The immune system
The immune system is designed to protect your body against foreign organisms to help prevent illness. It is made up of a number of organs, each having a role to play. A problem arises when this system becomes weak and can no longer act as a good defense. There are a number of factors that can contribute to a weakened immune system.
Not enough sleep
The body needs an adequate amount of rest in order to function properly. While you are sleeping your body is given time to recharge and your immune system can rearm. Many people have trouble getting enough sleep because things like work and children tend to keep them up at night. Studies have shown that depriving people of sleep leads to a weakend immune system. As such you should be getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night to make sure you are well rested.
Diet
You are what you eat, and it is no different with your immune system. You body needs a set of vitamins and minerals in order to strengthen immunity. Aside from what you may lack, there are also things you may be having in excess. Sugar is something that your body shouldn’t be having too much of over a long period of time. It actually suppresses your immune system and hampers the ability of your immune cells.
Lifestyle
A healthy body is a healthy mind, but it is also a healthy immune system. People who don’t exercise regularly are at risk of having a weakened immune system, over and above the other risks already associated wit ha sedentary lifestyle. Excessive alcohol intake is another great example of a weak immune system. It robs the body of nutrients that it needs, and can suppress the ability of your white blood cells to function properly.
Psychological factors
Things like emotional stress may sound weird in terms of suppressing the immune system but it is true. A stress response in isolation is a good thing and is your body’s way of fighting or running away from danger. The problem comes in where you are chronically stressed. The stress response then eventually starts suppressing the immune system.
Signs that you may have a weak immune system
If any of the above things rings a bell and you think you may have a weak immune system then there are some things you can look for. These signs include fatigue, slow wound healing, repeated infections, allergies and chronic diarrhoea.
Boost your immune system
You can boost your immune system by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, cutting down or stopping alcohol altogether, and drinking less coffee. If you haven’t been exercising regularly now is a good time to start. You don’t have to join a gym, you can incorporate it into fun activities. You should also find an outlet of you have any stress. Practise good personal hygiene by washing your hands, and preparing meals in as clean an environment as possible.
