New Delhi, Nov 17 (Mirror) The immune system is an integral part of the human body, and works to limit infection from bacteria, viruses and toxins – but these vital defences need to be maintained.
At times, it may struggle to work at the required standard, which can be harmful to you. However, it may show signs that it’s down so you can give it a boost. Here are six signs that may be telling you your immune system is in need of some help.
Increased stress can affect your immune system
Constant stress in daily life can cause your immune system to suffer, according to research. A report by American Psychological Association says that our bodies are well equipped to handle stress in small doses. However, long term or chronic stress can have serious effects on our bodies and hinder the immune system.
Nadia Hasan, a physician at Delancey Internal Medicine explained that because “stress decreases the body’s lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight off infection”, it can mean you’re more at risk of viruses like the common cold.
A constant cold
The average adult picks up between two and four colds a year, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. However, if you’re feeling more sick than usual, it could be an indication that your immune system is down according to Dr Peter Abel, senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Lancashire.
This might be due to the body not making enough lymphocytes, which produce antibodies that fight viral infections. One reason for this is that your diet might not be equipping you with the vitamins you need to produce these cells, such as B12, folic acid or zinc.
Stomach problems
According to research conducted in 2012, 70 per cent of your immune system is in the gastrointestinal tract in the lining of your gut. The microorganisms in there defend your gut from infection and support your immune system. But low amounts can expose you to chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders and viruses.
Dr Abel told Mail Online : “They normally fight toxins that may have been ingested. They also regulate nutrients going in, so a weakened immune system can lead to stomach cramps and diarrhoea.”
Constant tiredness
Feeling constantly tired despite getting a decent night’s sleep might be another red flag that your immune system is down. According to Dr Hasan, energy levels dip when the immune system is struggling because “your body is trying to conserve energy to fuel your immune system so it can fight off germs”.
Frequent infections
Frequent infections of any kind is a sign that immune system is slow and low. Susie Perry, food scientist and nutritionist from sisterlylab.com, told Mail Online that bacterial infections to your gums, athlete’s foot and an upset tummy could also be signs that your immune system is struggling.
Slow healing wounds
When you get a burn, cut or scrape, your body works to protect the wound by sending nutrient-rich blood to the injury to help regenerate new skin. This process is dependent on having healthy immune cells, so your wounds will take longer to heal.
This might sound very basic, but one of the simplest ways you can stop yourself picking up every bug and cold going around is washing your hands. It means you’re minimising your risk of infection. Harvard Health shared the following ways to help boost your immune system:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
- Get enough sleep – the NHS recommends between seven and nine hours for adults
- Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly
- Try to minimise stress or implement coping mechanisms to deal with it
- Keep up with all recommended vaccines, as they help your immune system to fight off infections before they take hold in your body
