How Exercise Benefits the Respiratory System

01/05/2012 05:40

 

A regular exercise is one of the best ways to develop your sense of well-being, put off health problems, and improve your chances of staying healthy as you age. When you exercise, you increase your oxygen intake. This does not only bring flexibility to your lungs, but also supports every function in your body. Thus, the respiratory system may greatly benefit from exercise. Through time, it has been known that exercise benefits several aspects of our health. A study was even reported that it may delay the possibility of the controversial hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgeries are criticized by some because of the defective hip devices like the ones manufactured by Johnson and Johnson’s DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. Recently, Johnson and Johnson released its first quarter financial information, and it appears that the DePuy hip replacement recall costs increased by $276 million.

 

The function of your respiratory system is bringing in the needed oxygen of the working muscles and removing carbon dioxide that is eventually produced. Your rate of respiration changes as aresponse to different factors, one of which is exercise. The system may become stronger and operate with greater ease over the course of time.

 

Exercises such as jogging, walking and swimming increase your heart rate and breathing rate because when you do them, your body has to take in more oxygen. These kinds of exercises utilize your larger muscles and offer several benefits for your body. Some of the benefits directly concern your heart and lungs by making them stronger and more efficient.

 

Exercise improves your lung capacity and function. Engaging in regular physical activity increases your heart rate and drives your lungs to work harder to provide the extra oxygen that your body needs during physical exertion.

 

Exercise also increases blood flow to your lungs by allowing the lungs to carry more oxygen into the blood.

 

Exercise may improve the way your immune system functions and may change your risk of developing upper respiratory tract infections. It helps by flushing bacteria out from the lungs; thus, decreasing the chance of a cold, flu, or other airborne illnesses. It may also flush out cancer-causing cells or carcinogens by increasing output of wastes, such as urine and sweat. According to a study among 547 adults, those who participated in regular moderate to vigorous physical activity had a 23 percent lower risk of upper respiratory tract infections than those who exercised irregularly. This was published in the August 2002 issue of "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise."

 

Furthermore, a medical study of a large group of Soviet and Russian physicians suggests that nasal breathing during exercise is the main factor that maximizes positive effects on the respiratory system. According to the study, exercise further prevents health problems such as coronary spasms, angina pains, infarcts, strokes, sport-induced asthma attacks, and seizures.

 

Truly, exercise may help you feel better, just by making you feel more energetic and healthier. However, it is necessary to consult your doctor before commencing on any exercise program, especially if you suffer from a health condition that concerns your respiratory system. The effects of exercise on the respiratory system and body oxygen content among sick people are generally negative due to mouth breathing, experts say. Chronic or acute medical conditions may affect your lung function, making it harder for your respiratory system to work properly when exercising. Click here for more information on the above-mentioned DePuy hip replacement system.

 

 


References:

  • livestrong.com/article/412972-benefit-of-exercise-on-respiratory-system/
  • normalbreathing.com/c-effects-of-exercise-on-the-respiratory-system.php
  • livestrong.com/article/341113-effects-of-exercise-on-cardiovascular-and-respiratory-system/

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