Exercise-induced immune suppression

Exercise-induced immune suppression refers to the temporary weakening of the immune system that can occur after intense physical activity. When you engage in strenuous exercise, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can inhibit immune function. This might make you more susceptible to infections, especially shortly after a workout. While regular moderate exercise generally boosts immunity, excessive training or high-intensity workouts without proper recovery can lead to this short-term suppression. Understanding this helps athletes and active individuals balance their training and recovery to maintain optimal health.