Autoimmune Conditions and Exercise? So Many Health Benefits for You!
The theme for this week … the role of activity with autoimmune conditions
Being active is important for just about every aspect of your physical, mental and cognitive health. Physical activity is especially important when managing the ups and downs that come along with autoimmune conditions. Read on …
Keeping active with autoimmune conditions — why?
Exercise helps you manage other aspects of health when you have an autoimmune disease. Common themes in the many studies about benefits of exercise with autoimmune conditions are clear — being active helps!
Because many autoimmune conditions have associated joint inflammation, many medical professionals have been hesitant to recommend exercise believing it causes further joint damage. Multiple research studies show the opposite — joint function improved!
A 2020 study calls out specifics for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) noting that increases in physical activity yield significant improvements in:
- CRP (C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker)
- Fatigue reduction
- Grip strength
- Waist circumference
- Aerobic capacity
- Cognitive function
These are a big deal for your well-being!
A little goes a long way!
Some research related to autoimmune disease differentiates physical activity and physical exercise, showing that simply increasing activity is highly beneficial.
- Activity is defined as general movement during the day such as walking and gardening.
- Exercise is defined as planned and targeted.
Each was shown to support many health benefits especially related to cardiovascular function. The title of this report is very telling, Get moving and manage the disease.
Bridging® can help!
Although Autoimmune disease like RA has multi-systemic effects making exercise hard, Bridging® can be incorporated to help smooth out joint stress to reap the health benefits from being active.