a healthy body
weight, and consumed a diet rich in fruits and vegetables had 33
percent fewer sick days and less cold symptoms than inactive,
overweight, counterparts. More: 4 Things Your Morning Routine
Shouldn't Lack Your immune system might be at