With spring quickly approaching, you may think that you’ve successfully avoided that winter cold, but you aren’t completely safe yet. This is where the role of your immune system comes into play. But your immune system is only as effective as how strong it is. Therefore, if you have a weak immune system, you could be susceptible to any lingering germs and viruses in the air.
Many different risk factors are compromising your immune system, such as a lack of sleep, over-exercising, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, using antibacterial hand gels or soaps, smoking, taking certain medications, and having HIV. Even being older is a risk factor.
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How can you spot that your immune system is weak? Well, look for these six warning signs.
6 Warning Signs of a Weak Immune System
You’re always tired: Do you feel tired regardless of how much sleep you get or how much coffee you drink? You may be feeling low in energy if your immune system is working overtime to fight off infections.
You’re always sick: A good sign that you have a weak immune system is that you catch anything that’s going around, or you may never truly recover from the previous illness.
Allergies: Having allergies can trigger a weakened immune system because it is fighting off allergens. This causes reactions such as watery eyes, stomach issues, food intolerances, and skin irritations.
You take a long time to heal: A scab that takes a long time to heal suggests a weak immune system. If you can’t bounce back from a cold or flu after a week, this is another sign of a weak immune system.
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You have digestive issues: The bacteria in your digestive tract can play a large role in your immune system, and vice versa. An unhealthy gut usually triggers overall unhealthiness and being unhealthy can trigger digestive woes. Bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive symptoms are all signs that the bacteria in your gut is unhealthy, which can weaken your immune system. Eating foods that promote a healthy gut can boost your immune system.
You have joint pain: Joint pain is a symptom of many different health conditions that could affect your immune system. Uncovering the underlying health problem triggering your joint pain can help give your immune system a boost.
By eating the right foods, treating underlying medical conditions, regularly exercising, sleeping well, reducing stress, and going for regular check-ups, you can work on maintaining a healthy immune system.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
