We all know that regular physical activity has a long list of benefits — enhanced flexibility, strength and energy levels, healthy weight management, improved blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, better sleep patterns and decreased risk of lifestyle diseases. While researchers have always believed that fit people are also well people, there was little research on this available until recently.
Common cold and exercise
In a new, large randomised clinical trial published in the American Journal of Medicine, researchers found some evidence to support the view that regular exercise helps keep the sniffles at bay. The study on postmenopausal women showed that those who undertook regular moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) had about half the risks of getting colds as those who didn’t exercise.
While this is great news and more reason to get up and keep going in the colder months, researchers are quick to point out the limitations of the study, including differences in self-reporting cold, flu and respiratory symptoms.
Boost your immunity
As well as talking to your GP about a flu vaccination, you can also help ward off winter bugs by building strong immunity through the right diet. Go for these known immune-boosting foods:
Yogurts with abc cultures or probiotics
Three to four lean red meat meals a week for iron and zinc
Two fish meals a week, especially oily fish, with omegas or foods fortified with DHA omega 3
Adequate, but not megadoses, of vitamin C from kiwifruit, oranges, tangelos, berries and juices.
And last but not least, don’t forget the power of sleep. When you rest and recharge your body, you give your immune system a better fighting chance.
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