With the coronavirus pandemic taking over the world, what do you need most to keep yourself safe? The answer you're looking for is a strong and healthy immune system. Your immune system works as a shield 24/7 and offers protection from the common flu to the deadly COVID-19 virus.
But how can you know if your immune system is strong enough? In this article, we discuss the signs of a weak immune system and ways to boost your immunity. Read on to learn more.
Highlights:
What Is The Immune System?
Your immune system is a defense mechanism of your body that protects you from various kinds of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Most young and healthy people have a decent immune system, but it may not always protect them from illness.
In case your immune system is weakened, you may face minor to major health issues. Your immune system guards you against any infection. If you have a weak immune system, you are more likely to get frequent allergies, rashes, etc.
White blood cells (also known as leukocytes) play a crucial role in building your immune system. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [1] (NIAID) concluded that white blood cells circulate in your body through blood vessels to keep you protected from any outside attack of viruses and bacteria.
What Causes A Weak Immune System?
As mentioned, white blood cells keep out the invaders from your body and safeguard it against them. However, many reasons can influence your immunity by affecting the functioning of white blood cells. Few chronic and severe health conditions can create trouble for your immune system, such as:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Malnutrition
- Autoimmune conditions
- Certain medical treatments
Weak Immune System Statistics
Researchers have reported that almost 3% of people in America have weak immune systems and suffer from multiple health issues.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention [2] (CDC) concluded that people with weakened or suppressed immune systems could be at risk for Listeria infection, which is the third leading cause for death in the USA.
Many underlying health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, AIDS, and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing listeria infection. According to the CDC, 1600 people get sick due to listeria every year in the USA.
Symptoms Of A Weak Immune System
If you have a weak immune system, your body will show you the following warning signs:
1. Extreme Stress
Never-ending stress may be a sign that your immune system is getting weaker. If you are often stressed about things and start panicking, then maybe it's time to consider this health aspect. American Psychological Association [3] has established that long-term stress affects your immune system. Stress tends to decrease the white blood cells in your body, which lowers your immunity.
2. Cold Is Your Constant
As an adult, it is normal to catch a cold two to three times a year. The number is a bit high among children. Typically, it takes 7 -10 days to recover from a regular cold. But if you are always suffering from a cold, it is a symptom of a weak immune system. CDC study [4] reports that people with weakened immunity may develop serious respiratory issues from cold [5] such as bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.
3. Never Ending Stomach Issues
In case you deal with stomach issues like diarrhea, gas, or constipation frequently, your immune system may be compromised. NCBI research proves that almost 70% of immunity work happens near your digestive tract as the good bacteria and microorganisms reside around it. An insufficient number of beneficial bacteria can increase the chances of virus attack, bacterial infection, and autoimmune disorders [6].
4. Tiredness
If you feel tired even after a full night's sleep, then there is a problem. Exhaustion after sleep is not normal, and it should be taken seriously. Your immune system leaves an impact on your energy levels. [7]. In case you are constantly drained out of energy, maybe it's time to consider your immune system's status.
5. Prone To Infections
As per the report [8] of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, adults with weakened or suppressed immune systems are prone to infections. They may face several infections, such as:
- Pneumonia twice in one year
- Frequent ear infections
- Chronic sinusitis
6. Slow Healing Process
Slow healing of your wounds is often a sign of underlying health conditions. If you get a cut or burn, your body sends the nutrient-rich blood to the injury and provides healing to the wounded area. It only works if you have healthy and effective immune cells. In case your immune system lacks strength, it slows down the healing process as well.
How To Boost Your Immune System?
A strong immune system is key to a healthy body. To take care of your immune system, follow these tips:
- Get a sufficient amount of sleep
- Follow an active daily routine
- Maintain hygiene
- Keep your weight under control
- Manage your stress
- Consume a healthy and balanced diet
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid eating junk food
- Stop smoking
- Avoid alcohol
- Take immunity boosters
Does Age Weaken Your Immune System?
In many cases, it is evident that immunity slows down with age. But researchers say that low immunity is one of the “most-recognized” [9] results of aging. When you turn 60 or above, you might as well feel the same about your immunity system. You may face the following situations.
- Your body may not respond to vaccines.
- Health issues always surround you
- Infections and injuries take a lot longer to heal
Wrapping Up
Your immune system is incredibly vital for your survival, and taking it for granted is never an option. If you have symptoms indicating a weak immune system, you may want to improve a few aspects of your life to boost it up.
Several immunity boosters and supplements can help you out, but we suggest you take professional advice before opting for anything.
1. ahttps://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-system-overview
2. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/risk-groups/weakened-immunity.html
3. https://www.apa.org/research/action/immune
4. https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3337124/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29706647
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