IANS , London | Updated: February 04, 2015 13:45 IST
While one tries to apply various fitness techniques, too much exercise can be damaging, says an expert. Even though the diet is almost always carefully planned out in accordance to a fitness routine, many fail to realize the impact excess training can have on the rest of their body, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
Brisk walking for 30-45 minutes five days a week has been shown to boost immunity but more strenuous activities may have a negative impact on the body, says fitness expert Erin McCann. "When the body is exposed to physical stressors such as exercise it responds in a similar way to how it does when exposed to mental stress - the hormone cortisol is released.
"Cortisol stimulates energy production and improves muscle endurance which supports fight or flight reaction. Cortisol however also acts as an immunosuppresant and following even just a moderate workout, immune function can take up to 72 hours to fully recover. This leaves individuals open to viral or bacterial infections," said McCann.
McCann suggests top three ways to support immune function -
