Regular exercise may enhance your body's ability to respond to physical demands. Aquatic exercise has the added bonus of improving muscle tone and reducing fat levels without excess strain on the joints which may increase healthy white blood cell count for improved health. Consult with your doctor before beginning an exercise program within aquatic sports. Some heart conditions, such as a long QT, may increase risks in water; such conditions may not be physically obvious without screening and require assessment before water sports may be safely attempted.
Considerations
White blood cells are the warriors of the body. Having enough of them may enable the body to fight off certain illnesses, but researchers have found that individuals who are more physically fit have lower levels of white blood cell groups. These findings may show that total white blood cell count, which can also be used as a sign of inflammatory activation, may be associated with illness associated with heart disease, cancer and other immune problems.
Inflammation and Aquatics
Physical exercise, including aquatics, increases inflammation in the muscles which may increase healthy white blood cell count. High white blood cell counts are considered to be a sign of poor health, but white blood cell activation related to healthful exercise, such as swimming, helps to promote a healthy immune system that can ward off attacks before they develop into something more serious.
Hydrotherapy
Naturopaths and physicians may use water therapy, otherwise known as hydrotherapy, to increase white blood cell count to ward off illness, or to boost fighting ability in the already ill. Hydrotherapy uses the aquatic power of water in hot and cold flashes to confuse the body into boosting white blood cell count for preventive care and acute symptoms.
Shorter Recovery Times
Aquatics athletes with high white blood cell counts unrelated to illness have been shown to have shorter circulatory routes for oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Faster routes enable the brain, heart and essential organs more efficient access to oxygen for better performance.
Boosting Your Count
Apparently, fat cells increase the likelihood for excessive white blood cell count related to illness. Aquatic exercise increases lean muscle which burns fat more effectively. This transfer of fat into energy may shift white blood cells which appear in response to disease to white blood cells which appear in response to an active and healthy immune system.
References
- "The American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness"; Larry Trivieri Jr.; 2001
- "The American Physical Therapy Association Book of Body Maintenance and Repair"; Steve Vickery and Marilyn Moffat; 2004
- "British Journal of Sports Medicine"; Association of White Blood Cell Subfraction Concentration with Fitness and Fatness"; Neil M. Johannsen, et al.; 2008
