Factors That Influence Immunity, Part 2

Factors That Influence Immunity, Part 2

LACK OF SLEEP LOWERS IMMUNE FUNCTION

When we sleep, our bodies refresh and recharge themselves. Sleep and
immunity seem inexorably linked. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for
Evolutionary Anthropology report that animals that sleep more show greater
resistance to infection; in fact, “evolutionary increases in mammalian sleep
durations are strongly associated with an enhancement of immune defences, as
measured by the number of immune cells circulating in peripheral blood” (Preston
et al. 2009).

The importance of sleep cannot be overstated. In today’s 24-7 cycle of endless
activity, it’s even more important to honor your body with the sleep it requires. Your
immune system will thank you.

EXERCISE ENHANCES IMMUNE FUNCTIONING—TO A POINT

Exercise not only helps your immune system resist infection but also lowers
your chances of heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. The National Cancer
Institute (NCI) (2009) proposes that “physical activity may prevent tumor
development by lowering hormone levels, particularly in premenopausal women,
lowering levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), improving the
immune response, and assisting with weight maintenance to avoid a high body mass
and excess body fat.” Remember, however, that too much of a good thing is no
longer a good thing. Intensive, long-term exercise creates a great deal of freeradical
activity, which results in an increase in stress hormones and a decrease in
white blood cell activity. Moderation is key!

Exercise is absolutely essential for your lymph glands. Exercise is also a great
energizer to the lymphatic system, an exquisitely designed network of vessels and
nodes (over six hundred) that work throughout your body to normalize fluids,
allocate proteins, and scour for toxins.

But unlike the circulatory system, which is outfitted with a dedicated pump (the
heart), lymph requires bodily motion to move—another reason to adapt or maintain
a regular exercise program! Walking, biking, swimming, rebounding, weight
training, running, yoga, and even rhythmically tapping your chest will help
stimulate lethargic nodes.