Recommendations to maintain immune health in athletes

Abstract

Numerous studies over the last 35 years report an increase in upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms in athletes during periods of heavy training and competition. Challenges athletes face such as heavy exercise and life stress influence immune function via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system and the resulting immunoregulatory hormones. Both innate and acquired immunity are often reported to decrease transiently in the hours after heavy exertion, typically 15-70%: prolonged heavy training sessions in particular have been shown to decrease immune function; potentially providing an 'open window' for opportunistic infections. Whether the observed changes in immunity with acute strenuous exercise or periods of heavy training account for the increased susceptibility to URI symptoms remains contentious. Nevertheless, there is little doubt that URI symptoms hinder athletic training and competition; underpinning the need to identify the prominent risk factors and appropriate countermeasures. Recent studies have identified prominent risk factors, including: intensified training in the winter; long-haul travel; low energy availability; high levels of psychological stress and anxiety; and depression. Given the shared pathways and effector limbs for the body's response to physical and psychological challenges, it is logical that psychological strain influences immunity and illness incidence in athletes under heavy training; indeed, stress and anxiety have recently been shown to modify the immune response to exercise. This mini-review provides new insights and evidence-based recommendations for coping with the various challenges that athletes encounter on immune health, including: heavy exercise; life stress; sleep disruption; environmental extremes and nutritional deficits.

T helper cell-related changes in peripheral blood induced by progressive effort among soccer players

“…Essentially, intense exercise of short duration is associated with much weaker stimulation of the immune system than the stimulation associated with long-term effort of high intensity [42,43]. Moreover, exercise of high and very high intensity increases the risk of upper respiratory tract infections in contrast to regular moderate intensity physical activity [36,42,44,45]. Our previous study showed that Th cells play an important role in regulation and modulation of the immune response to progressive effort until exhaustion performed on a mechanical treadmill [20,35].…”

Sports Health During the SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic

“…Regarding individual athletes, the risk of developing Covid-19 can be reduced by regular sleep, eating a wellbalanced diet, and staying well hydrated, to maintain the capacity of the immune system [28]. A proper intake of fruit and vegetables (7-8 portions per day) is beneficial, since these foods contain polyphenols and flavonoids that support immune function [29].…”

Upper respiratory tract infections and the immune system response. A review.

“…Recent studies in animals [34] and in men [35] shown the e cacy of massage in boosting effects on T cell repertoire and in decrease noradrenergic innervation of lymphoid organs. Lifestyles intervention and psychological methods has also been proven to be effective in boost the immune system, for example meditation and methods to copying with life stressors [36,37]. Quite simple activities, such as breathing control can be helpful in reducing stress, boosting immune system [38,39].…”