Excerise May Protect Against COVID-19
What would you say if I told you that I believe the benefit of exercise is far more than what we know? What would you say if I told you that exercise is not only good for your mind, body, and soul, but it could also be used as a potential treatment approach for harmful respiratory viruses such as Covid-19?
As we’ve started to emerge from what felt like a never-ending “lockdown” in our homes we ponder what measures we must take to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the novel coronavirus.
As gyms begin to re-open across New York State we wonder if going back is the right thing to do. Though we know that our health must be of the utmost importance, we recognize that we are now faced with new challenges. Is it safe? Will our workouts be the same? Will the guidelines we have to follow be too much? If you are on the fence, perhaps this article will help you make a clearer decision.
Researchers found that regular exercise may reduce the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, a major cause of death in patients with the COVID-19 virus. A review by Zhen Yan of the University of Virginia School of Medicine showed that medical research findings “strongly support” the possibility that exercise can prevent or at least reduce the severity of ARDS, which affects between 3% and 17% of all patients with COVID-19. Based on available information, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 20% to 42% of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 will develop ARDS. The range for patients admitted to intensive care is estimated at 67% to 85%.
Research conducted prior to the pandemic suggested that approximately 45% of patients who develop severe ARDS will die.
Sadly, the words we hear most often when Covid-19 is mentioned is either “social distancing” or “ventilator,” as if all we can do is either avoid exposure or rely on a ventilator to survive. On the flip side of the story, approximately 80% of confirmed COVID-19 patients have only mild symptoms with no need for respiratory support. So, the question is, ‘Why?’
Powerful Antioxidant
When we take a closer look at an antioxidant known as extracellular superoxide dismutase or EcSOD, we see that this potent antioxidant hunts down harmful free radicals, protecting our tissues and helping to prevent disease. Our muscles naturally make EcSOD, secreting it into the circulation to allow binding to other vital organs, but its production is enhanced by cardiovascular exercise. Although the study focused on its production being enhanced by cardiovascular exercise, weight training is equally important. In fact, another study showed increased muscle mass will also produce more of the antioxidant that protects against ARDS.
A decrease in the antioxidant is seen in several diseases, including acute lung dis-ease, ischemic heart disease, and kidney failure. A decrease in EcSOD is also associated with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, which we see in many of our elder gym patrons.
It’s safe to say that all fingers point in the direction of increasing the production of extracellular superoxide dismutase because it has a beneficial effect. Research suggests that even a single session of exercise increases the production of the antioxidant.
Potential Treatments
When I dug a little deeper, I also found that research also suggests EcSOD as a potential treatment for ARDS and many other health conditions. Gene therapy, for example, might one day be used to increase the production of the antioxidant so that its protective presence in the lungs is enhanced in patients battling COVID-19.
Research has also shown that lab rats with chronic kidney disease had less kidney damage when treated with human EcSOD. The antioxidant is already being proposed as a potential therapeutic for diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness. Further, EcSOD also may prove beneficial against multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, in which multiple organs begin to fail.
In Conclusion
We often say that exercise is medicine. EcSOD sets a perfect example by telling us that we can learn from the biological process of exercise to advance medicine.
We cannot live in isolation forever. Regular exercise is necessary. It has far more health benefits than we know and it’s so important for our physical and mental well-being.
Now that our New York State gyms have the “green light” to re-open, we once again have the opportunity to partake in some of our favorite activities. I urge you to find ways to exercise even if you have to wear a mask, social distance, and decrease the amount of time your sweat because of it.
If an exercise can help protect us against this severe respiratory disease condition, it’s just one more reason to grab a pair of sneakers and start today! Good luck to you.
I have been a personal trainer for over seventeen years and I honestly feel that I have one of the best jobs out there! The most rewarding part of my profession is helping one of my clients succeed in reaching their personal fitness goals. Making a difference in someone’s life makes it all worthwhile. I am currently certified by the National Sports Conditioning Association, Apex Fitness Group, and the International Sports Science Association.
