Reader: Exercise could be guardian angel during pandemic

Would you like a guardian angel for your health during the pandemic?

You may already have one. Its unlikely name is EcSOD aka extracellular superoxide dismutase.

Your muscles make EcSOD when you walk or run or dance or do other aerobic (cardio) exercise.

From your muscles, EcSOD flows in the blood to various organs, especially the lungs. There it lays down its life for yours by destroying toxins and other harmful substances.

Many people experience only a mild case of the coronavirus with no lung problems. Why?

Recent research from the University of Virginia suggests that regular exercise helps protect them from lung complications.

Even one workout causes the muscles to make more EcSOD, according to scientists Dr. Zhen Yan and Dr. Hannah Spaulding of the Center for Skeletal Muscle Research.

Regular exercise means more EcSOD. Dr. Yan recommends several 30 minute aerobic workouts a week.

He also advocates strength training. It builds muscle, which fosters higher levels of EcSOD.

Most of us know that exercise benefits our health in general. Dr. Yan’s research suggests a specific reason — protecting our lungs — to exercise during the pandemic.

Now many of us feel fearful and helpless. Dr. Yan’s work offers hope and empowerment.

Go for a walk! Or turn on the music and dance!

Camille S. Phillips

San Marcos