My aunt is sick and wants to workout. Please tell me why this is so bad, so I can simply explain why she should stay in bed haha (I’m here to learn, thank everyone for any answers ♡)
In: Biology
I’m not a medical or fitness professional but afaik it’s only bad to workout when you’re sick if it’s a) a respiratory illness (lungs, not head cold) because you’ll need air to exercise, b) a stomach bug as exercise might trigger vomiting or diarrhea, or c) an injury of some kind that would be agitated. Exercise does do low level damage to muscles and joints, but as long as you’re eating and sleeping alright and not overdoing it that won’t matter. The increased circulation might even help you get better faster.
When you are sick your body is in an inflammatory state and is working hard to heal your body. Exercise also creates inflammation which is a good thing, that’s how your body adapts to make you faster, stronger and fitter but it can also add to the already inflammatory state you are in. Also a hard work-out can redirect energy and nutrients away from healing to help recover from the exercise.
Some gentle exercise is ok if you are sick but I would say go easy on the harder workouts
Exercise results in the production of Cortisol and Adrenaline aka epinephrine by the adrenal glands.
Both of these hormones are important in the Fight or Flight Response.
Epinephrine, for example is the definitive treatment for an allergic crisis a.k.a. Anaphylaxis. It blocks inflammation processes and directly inhibits immune cells.
Cortisol has similar effects and inhibits the immune system, but it’s effects tend to last for hours or days. Cortisol is sometimes use as an injection in joints to stop joint inflammation.
This is generally not what you want when you have a viral disease.
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