Live Long and Well with Dr. Bobby
#17: Should You Rest Or Stay Active When You Feel Sick?
Sep 26, 2024
The discussion dives into whether staying active or resting is better when you're sick. Surprising research shows that prolonged bed rest may not be more beneficial than regular activities, especially for conditions like low back pain. Moderate exercise can help reduce the frequency of colds without worsening symptoms. Sauna use might not speed up recovery but could minimize infections. Additionally, staying active may lessen the chances of experiencing fatigue and brain fog with long COVID.
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Quick takeaways
- Staying active during illnesses like colds and low back pain is generally encouraged, as evidence shows it promotes quicker recovery without adverse effects.
- Regular moderate exercise can reduce the frequency of colds, highlighting the importance of maintaining physical activity even when feeling unwell.
Deep dives
The Importance of Activity During Illness
Staying active during minor illnesses like colds or low back pain is generally encouraged, as evidence suggests that rest may not be as beneficial as previously thought. A historical perspective reveals that resting for conditions like back pain was once standard practice, but recent studies show no significant differences in recovery rates between resting and staying active. For instance, a clinical trial found that individuals who continued with light activities after back pain onset fared just as well as those who took a week of bed rest. Thus, maintaining a level of activity can prevent the muscles from weakening, promoting quicker recovery and reducing the risk of further injury.
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