ABSTRACT
The human body is a complex interaction of multiple systems, all working together to maintain homeostasis. The immune cells are affected by many hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine, and produce their own class of hormones, the cytokines. The immune system plays a significant role in the adaptation to exercise. The immune response to resistance exercise and conditioning is not as clear as that to aerobic exercise and conditioning. The acute immune cell response to resistance exercise is a generalized leukocytosis, with the lymphocytes and neutrophils increasing the most, and does not appear to differ based on training level. Protein is essential as a building block of cell membranes, enzymes, and hormones, and as a potential energy source. Testosterone at physiologic levels enhances immune function, but suppresses it at supraphysiologic levels. Excessive supplementation of immunomodulating nutrients may be counterproductive, as an overabundance can reduce the immune system’s performance.
