Cardio, or aerobic exercise, boosts your immune system, which makes your body more resistant to colds and flu and other common viral illness. In fact, regular exercise has a more pronounced effect on the immune response than does nutrition, according to the Cleveland Clinic. People who regularly engage in aerobic activities tend to live longer than those who don't.
Disease Prevention
Exercise encourages good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to travel through the body unencumbered and perform more efficiently. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health and thereby encourages a healthy immune system, according to Harvard Health Publications. Cardiovascular exercise can lower the risk of being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Aerobic exercise can help stop the accumulation of plaque in the arteries because it increases HDL or "good" cholesterol while reducing LDL or "bad" cholesterol.
Disease Management
Cardio exercise can help manage chronic conditions such as heart disease. Newly diagnosed heart disease patients who regularly exercise are able to return to work sooner, report having increased self-confidence, and less stress and anxiety. The mortality rate of heart attack patients who take part in a structured exercise program falls by up to 25 percent, reports the American Heart Association.
Considerations
While it's unclear whether cardio exercise enhances the immune system directly or works through a connection the brain and nervous system, it can promote good braining function. At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three days a week appears to hold off cognitive decline in older adults, according to MayoClinic.com. Frequent aerobic exercise can ease mild to moderate depression and tension and anxiety while promoting relaxation.
Outlook
Experimental studies suggest that an ongoing exercise program of brisk walking can strengthen many defenses of the immune system, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Even modest levels of aerobic exercise are helpful. Engaging in moderately intensive cardio activities for 20 to 30 minutes promotes a healthy immune response.
