This was the headline in a recent newspaper article and, of course, it got my attention. Exercise has so many benefits and this is a timely benefit in the age of COVID.
Researcher Zhen Yan, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Virginia, noted in the article that the cause of death for 3-17% of patients with SARS-CoV-2 is an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This is when the immune system floods the lungs with fluid and cells in an attempt to rid the body of the virus.
Yan has found that exercise promotes production of an antioxidant called extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD). Like it’s name, SOD is truly a super hero at targeting organs and decreasing the damage caused by free radicals in lung tissue.
Yan did not give information on the amount of exercise needed to create this benefit, but the word “regular” was used in relation to exercise. My book, “Sick and Tired, to Healthy and Inspired: 9 Steps to Prevent Lifestyle Related Diseases” lists exercise recommendations and provides hints for how to make regular exercise a habit. I’m love seeing how many people and families have taken up walking and biking these last few months so ‘keep on truck’n’ America!