This was an interesting study that came out recently that looked into the claims that exercise actually boosts the immune system. The researchers went one step further and used participants who had received treatments for cancer. (Cancer patients suffer from compromised immune systems as a result of the treatment itself. Radiation and chemotherapy attacks cancerous as well as healthy cells. As a result, patients recovering from cancer, are susceptible to secondary infections as their normal immune response isn't there)
The researchers found that exercise can greatly decrease the risk of these patients developing a secondary cancer. These findings could also explain how a patient who has never been diagnosed with cancer can use exercise to help reduce the chances of getting this diagnosis.
A team of experts, led by Laura Bilek, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, found that exercise actually changes the composition or 'make-up' of a person's immune system. T cells, a type of immune cell that protects against infectious agents and cancer cells, were the focal point in the investigation of the cancer survivors who had just finished chemotherapy. Previous studies had shown that chemotherapy actually changes these protective T cells. After chemotherapy, T cells were found to be in a less potent or less effective state. In this study, the researchers found that after a 12 week exercise program, these T cells were actually replaced with different T cells that were more potent and effective at fighting off infections and even cancer!
Bilek explained, "What we're suggesting is that with exercise, you might be getting rid of T cells that aren't helpful and making room for T cells that might be helpful." Since this dramatic change was observed in patients battling cancer, it would be reasonable to deduce that exercise could impose the same benefits for those never being diagnosed with cancer as well.
As the laundry list of exercise benefits continues to grow, it is undeniable that everyone should make exercise a part of their daily lives. It still confuses me how many people will diligently take care of their teeth, brushing and cleaning often twice a day. However, these same people will forget about the rest of their bodies and ignore exercise all together. Please don't underestimate the value of movement and exercise!
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