Do You Have an Autoimmune Disease? Here Are 3 Reasons to Keep Moving

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Exercise acts on a cellular level.

“The health of your mitochondria is a big driver in the severity of autoimmune symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, and disability,” says Terry Wahls, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. (Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, producing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. Learn more at “The Care and Feeding of Your Mitochondria.”)

“One of the most effective ways to improve the health of your mitochondria is through exercise,” adds Wahls, who reversed the course of her own MS with lifestyle and dietary interventions.

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Exercise reduces inflammation.

A 2024 review in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, analyzing 87 studies across 25 countries, found that inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α were all reduced when people with autoimmune conditions followed a moderate exercise routine.

That said, researchers point out that training needs to be part of your lifestyle, because isolated exercise sessions can be (temporarily) proinflammatory. It’s consistency that leads to lower levels of inflammation that benefit your body.

“Once you get into a regular routine that’s at the appropriate intensity level for you and are able to sustain a regular activity pattern, you’ll benefit in terms of better mobility and reduced inflammation and pain long-term,” says Boyd.

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Exercise supports mental health and energy.

Mood problems are common among those with autoimmunity. More than half of people with autoimmune rheumatic conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) report suffering from depression or anxiety or both, according to a study published in 2023 in the journal Rheumatology. Physical activity is known for being a bona fide mood booster. “Being physically active releases dopamine and serotonin, so exercise can be very rewarding,” explains Wahls.

Fatigue, often debilitating in nature, is a hallmark symptom of autoimmunity, and it can further contribute to a low mood, especially if it limits your ability to do the things you enjoy. In 2023, researchers found that a well-rounded routine with multiple modes of exercise (such as aerobic, strength, and balance activities) significantly reduced fatigue among people with chronic conditions. “Movement reduces fatigue over time and can improve sleep patterns,” Boyd says.