What are the symptoms of a weak immune system?
Amidst the latest COVID-19 omicron variant, many are taking extra precautions to stay healthy.
Washing hands for 20 seconds and practicing social distancing are key to preventing the spread of the virus. However, it is also important to have a strong immune system that can fight off the germs that you may encounter. If you notice that you are often sick, feel tired, or have other unpleasant symptoms that you cannot detect, it could mean that your immune system is weak.
Check the warning signs and what you can do to boost your immune system.
How to Boost Immunity
The immune system is your body's first defense mechanism that protects you from different types of bacteria viruses and other pathogens. Your immune system is directly related to your health.
The stronger your immune system, the more protection you have against colds, viruses, and other diseases that can attack your body.
On the other hand, weak immunity can make you more susceptible to frequent colds, sinus infections and slow wound healing, as well as causing anemia, fatigue, and lethargy.
Various factors can make your immunity weaker and make you susceptible to disease and you may be surprised to learn that many common daily habits actually damage your immune system.
In fact, most of your habits directly affect your immune system, especially as you age.
To keep your immune system strong, it is important to follow healthy habits and quit bad ones. In this video we will do
video from channel (MEDSimplified)
1. Your stress level is heaven
It is no coincidence that you tend to get sick after a big project at work or after an emotional situation at home.
According to a report by the American Psychological Association, long-term stress weakens your immune system's responses.
"This is because stress reduces the body's lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help fight infection. The lower your lymphocyte levels, the higher your risk of contracting viruses like the common cold," explains Nadia Hassan, MD, a physician at Delancey Internal Medicine.
2. You always have a cold
It's perfectly normal for adults to sneeze and sniffle during a cold two or three times a year. Most people recover within seven to ten days.
“During that time, the immune system takes three to four days to develop antibodies and fight off pesky germs,” says Dr. Hassan.
But if you're constantly catching colds — or have a cold that doesn't run its course — it's a clear sign that your immune system is struggling to keep up.
3. You have a lot of stomach problems
If you experience frequent diarrhea, gas, or constipation, it could be a sign of a weak immune system.
Research shows that approximately 70 percent of the immune system is in the digestive tract. The beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that live there protect your gut from infection and support your immune system.
Low amounts of beneficial gut bacteria can put you at risk for viruses, chronic infections, and even autoimmune disorders.
4. Your wounds are slow to heal
Your skin goes into damage control mode after a burn, cut, or scrape. Your body works to protect the wound by sending nutrient-rich blood into the injury to help regenerate new skin.
This healing process depends on healthy immune cells. But if your immune system is sluggish, your skin will not be able to regenerate. Instead, your wounds linger and find it difficult to heal.
5. You have frequent infections
If you seem to be fighting recurring infections, your immune system may be sending you signs of danger.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology reports that signs of immunodeficiency in adults include:
- Having more than four ear infections in one year
- Pneumonia twice in one year
- Have chronic sinusitis or more than three bouts of bacterial sinusitis in a year
- The need for more than two courses of antibiotics per year
6. You feel tired all the time
You know burning the candle on both ends is bound to make you feel sluggish. But if you're getting enough sleep and you're still tired, it's worth considering if your immune system is trying to tell you something.
When your immune system suffers, your energy level is affected as well.
"This is because your body is trying to conserve energy to fuel your immune system so it can fight off germs," Dr. Hassan explains.
Immune system boosters
If the above warning signs sound familiar, you need to give your immune system some extra attention. Some 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 vaccinations
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Do not smoke
- Try to reduce stress
Your immune system is the key to good health, so the more you do to protect it, the better.