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Meditation/Exercise May Improve Immune System

Published on August 22, 2012

It’s easy to take a healthy immune system for granted in the warm days of summer, but it’s never too early to start preparing for the cold and flu season. All of rituals and remedies we start practicing when we feel that first tickle in the nose or throat may not stack up to preventative doses of exercise and meditation. A recent study conducted by Dr. Bruce Barrett at the University of Wisconsin is the first to positively link an intervention to a reduction in incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Both interventions—meditation and exercise—practiced before cold and flu season set in, showed a statistically significant improvement in winter health.

The randomized trial of 149 adults divided subjects into three groups during the eight-week intervention period. One group practiced mindfulness meditation, one group exercised, and the final served as a control group. Participants were then observed during the cold and flu season for typical symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, stuffiness, and sneezing.

The group that practiced meditation had only 27 ARI episodes, which totaled 257 days of illness, while the control group had 40 ARI episodes for a total of 453 illness days. The exercise group fared even better than the meditation group, with 26 ARIs and 241 days of illness.  According to Dr. Barrett, “nothing has previously been shown to prevent ARI.” Dr. Barrett is hopeful that these results can be replicated in future studies and that they will have a substantive impact on how we approach cold and flu prevention.

If the thought of fewer sick days isn’t enough to motivate you to start a meditation practice or exercise practice, think of the other potential side effects—improved ability to focus and handle stress, lower blood pressure, and improved brain function and pain tolerance, to name a few. Now if only there was a way to practice exercise and meditation at the same time…

Have you noticed an improvement in your immune system after beginning a regular meditation or yoga/exercise practice?

 

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One response to “Meditation/Exercise May Improve Immune System”

  1. Tatiana Avatar
    Tatiana

    There is a way to practice exercise and meditation at the same time.

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Amber Baker Avatar
About the author
Amber completed an eclectic 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2007, and considers herself an eternal student. She has a Master of Arts in Health Education and Promotion, and is inspired by empowering others to take control of their health and well-being. After teaching gentle and slow flow yoga for many years, she is taking a break from teaching and is currently learning another side of yoga through her desk job. In this new challenge, her core tools for maintaining balance include her home practice, family, friends and being in nature. Creative expression, engaging with current yogic thought, trends, philosophy and exploring health and wellness through plants (as food, medicine and nourishment) are her passions.
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