The cold and flu season is well underway, and many of us have already had our battle with the nasty bugs. The average adult suffers between 2 and 5 colds per year! Many of us wonder when we begin to sneeze if we should just stop everything and rest until it's over, and indeed it can feel like we should! Some recent research says perhaps not. Moderate physical activity may in fact increase our natural immune response enough to fight off minor colds.

     According to researchers at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, people who have a higher level of physical activity suffer fewer colds per year than people who have more sedentary lifestyles. They studied 547 people with varying activity levels, naming anything over a brisk daily walk to be "moderate" exercise levels. Their results showed that participants who had moderate to vigorous exercise levels reported 25 percent less colds per year! However, they cited previous research that suggested that overexertion-level exercise, such as that seen in marathon runners, could increase the number of colds per year. Their final suggestion was to strike a balance between moderate exercise, good nutrition, and proper amounts of sleep.

     This suggestion is a good one, because often the holiday time is filled with stress and altered sleep schedules, which both result in decreased immune function. But when we're feeling run down and tired, how easy is it to get into the gym? The best advice I can give is if you are feeling only slightly stressed, push yourself a little and get at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise that day with lots of water. The increase in heart rate helps mobilize blood flow, and the water helps to flush toxins from the body. There are also theories that aerobic exercise helps to jump-start sluggish immune function. You will be left feeling more invigorated, and you might chase a cold away as well!

     However, if you are feeling very ill and tired, suffering from a fever, coughing heavily or having gastrointestinal problems you should listen to your body. Stay warm and rested, and supplement with a multi-vitamin if your hunger is decreased. Just because you aren't hungry doesn't mean you don't need good nutrition! Regarding activities, if you are feeling very sick extra exercise may be too taxing to an already overly stressed system. Also, sneezing germs around the gym may not make you a very popular guest! A couple days of rest is necessary for a rough cold or flu, so don't be afraid to take those sick days from work, either. You may end up needing a lot more time off if the illness worsens.

     The key here is that during times of stress you should be getting moderate exercise before you become ill for preventative purposes, not to push yourself through an unwanted illness. Proper exercise and stretching regimens will make you feel great, and keep you healthier in the long run! In the mean time, have a happy and healthy New Year, and keep the questions coming!

Dr. Amy Allen has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, and her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic West. Her private practice is currently accepting new patients, and is located at 3880 S. Bascom Ave. Suite 117, phone 408-559-4059. You can e-mail questions to dramyallen@yahoo.com, or mail them to her practice address. E-mail questions are responded to regardless of whether they are published.