Should You Exercise With Flu / Cold?
We all have this question, if you should exercise when dealing with sickness. According to an advise by endurance athlete and family physician Dr. Cathleen London, M.D, she suggests her clients a rule of thumb- "neck and up!"
If all your symptoms are in your head, throat or nose, and you are feeling up to it,- it's alright to exercise. If your sickness is below your neck- in chest, stomach, Dr. London advises to take it easy. This is the time you really need to rest. Exercising with a cold in chest is inviting troubles, as it can exaggerate your symptoms and prolong your sickness. You should listen to your body in general, and give it time and rest to heal, though it can be frustrating and bring. Taking it easy is the only way to feel better sooner in sickness! When dealing with flu and cold, it is also advised by experts to intake plenty of fluids, lot of rest and healthy diet full of antioxidants, staying in cooler temperatures contrary to general conception. Exercise can also play a big role as per experts. Exercise supports your immune system, because it helps reduce stress. While stress destroys your mind, it can also wreak your immune system. When the levels of the stress hormone cortisol are elevated, it leaves you immunocompromised. Exercising regularly keeps your cortisol levels in control, and always makes you healthier and happier!