Although no qualified researcher will claim that exercise can fully repair a damaged or weakened immune system, studies have found that moderate exercise can help strengthen the immune system against disease and sustain it over a period of time.

Studies conducted in the field of health and nutrition may have had many contradicting results but from all the research conducted it is clear that exercise helps to reduce stress levels and has several beneficial effects on the body.

Research conducted over the last three decades agree that with changes in lifestyle , a number of people are suffering from stress which has a negative impact on their health and well-being. People who experience high levels of stress are more susceptible to common colds, digestive problems and frequent bouts of fatigue. In most cases fatigue is an indirect result since stress leads to lowered amounts of sleep, hence they experience fatigue.

But with regular exercise one can give vent to ones negative energy and help lower the levels of stress. Exercise also serves as an activity that helps to divert ones attention away from the external factors causing the stress.

Other advantages of moderate daily exercise include helping the cardiovascular system by improving the flow of blood, eliminating the body of toxins from the muscles and organs and also aiding in the healthy functioning of the kidneys and endocrine system by removing germs and circulating antibodies.

Thus exercise helps to protect the body against germs and disease while strengthening the immune system at the same time.

Another useful advantage of exercising that most of us aren't aware of is that it actually helps to fight against colds, flu and other diseases. This is because when we exercise the body temperature increases slightly and this helps in killing the infecting organisms.

Studies conducted at the University of Colorado proved that moderate exercise helps to prevent colds. It was found that individuals who had participated in a regular exercise program were less likely to fall ill after a stressful episode. However, those who had started exercising only on the same day of the stressful episode were not as immune.

The study was conducted on rats mainly because of similarity in some systems and their responses to humans.

Most people exercise with the aim of improving their body image and exercise when undertaken consistently and in the correct manner helps to achieve that. This improved body image leads to higher levels of self confidence and relaxation in social situations and thus reduces stress while enhancing the immune system.

Whether directly or indirectly it is a known fact that moderate, daily exercise helps to support and enhance ones immune system leading to optimal health.