I’m getting over a bout of bronchitis that had me pretty much laid up last week. Today is my first day back at work, and my usual habit is to go to the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays after work. I’m still not feeling “normal” by a long shot–I’m coughing and wheezing and feeling weak, but I’m good enough to return to work and could probably muster the energy for a light workout this afternoon. So, assuming I’m feeling up to it, should I work out this afternoon or skip it? Would it be better to get those ATPs circulating with some weights and a stint on the eliptical trainer, or should I go home and hit the couch for more rest? What effect does exercise have on the immune system?
And while I’m at it, what about diet? What foods help boost the immune system? is it better to try and eat a lot while you’re sick (in order to give your body fuel to fight off the infection) or should you “starve a fever”? And besides the ubiquitous vitamin C, are there any vitamins or mineral suppliments that help boost the immune system?
As for foods that boost your immune system (in addition to vitamin C), garlic is very helpful. As is vitamin E and beta-carotene. Also, anything with omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, salmon, mackeral, and flax seed oil) does wonders.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchioles, which (in most people )are found in the chest. What’s the rush? Change your habit for one week and work out on Tues. and Thurs. Next week you can go back to your 3-workout schedule. Skipping one workout won’t hurt you, but weakening your body defenses by getting overtired can.
eating the amino acid Glutamine has been shown to be helpful in some studies. Glutamine is what your immune cells use for energy.
Milk has 2 grams Glutamine per serving. If you can get some protein powder (roughly 4 grams glutamine per serving) then 2-3 servings of that with milk a day might help as it will give you about 20 grams of Glutamine.
Also, if i were you i’d skip the workout. Being sick increases metabolism and catabolism. So if you are exercising to burn fat you will probably just burn muscle, plus your metabolism is already working faster so you don’t need the extra calorie burn (plus combining exercise & illness could make your caloric need higher than you end up eating, making yoru illness work).
Plus bronchitis is an infection of the chest and lungs, not a good idea to wear yourself out with an active one of those.
Of course im just reciting this from memory. YMMV.
First of all, don’t eat any sugar. Sugar directly suppresses the immune system. Take lots of vitamin-C - but don’t drink juice - the sugar counteracts any benifits. Zinc and Ecenacea boost the immune system, but of course, the effect is only temorary. Ecenacea is best when you’re JUST starting to get sick. Vitamin-C, on the other hand, is used by your immune system when it is fighting an infection. You can take too much, but you’ll only give yourself some loose stool. Stay away from dairy. Dairy causes the production of more mucus - which you probably don’t need!
As far as excercise and exertion, don’t over do anything. Give you body and immune system all the reserve energy you can muster. Sleep all you can. Don’t go out partying and stay up late. The sickness will just come on stronger.
I’ve been working out regularly since April and I haven’t been sick once. I suspect exercise does help the immune system.
However, if you’re weak you probably won’t have a very good workout anyway so you may as well stay home and rest. Especially if you’re going for weight loss, there’s not much benefit in exercising unless you get that heart rate up.
Eat some chicken soup and get well because I EXPECT YOU TO HAVE YOUR ASS READY TO GO ON WEDNESDAY SOLDIER! YOU WILL DROP AND GIVE ME 100!!!
Your cite refers to * one * study published in another journal. It does not give any data regarding that sole study: how large was it, was it controlled, etc. I don’t think one can put much credence on one study, the parameters of which are not given. Everyone needs some sugar. All things in moderation … unless you’re a marathoner.
)are found in the chest. What’s the rush? Change your habit for one week and work out on Tues. and Thurs. Next week you can go back to your 3-workout schedule. Skipping one workout won’t hurt you, but weakening your body defenses by getting overtired can.
