Intervention Effect of Exercise and Diet on Immunity Under the Coronavirus Pandemic

Intervention Effect of Exercise and Diet on Immunity Under the Coronavirus Pandemic

Licheng Gao, Yawen Zhao
DOI: 10.4018/IJHISI.325237
Article PDF Download
Open access articles are freely available for download

Abstract

In the context of the global pandemic, enhancing immunity is an important way to defeat the virus. This article analyzes the immune system and immune function of the body and proposes to intervene in the function of the immune system through diet and various intensities of exercise. Research has shown that doing less intensive exercise can improve the impact of negative emotions, thereby enhancing the immune system. Long-term high-intensity exercise can suppress immune function. In the event of a disease outbreak, the immune system can be strengthened by providing adequate nutrition. The most important thing is that the human body should have sufficient high-quality protein. Firstly, protein is the material foundation for maintaining health. Secondly, the human body needs to consume more vitamin A. Thirdly, we mainly eat trace elements such as iron, zinc, and selenium. Fourthly, there must be more biologically active foods. At the same time, it is important to ensure sufficient sleep, a good mood, and exercise.
Article Preview
Top

Introduction

At the end of 2019, the sudden outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia seriously threatened the physical and mental health of Chinese people. The consequences of the epidemic cannot be ignored (Clemente-Suárez et al., 2022). The virus cannot be cured for a period of time after infecting the human body. The virus strain can also mutate under certain factors, leading to faster transmission speed. Since moderate exercise can help the body to resist the novel coronavirus, the government has actively mobilized and adopted various ways to support daily exercise (De Frel et al., 2020). Supporting sports and anti-epidemic activities is the main content of China's national sports and health work during the epidemic, and the “anti-epidemic” movement is also an important measure for all sectors of society to encourage the participation of the whole population in sports activities during the epidemic (Laddu et al., 2021).

Due to the impact of the epidemic, coupled with relevant departments urging the public to avoid going to centralized enclosed places or crowded public places, the proportion of public participation in fitness has decreased (Luzi & Radaelli, 2020). According to relevant surveys, before the epidemic, more people participated in sports, with 45.3% participating in more than three sports and 30.8% participating in two sports. During the epidemic, 38.5% of people exercised more than three times every week, and 25.3% exercised twice per week. The number of people participating in sports activities before and during the epidemic is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Number of people participating in sports activities before and during the pandemic

IJHISI.325237.f01

Another link that plays an important role in immunity during the epidemic is how to eat, and this has sparked heated discussions among the public. During the epidemic, the time spent sitting and lying down significantly increased due to environmental conditions and restrictions on activity areas. And in relatively static situations, people's aerobic endurance and muscle strength both decrease to a certain extent, and these changes inevitably lead to a decrease in body function. Now, entering the stage of normalized epidemic prevention and control, citizens can scientifically adjust their exercise and diet (Alam et al., 2021).

Therefore, this article analyzes the origin of human immunity, studies the impact of dietary structure on immunity, summarizes the effects of various exercise methods, and combines scientific diet with exercise. The synergistic effect of the two has important reference value for improving the body's immune system.

Complete Article List

Search this Journal:
Reset
Volume 19: 1 Issue (2024)
Volume 18: 1 Issue (2023)
Volume 17: 2 Issues (2022)
Volume 16: 4 Issues (2021)
Volume 15: 4 Issues (2020)
Volume 14: 4 Issues (2019)
Volume 13: 4 Issues (2018)
Volume 12: 4 Issues (2017)
Volume 11: 4 Issues (2016)
Volume 10: 4 Issues (2015)
Volume 9: 4 Issues (2014)
Volume 8: 4 Issues (2013)
Volume 7: 4 Issues (2012)
Volume 6: 4 Issues (2011)
Volume 5: 4 Issues (2010)
Volume 4: 4 Issues (2009)
Volume 3: 4 Issues (2008)
Volume 2: 4 Issues (2007)
Volume 1: 4 Issues (2006)
View Complete Journal Contents Listing