Does exercise affect inflammation?

The research reviewed here investigated the effect of 2 types of exercises involving participants with the metabolic syndrome (Stensvold D, et al. 2012). The metabolic syndrome is associated with chronic low grade inflammation. Several inflammatory cytokines were measured including interleukin-18 (IL-18) which seems to be the best marker of inflammation among people with metabolic syndrome. The participants, inactive men and women with the metabolic syndrome were assigned to either high intensity aerobic interval training or strength training or a control group. The exercises were carried out 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The results showed that high intensity aerobic interval training reduced interleukin-18 (IL-18) with 43%. Strength training did not have the same effect. This does not mean that strength training is not valuable, it is, but this is another interesting example of the benefits of high intensity interval training. If you in addition make specific changes to your meals, you will receive even more amazing benefits. None of these things need to take a lot of time. Download the program Learn to Eat for explanations and recommendations.

Stensvold D, Slørdahl SA, Wisløff U. Effect of exercise training on inflammation status among people with metabolic syndrome. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2012 Aug;10(4):267-72. Epub 2012 Mar 28.