For the longest time, martial arts have been known to be one of the incredible ways that can help people keep fit, improve focus, reduce stress, and even lower the risk of developing certain chronic diseases. But did you know that martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu [BJJ] can help improve your immune system?
Your immune system is crucial because it is the body’s natural self-defense; it protects you against disease-causing microorganisms. The immune system isn’t perfect; the virus can get through now and then, making you sick.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can improve your immune system. Other than eating a healthy diet and taking supplements, you can also participate in martial arts training such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to
improve your immune system.
In this article, we are going to discuss some of the ways through which martial arts, particularly how the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can help you improve your immune system. Keep on reading to learn more.
- It reduces the production of stress hormones
With our hectic schedules, it is so easy for one to get stressed. You have to balance between work and family and even your hobbies. All these can take a toll on you. So, instead of grabbing a bottle of beer to relieve your stress, why don’t you enroll in a martial arts gym? Martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can help relieve your stress faster than a hangover.
When you are stressed, your body tends to produce more cortisol- the stress hormone. When your body has high levels of this stress hormone, you become more vulnerable to illnesses and infections. Fortunately, martial arts can help lower the levels of cortisol in your body. That’s because each time you train, your body tends to evade any form of stress since your heart starts to race and trigger hormonal changes. With time, your body becomes immune to this kind of stress, making you stronger. - It encourages healthy lifestyle choices
Several studies show that regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can make one lead a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, when exercising becomes a habit, you won’t need as much mental effort because
your brain has adjusted to it already. If you choose to live a healthy lifestyle, you will definitely do what needs to be done to take care of your body. - It improves the quality of sleep
Studies show that an inadequate amount of sleep can lead to certain illnesses. Martial arts can improve your sleep. So if you are struggling to fall or stay asleep at night, you may consider starting martial arts
training. That’s because you will be too tired from training, making you sleep better. Therefore, your body will get the chance to repair itself properly. - It improves detoxification
Unhealthy and junk foods that sometimes we indulge in have plenty of toxins. We can only eliminate these toxins from our bodies through detoxification. The best way to detoxify is to participate in a rigorous activity that involves stretching, circulating, breathing, and sweating. Martial arts are rigorous activities because they involve moving your body, which encourages blood circulation, and plays a significant role in cleansing and purifying the organs.
Here is a direct link to the research in PDF, that has charts and tables in better view:
Immunological Responses to a Brazilian Jiu‐Jitsu
High‐Intensity Interval Training Session
Source: https://content.sciendo.com/configurable/contentpage/journals$002fhukin$002f70$002f1$002farticle-p115.xml