1. Vigorous exercise may suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of viral respiratory infections immediately after exercise, according to a study analyzing post-exercise fluid molecules from firefighters.
2. Physically demanding jobs that require intense fitness training, such as emergency workers and athletes, may face problems due to the potential immune system suppression caused by excessive exercise.
3. While moderate physical activity can benefit the immune system in the long run, the direct impact of vigorous exercise on the immune system is still controversial, with limited reliable evidence supporting the claim that intense exercise heightens the risk of infections.
In a recent study conducted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), researchers analyzed over 4,700 post-exercise fluid molecules from firefighters and found that excessive vigorous exercise could potentially dampen the immune system. This finding may be problematic for individuals with physically demanding jobs that require intense fitness training, such as emergency workers and athletes.
According to PNNL biomedical scientist Ernesto Nakayasu, “People who are very fit might be more prone to viral respiratory infection immediately after vigorous exercise. Having less inflammatory activity to fight off an infection could be one cause.” While there is evidence suggesting that moderate physical activity can benefit the immune system in the long run, the direct effects of vigorous exercise on the immune system are still controversial.
Previous studies have reported self-reported upper respiratory tract infections in athletes compared to control groups after strenuous activities, but it is unclear whether these correlations are causal. To delve deeper into the issue, Nakayasu and his colleagues tested the blood plasma, urine, and saliva of 11 firefighters before and after 45 minutes of intense exercise involving hauling up to 20 kilograms of gear over hilly terrain.
The researchers detected possible signs of immune suppression within the exercised firefighters, such as a decrease in molecules involved in inflammation and an increase in opiorphin, a dilator of peripheral blood vessels. The decrease in inflammatory molecules may represent an adaptive mechanism to improve gas exchange in response to higher cellular oxygen demand. Additionally, there were changes in the participants’ oral microbiome, potentially due to an increase in antimicrobial peptides found in their mouths after intense activity.
Although the increase in antimicrobial peptides had no effect on inhibiting E. coli growth, the researchers suggest that this could indicate a limited capacity of antimicrobial peptides within the oral cavity. However, further research is needed to fully understand the short-term functional consequences of these changes in the immune system.
Overall, this study raises important questions about the potential risks of extreme exercise on immune function. While exercise has known health benefits, including mood enhancement and strengthening the immune system in the long run, individuals engaging in highly intense physical activity should be aware of the potential impact on their immune system. Further research is needed to better understand the complex interactions between exercise and immune function, especially in individuals with physically demanding occupations or athletic pursuits.
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