It’s a fact, physical exercise helps strengthen the immune system and prevent the occurrence of diseases. Therefore, it seems natural to think that sport can help “clean up” the body when we are sick. In reality, it’s more a question of common sense and feeling. “It all depends on the disease and the type of sport”immediately asks Dr Alexandra Dalu, former emergency doctor. “In the event of a fracture type injury, it is obvious that we will have to wait for the fracture to repair before being able to resume physical activity.”
If it is an ENT infection (cold, cough, sinusitis), it is better to avoid doing sports at first to let the body defend itself. It fights so much against microbes that we generally feel exhausted and that the slightest effort costs us. In this context, doing sport would prove counterproductive since we do not have enough energy to perform well and it will not make us heal faster. Obviously, it all depends on each person’s condition. In case of mild discomfort, it is entirely possible to practice a gentle activity such as walking. “Getting some fresh air and movement stimulates our immunity and the production of pain-relieving proteins, which can only be beneficial”argues Dr Alexandra Dalu.
In case of gastroenteritis or the flu, the question of doing sport does not even arise. On the one hand because we do not have the energy necessary to practice physical activity, and on the other hand, because we risk worsening our state of dehydration. It is best to take a short break, give your body time to recover, and resume later, when you are well recovered. “In general, we know that athletes fall ill less often than the average general population and that they recover more quickly”comments Dr Alexandra Dalu.
“In case of otitis or sinusitis, you must obviously avoid putting your head under water because the water must not come into contact with the eardrum and sinuses, swimming is therefore contraindicated In other situations, it is possible to do the sport you like if you feel good, but if you suffer from a pathology with a slight fever, it is still quite rare to want to do exercise. sport”she continues.
In the case of cancer, the fatigue caused by the treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery) is likely to annihilate the desire to do sport. “But if you feel up to it, it is always recommended to do the sport you love, especially when it comes to chronic illnesses”insists our interlocutor.
Thanks to Dr Alexandra Dalu, anti-aging doctor, mesotherapist, nutritionist and former emergency doctor, author of “The 100 ideas that prevent you from feeling well” (ed. Leducs).
