kelly e. johnson

Infection with the COVID-19 virus has a wide range of adverse effects on the metabolic and endocrine systems, and in fact, one of the main ways of influencing this new virus has been through these systems. This is why people with chronic underlying diseases such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension show more severe symptoms and higher mortality rates. On the other hand, exercise can reduce the symptoms resulting from disease and reduce its lasting effects by improving metabolic health and modulating hormonal mechanisms. Due to the new and unknown nature of COVID-19, clinical trials and experimental studies have not been performed to investigate the effect of exercise on mortality or severity and persistence of symptoms in patients with COVID-19, but exercise with modifications can improve insulin resistance, reduce the amount of mass, improve fat and anti-inflammatory properties, and increase the expression of ACE2 receptors, intracellular metabolism and other pathways that all can play a positive role in combating the virus. Due to the unknown aspects of the mechanism of COVID-19 and exercise, more studies need to be done on the dose-response relationship of exercise before and after the infection in different age groups and specific groups.

Coronavirus-disease 19 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a global public health issue, and there is a desperate need for strategies of prevention, reduction, and treatment to halt the epidemic. The coronavirus affects the immune system, and individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, are more susceptible to this virus. Lifestyle-related variables such as physical activity and nutritional supplements can decrease inflammatory markers, increase anti-inflammatory and antioxidant status, and improve the immune system. Lifestyle-related variables play preventive roles against various infectious diseases including COVID-19. This review highlights the effects of physical activity and nutrients supplements on the immune system and their possible benefits in combating the harms caused by infection with the COVID-19 virus.