It is important to have a strong immune system to fight against the germs you may encounter. If you’ve noticed that you’re often sick, feel fatigued or have other nagging symptoms you can’t figure out, it may mean your immune system is weakened. Your immune system is the key to good health, so the more you can do to protect it, the better.
Check out the warning signs and what you can do to boost your immune system.
1. Your Stress Level is Sky-High
It’s not a coincidence that you tend to get sick after a big project at work or following an emotional situation at home. According to a report by the American Psychological Association, long-term stress weakens your immune system’s responses. “That’s because stress decreases the body’s lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight off infection. The lower your lymphocyte levels, the more you’re at risk for viruses like the common cold,” explains Nadia Hasan, DO, a physician at Delancey Internal Medicine.
2. You Always Have a Cold
It’s normal for adults to sneeze and sniffle through two or three colds each year. Most people bounce back in seven to 10 days. “During that time, it takes the immune system three to four days to develop antibodies and fight off pesky germs,” says Dr Hasan. However, if you consistently catch colds or experience a persistent cold, it indicates that your immune system is not functioning correctly.
3. You Have Lots of Tummy Troubles
If you have frequent diarrhoea, gas or constipation, it could be a sign that your immune system is compromised. Research shows that nearly 70 per cent of your immune system is located in your digestive tract. The beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that live there defend your gut from infection and support the immune system. Low amounts of these helpful gut bacteria can leave you at risk of viruses, chronic inflammation and even autoimmune disorders.
4. Your Wounds Are Slow to Heal
Your skin goes into damage control mode after you get a burn, cut or scrape. Your body protects the wound by sending nutrient-rich blood to the injury to help regenerate new skin. This healing process depends on healthy immune cells. But if your immune system is sluggish, your skin can’t regenerate. Instead, your wounds linger and have a hard time healing.
5. You Have Frequent Infections
If you consistently battle infections, your immune system may raise warning signs. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that signs of a possible immune deficiency in adults include:
- Having more than four ear infections in one year
- Developing pneumonia twice in one year
- Suffering from chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year
- Needing more than two courses of antibiotics a year
6. You Feel Tired All the Time
You know that burning the candle at both ends is bound to leave you feeling sluggish. But if you’re getting enough sleep and still suffering from exhaustion, it’s worth considering if your immune system is trying to tell you something. When your immune system struggles, so do your energy levels. “That’s because your body is trying to conserve energy to fuel your immune system to fight germs,” explains Dr Hasan.
Immune System Boosters
If the above warning signs are familiar, you must give your immune system extra attention. A few lifestyle changes and new habits can naturally keep your immune system strong and healthy:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Wash your hands
- Keep up with your vaccines
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t smoke
- Try to minimize stress
