Low White Blood Cell Count & Fitness

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##### Low white blood cell counts leave you vulnerable to infection. Exercise improves immune function and increases a healthy person's resistance to infection, especially once a moderate routine is established. However, too much exercise can adversely affect your immune system. In addition, according to the doctors at MayoClinic.com low white blood cell counts are typically associated with a treatment, such as chemotherapy, or a previously identified disease, which may make exercise risky. Work with your doctor to determine safe exercise goals as your immune system recovers. CAUSES OF LOW WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTS The list of causes for leukopenia, or low white blood cell count, includes those diseases that deplete bone marrow, such as infection; those that damage the liver or spleen; and collagen-vascular disease, such as lupus. Radiation therapy also frequently results in low white blood cell counts. Additionally, according to the National Institute of Health, certain medications, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, antithyroid medications and chemotherapy drugs lower white blood cell counts and should be discussed with your doctor prior to interpreting test results. THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND EXERCISE A strong correlation exists between moderate exercise and improved immune-system functioning. Although not well understood, researchers at the National Institute of Health suspect that increased circulation allows the white blood cells to get to the site of infection more quickly and to act more efficiently once they arrive. In addition, exercise appears to trigger hormones that facilitate the immune response by alerting them to potential threats earlier than in the immune system of a sedentary person. As low white blood cell counts significantly impair your immune-system functioning, your doctor may suggest a gentle to moderate exercise program. Effective programming should be personalized to maximize the effectiveness of the white blood cells you presently have without overly taxing your system. AVOIDING INFECTION Low white blood cell counts suggest that you are especially vulnerable to infection. As a result, you must take extra precautions to stay healthy. Impeccable hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and proper nail care, is essential. Avoid crowded places, such as fitness clubs, as the risk of infection in these places is often elevated no matter how clean the owners attempt to keep them. Solitary exercise, such as using a workout tape at home or walking briskly around your neighborhood, is a safer choice until your immune system is stronger. In addition, stay hydrated and well-rested. MODERATION Although moderate exercise is linked to stronger immune function, excessive exercise has the opposite effect. Exercising to the point of fatigue not only risks injury, but it can further deplete your immune system. Strenuous exercise reduces your white blood cell count and introduces stress hormones, both of which increase your vulnerability to infection. Moderate exercise ideas include a 20- to 30-minute walk or a relaxed bike ride with your children. You should be able to talk comfortably and feel energized rather than exhausted by the effort. Work with your doctor to identify safe exercise levels for your situation. #####
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