Exercise vs. diet: why physical activity is essential for a strong immune system

In our hectic world, where quick snacks and constant sitting are often part of everyday life, it's easy to forget what our bodies really need to stay strong and healthy. We are constantly on the lookout for the next superfood or the ultimate diet that promises longevity and invulnerability to disease. But there is an often overlooked but crucial ally in the battle for our health: our own immune system. And how can we best support this precious asset? The answer is simpler than you might think: exercise.

Dive into the fascinating world where exercise not only shapes our muscles, but also turns our immune system into a real powerhouse. We show why an active lifestyle is often the key to our health - even more important than the perfect diet. With personal stories, science-based facts and super-practical tips, we show you how you can easily bring more movement into your everyday life and take your well-being to the next level. Let's discover the path to a healthier and happier you together.

The magic of movement: A bulwark for your health

Exercise isn't just a way to get in shape or lose a few excess kilos. It is a fundamental pillar for a strong immune system. Studies show that regular physical activity strengthens our defences in a variety of ways, from improving blood circulation to boosting the immune response. But what exactly does that mean?

Exercise activates our body's soldiers - white blood cells and antibodies - to circulate faster, meaning they become more efficient at identifying and fighting off invaders. It's like giving your immune system an upgrade every time you move.

Small steps, big impact: Incorporate exercise into your daily routine

The thought of exercise can be overwhelming, especially when images of marathon-heavy runs or hour-long sessions at the gym pop into your head. But here's the good news: it doesn't always have to be the grand gestures. Small steps can also make a huge difference. A walk during your lunch break, taking the stairs instead of the lift or a short bike ride after work - all these activities count and add up to significant health benefits.

The path to a life on the move: Tips for getting your daily dose of exercise

But how do you get started? The key is to see exercise not as a duty, but as a pleasure. Find activities that you love, be it dancing, walking, swimming or even gardening. The idea is to stay active and have fun doing it. Here are a few suggestions on how to incorporate exercise into your daily routine without feeling overwhelmed:

• Set small, achievable goals. Start with short, 10-minute walks and gradually increase the time.
• Turn everyday activities into exercise opportunities. Cycling to the supermarket or dancing while cleaning are great examples.
• Be creative with home workouts. There are countless free resources online to help you stay fit without equipment.

Exercise outweighs healthy eating

The importance of exercise for a healthy life, free from disease, through a strong immune system cannot be overstated. Recent research, such as the report "Step Up! Tackling physical inactivity in the European Region" published by the WHO and OECD, strongly emphasises this. This report shows that regular physical activity is not only essential for health, but could also prevent premature deaths, avoid millions of new cases of non-communicable diseases and bring significant economic benefits to EU countries. By promoting physical activity, an average of 0.6% of healthcare expenditure could be saved, equivalent to almost €8bn per year. This finding is a strong argument in favour of the thesis that exercise is one, if not the most important component of a healthy life.

My personal experience further supports this thesis. Despite eating a careful diet, getting enough sleep and supplementing with vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D3, I regularly struggle with illness, especially in the autumn and winter months, due to too little exercise in my everyday life. My step count often remains below 5000 per day and my training is limited to strength exercises without much cardio. This combination seems to be a breeding ground for frequent colds and gastrointestinal issues, further emphasising the importance of exercise.

In stark contrast is my father-in-law, whose diet is far from what is generally considered healthy. With a preference for meat and sweets and an almost complete avoidance of fruit and vegetables, you would think his health would be in poor shape. But the opposite is the case. He is rarely ill, scores extremely well in health checks and feels consistently good. The key? He moves a lot, often at work and in the garden, and 20,000 steps a day is not uncommon. This observation is a powerful illustration of how crucial exercise is to maintaining health and boosting the immune system, even when other factors such as diet and hydration are less than ideal.

The personal stories featured emphasise that an active lifestyle often goes beyond diet to ensure our wellbeing.

A call to action

Exercise is more than just a tool for physical fitness; it's an essential part of a healthy, long life. Every step we take, every movement we make, not only counts for our muscles, but also forms a fortress against disease. It's time to take this journey together, step by step, towards a healthier you. Because at the end of the day, exercise is not just an act of self-care, but a deep promise to ourselves to take care of our well-being and our future.

Article

Die wichtigsten Fitnessübungen für ein langes und gesundes Leben

Dieser Artikel betont die essenzielle Rolle von Fitnessübungen für Gesundheit und Langlebigkeit und stellt Schlüsselaktivitäten vor, die zu einem gesunden Lebensstil beitragen.

Daniel

August 13, 2023 at 5:33 PM

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