Most of us take proactive steps to keep healthy over the long, cold winter. From vaccines and vitamins to hand washing and proper sleep, it takes some thought and effort to steer clear of the season’s common illnesses such as influenza, colds or COVID-19. We often seek out solutions in the pharmacy aisles. However, research has shown that keeping active could offer some significant benefits toward maintaining a strong defense as the winter wears on.

A variety of studies dating to the 1970s have demonstrated the strong ties between physical activity and a strong immune system. Compounds produced by the muscles help to bolster immune function and leave us in a better position to avoid sore throats, aches and all the other difficult symptoms of the season. Meanwhile, certain immune cells can enhance our muscle growth, research has found.

The findings show that our muscles have roles well beyond movement and strength. It’s another reason why exercise is so important. While most of us aren’t interested in improving athletic performance or building a muscular physique, spending some time in the gym could provide the dual benefit of keeping bacteria and viruses at bay.

Humans are meant to engage in physical activity-- our health and wellbeing depend on it. Exercise is a dose of prevention that becomes ever more important as we age. Muscle mass decreases about 3-8% per decade after the age of 30 and the rate of decline accelerates after we reach the age of 60.

Sarcopenia, or the age-related decline in skeletal muscle tissue, can lead to loss of function, and ultimately, independence. The links between muscle health and immune function mean those who have suffered muscle loss as a function of aging might also be more susceptible to illness. There is good news: Studies suggest that therapies to improve muscle health among sarcopenia patients could also improve their ability to fend off infections or disease.

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Whey protein offers added benefits

Exercise has an important partner when we’re working toward healthy muscles and the stronger immune function that comes with it. It takes a healthy diet to obtain results, and more specifically, adequate protein.

Protein is the building block of our bodies and a necessary nutrient to build or repair muscles and bones. It has the potential to unlock a variety of positive benefits in the body when combined with adequate exercise. However, it is important to understand that not all protein sources are created equal. Proteins are made up of smaller compounds called amino acids. It’s vital that we consume adequate amounts of the amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own.

Whey protein, derived from milk, is considered a complete protein in that it contains all nine of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce. Whey also provides higher concentrations of those amino acids than quantities found in various plant proteins. It’s rich in branched-chain amino acids, which are crucial to muscle maintenance.

Furthermore, whey protein benefits the muscle functions that positively impact our immunity. Biological components specific to whey protein preserve muscle glutamine, which serves as the immune system’s power source. Whey also boosts glutathione (GSH) production. Cysteine and methionine as found in whey are converted to GSH at the cellular level. The GSH antioxidant system is the foremost protective mechanism of the cell and is crucial to the immune response. GSH has been shown to have cancer fighting and anti-inflammatory properties.  

Whey protein offers immunoglobulins – or antibodies – that bind to viruses, bacteria and other toxins and prevent infection. It’s rich in lactoferrin, a versatile protein which has been shown to inhibit bacteria, fungi and several viruses. Its high concentrations of the branched-chain amino acids known as leucine, isoleucine and valine lend to tissue growth and repair.

Scientists continue to explore the tremendous potential offered by whey protein. It’s been used in clinical trials and has shown benefits in the treatment of diseases including cancer, HIV, hepatitis B, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

While consumers can choose from a wide variety of protein options, benefits specific to whey protein make it a prime choice -- particularly as we take steps to bolster our immune functions. Plant-based protein sources lack the same immune-boosting power.

While we can’t guarantee good health, some thought and effort can certainly improve our chances. It’s important that we exercise, eat right and get proper sleep. Adding whey protein to our diets could strengthen our shields even further as the viruses and bacteria behind winter’s common illnesses begin to proliferate.

Photo: Getty Images

Adding whey protein to your formulations

If you are looking to add whey protein to your formulations, contact Agropur. Agropur is one of North America’s largest whey protein producers and manufactures innovative, functional ingredients for a variety of applications. Its operations include 11 ingredients focused, SQF certified plants in the United States and Canada with international support in Mexico, Switzerland, China and Singapore.

References:

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