Everyone thinks they are in good health, but they are not. Our health is dependent on our immune system. Seasonal cold and flu are natural part of our life. But if a person get sick more often then it may be a sign that their immune system is very poor. Good immune system functions best when one has healthy eating habits, 7-8 hours of sleep schedule and low stress level. Despite following all precautions infections still occur.
After all this, there is a question in your mind why am I sick so often in spite of doing everything right? The answer is simple you might have weak immune system. For a stronger immunity you should take care of your immunity as the relation is vice versa.
The immunity depends on several factors, but the most significant is the genetic. Immune genes are numerous and complex and immunity reacts on their combination performance.
What is Immune system?
The immune system protects you from outside invaders. The germs such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. The immune system comprises of various members such as cells, organs, and proteins which function collectively. Abnormal immune systems can result in allergic diseases, immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders.
What affects your immune system?
Our daily and long standing lifestyle choices that can weaken immune response and lead to more frequent infections:
Stress :
Most common factor of weaken immune system is stress. Short term stress is generally less harmful to health. However, being stressed for long period of time can have a very harmful impact on our immune system.
Obesity :
Most common factor of weaken immune system is stress. Short term stress is generally less harmful to health. However, being stressed for long period of time can have a very harmful impact on our immune system.
Alcohol Use :
Recent clinical researches have concluded that controlled drinks can actually bolster the health of the drinker or have less or no side effects. What offers problem is chronic alcoholism. Chronic alcoholism is also associated with lower lymphocyte rates and thus could have an increased risk of bacterial and viral infections.
Environment :
Air pollution can have a negative impact on both immune and cardiovascular systems at a young age. Thus, environmental factors such as pollutants, and toxins may also weaken your immune system over time-even in childhood.
Dehydration :
Our body consists of 60% water, you lose fluids while urinating, seated, stool and even breathing. Dehydration occurs when you do not replace the fluids you lose. Both acute and chronic dehydration can be dangerous.
How can you boost the immune system?
Just because your immunity is not something you can fully control doesn’t mean you should throw caution in the wind and start giving up your health.
Start with a look at your diet. Nutrients from fruits and veggies, like zinc, iron and vitamin C, are essential for healthy immune system. Omega-3 rich foods like fish, salmon, and pumpkin also encourage the production of lymphocyte-immune cells that are the first line of defence against infections. And it is better to get your immune protective nutrient through food than through supplements.
Getting plenty of sleep and exercise also helps in boost your immune system. Exercise increases the blood circulation; increased circulation increases the production of germ-fighting antibodies. Stress level can be improved by exercise.
Just because your immunity is not something you can fully control doesn’t mean you should throw caution in the wind and start giving up your health.
Start with a look at your diet. Nutrients from fruits and veggies, like zinc, iron and vitamin C, are essential for healthy immune system. Omega-3 rich foods like fish, salmon, and pumpkin also encourage the production of lymphocyte-immune cells that are the first line of defence against infections. And it is better to get your immune protective nutrient through food than through supplements.
Getting plenty of sleep and exercise also helps in boost your immune system. Exercise increases the blood circulation; increased circulation increases the production of germ-fighting antibodies. Stress level can be improved by exercise.
Sleep is a health-restorative time for the body. When you sleep, your body releases immune proteins called cytokines, which help fight infections and control body’s response to stress. In short sleep deprivation can reduce the production of cytokines and other protective immune cells, leaving you more vulnerable to infection. In the end, stick to healthy habits you already have and may be add a few more. But if you find yourself sick all the time, look carefully at your habits and the environment; the cause might be right in front of you. Once you know what makes you sick, you can take appropriate measures to improve your health, either by speaking to your doctor or make some lifestyle changes.
