You probably know that being fit feels good. But did you also know that being fit can help you feel well? If you are looking for another reason to get moving, this is it. According to Harvard Health Publications, regular exercise is one way to boost your immune system. Try to get in 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. We may not yet have a cure for the common cold, but we do have ways to boost health. Exercise is the ticket.
Defeat Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness impacting more than 29 million Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 90 million Americans are pre-diabetic. Complications associated with diabetes, such as nerve pain, skin and eye conditions and uncontrolled blood sugar can make it hard to feel your best. Even if you have a diabetes diagnosis, exercise can help you feel better. In fact, a commitment to fitness is your key to successfully managing diabetes. Exercise helps your body better use insulin, which controls blood sugar and burn fat that can help you lose weight. Talk to your doctor about defeating diabetes with a fitness plan just right for you.
Keep Colds at Bay
Again, there is no cure for colds, but exercise can reduce the likelihood of coming down with one. According to Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institute of Health, exercise can flush cold and flu causing germs from the lungs.
Reduce Cancer Chances
Physical activity can also encourage your body to rid itself of toxins that cause cancer. These toxins are released with exercise through sweat, so give it your best shot. Rev up your workout and ratchet down your cancer risk.
Beat Stress
A little stress can be good. It can keep you motivated and focused on completing a goal or task. Chronic stress can cause health problems that lead to illness. For example, stress has been shown to reduce immune function and increase production of cortisol, the stress hormone. Engaging in regular physical activity can significantly reduce stress, anxiety and insomnia, too.
Regular exercise can help you get fit and fight illness. Too much exercise will have the opposite effect and will actually stress your immune system, so be sure not to overdo it. If you are looking for a magic bullet that can help you look and feel your best, you won’t find it in a bottle. You will find it with a good fitness routine.
Healthy Fat? Is there such a thing?
Fat gets a bad rap. Some kinds of fat are actually good for you when used in moderation. There are ways to incorporate these kinds of fat in your diet to enjoy health benefits without edging up the scale.
