Practicing 15 minutes of physical activity a day, with moderate intensity, improves the immune system; the habit induces the production of white blood cells
How many hours a day do you spend looking at your social media feeds? For a team of researchers from the University of Houston, in the United States, it is very worthwhile to reduce 15 minutes of that time and invest it in the practice of physical activity moderate, like a brisk walk. With this daily habit you can demonstrably improve immunity.
According to researchers, 15 minutes of physical activity is enough to increase the levels of Natural Killer (NK) cells, which constitute the body’s first line of defense. immune system.
To clarify, NK are a type of non-specific white blood cell (leukocyte) with the ability to eliminate cells infected by bacteria and viruses, as well as tumor cells. Basically, these blood cells will attack anything that looks like an invader inside the body.
Effect of activity on immunity
North American researchers evaluated the changes in the bodies of 10 people, aged between 18 and 40, after training for 30 minutes on an exercise bike, pedaling at a moderate intensity.
Each participant provided blood samples before starting the cycle, 15 minutes after starting the exercise, and at the end of the exercise (30 minutes after).
Analyzing the samples, the team found that NK cell levels increase significantly in the first 15 minutes: there is little difference after this initial increase until the end of the cycling session.
“The mobilization of these cells [NKs] can protect the body from infections, reduces the likelihood of developing certain diseases, and helps improve disease outcomes by controlling infections more effectively,” Rebekah Hunt, a researcher at the University of Houston and first author of the study, said in a statement .
An increase in the levels of these cells particularly benefits patients undergoing cancer treatment, as this line of defense of the immune system is able to kill part of the tumor cells.
The encouraging results on immunity resulting from just 15 minutes of physical activity were presented at the annual meeting of the American Physiological Society (APS), which took place in California. To date, research on the effect of physical activity on health it has not been published in a scientific journal.
What is moderate physical activity?
For those who are enthusiastic, want to adopt this simple habit into their routine and want to improve their immunity, it is worth understanding what moderate physical activity means. According to the Ministry of Health, this type of activity can be identified based on heartbeat and breathing.
With physical exertion, heart rate and heart rate increase. So, you have to feel that they have sped up. There is also a change in the breathing rhythm, which becomes faster. In simpler terms, moderate exercise is something between walking and running: brisk paces.
If you still have doubts, one trick is to try talking during the activity. “If it is possible to speak, it is light. If you feel any difficulty, it is moderate. Now, if speaking becomes too difficult, your activity is vigorous”, underlines Saúde, in an article.
Source: AP AND Ministry of Health
6 benefits of physical activity for immunity
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
