Can running boost the immune system?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, my girlfriend isn't in very good health. I'd like to encourage her to run with me to improve her fitness and boost her immunity. I'm wondering, can running help improve immunity?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Aihua
Running is a common form of exercise, but can it actually boost the immune system? The answer is yes—running can strengthen your immune system.
Research shows that regular running helps activate the body's immune system. When people run, their bodies adapt to physiological changes such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. These adaptations contribute to enhanced immunity. Additionally, consistent running effectively increases the number of lymphocytes in the bloodstream—cells that play a key role in protecting the body against viral infections.
Moreover, running promotes the production of antioxidants in the body, which help counteract the harmful effects of free radicals on the immune system. Regular running improves immune response and reduces susceptibility to various viruses, thereby strengthening the immune system.
In summary, running is an effective way to boost immunity. However, it's important to maintain a reasonable schedule: exercising for 120–150 minutes per week is generally recommended to achieve optimal benefits.
