According to organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic and President's Council on Physical Fitness, exercise can be used to boost and protect the immune system, including both antibody and T cell responses. Exercise has a direct effect on the brain and nervous system and can counteract health issues such as anxiety and depression, both of which can interfere with proper immune system functioning. Individuals with compromised immune systems from chronic illnesses such as AIDS or chronic fatigue syndrome can often experience many health benefits from developing a healthy and consistent exercise plan.
Step 1
Meet with your doctor to check your current immune system response. According to the Cleveland Clinic, many patients with immune deficiencies can benefit from an exercise plan. The level of exercise and length of workouts will be determined by your overall health. A doctor will consider aspects such as body weight, cardiovascular fitness, and any specific heart or lung issues prior to designing a workout. This exam will most likely include blood examination for nutrient levels and immune system function. The process is highly individualized to the patient, and you should follow your doctor's guidelines carefully.
Step 2
Develop an exercise schedule with the help of a nutritionist or fitness professional. Extra support from a professional can be key to maintaining a healthful level of exercise. It is important to monitor body weight, diet, and vital signs to ensure that the level of exercise is not having a negative effect on your immune response. Some individuals can have a strong response from light aerobic workouts such as walking, jogging, or swimming. A fitness professional can help you learn how to time your workouts and calculate important information, such as the amount of calories you expend and resting and active heart rates.
Step 3
Record exercise progress and outcomes. Keeping a detailed journal or chart of your workout activities and fitness results will help you know when you can progress and possibly increase the frequency or intensity of workouts. Individuals who have experienced health problems associated with an immune deficiency can use this information to track improvements or decline in your overall fitness.
Step 4
You should consult regularly with a medical professional for follow-up tests and immune system monitoring. Individuals who are exercising to improve immune system response should have regular medical exams with blood tests that assess immune system function. A doctor or medical team can help you monitor the long term results of your exercise plan. Depending on the outcomes, these checkups can also help a medical team decide on additional courses of treatment such as medications.
