How is exercise helpful for your autoimmune condition and overall wellbeing?
Firstly, if you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, you would be familiar with most of the challenges that comes with it. Lower energy, difficulty breathing, recovery issues, depression, anxiety, pain, and other sickness predispositions…to name a few.
Secondly, you may have attempted or thought about exercising, but in the attempt, you were overly sore or the very thought of exercising concerns you.
With most autoimmune conditions, the main premise is that your body’s immune responses are overactive creating a sort of autoinflammatory condition which has a cascade of negative effects. To note, the body’s inflammatory system in short acute stages is meant to help, however persistent inflammatory response is associated with tissue dysfunction and pathology. These negative effects (longer term) can include: increased obesity, type 2 diabetes, CV disease, cancer, dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.
Research has shown that sustained moderate to vigorous exercise helps to manage Type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, reduce heart attack risk and stroke, reduce risk of developing breast cancer and colon cancer, protect from cognitive decline and enhance immune responses to pathogens and vaccinations.
Regular practice of moderate intensity exercise has been very recommended to counteract chronic inflammation. This includes benefits to the brain!
…then how can your autoimmune conditions be improved through prescribed exercise
Not just any movement will do!
*Moderate sustained activation of joints + muscles within a prescribed range with recovery at top of mind within the program. Absolutely no impact-plyometric activity as well. Although the dose-response of the exercise program may vary, the directing response you give to your immune system is positive.
You will see:
- Increase vitality – physical and mental energy
- The endorphin production with reduce pains
- Decrease inflammation in your body
- Decrease risk of acquiring other diseases and sicknesses
- Combat depression and anxiety/worry
- Increased strength
- Reduced body weight or change in body shape
The tendency to NOT be active and succumb to symptoms of the autoimmune condition is common. Also, many medications can elicit side effects that cause issue with recovery elements, which can be reviewed with your doctor and coordinated with an exercise practitioner.
Its time to RENEW your Vitality and move toward a better, more positive light!