TYPOGRAPHY
Do you get sick often and take sick days off from work? Chances are you may have a weak immune system.
The immune system is the most important system of the body when it comes to preventing diseases. We are all born with different levels of immune systems. Some have a stronger immune system than others. But there are many things that can weaken an adequately strong immune system.
The immune system defends the body from developing potentially harmful diseases and conditions caused by bacterial, parasitic, fungal and viral infections. The immune system also restricts tumors and cancerous growths inside the body.
However, problems with the immune system can lead to illnesses and infections. Immune responses can be weakened by various external influences.
Reasons for Weak Immune System
Stress. People like to ignore it but stress has a major influence on your immune system. Chronic stress -- caused by stressful situations or events that last over a long period of time -- raises cortisol levels of the body which decreases the production of 'good' prostaglandins.
Chronic stress can make you more susceptible to colds and the flu, as well as more serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes and other diseases.
By practicing stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation and laughter, you can keep your body from going into chronic stress mode.
Excessive alcohol. Alcohol, like sugar, consumed in excess can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs. Damage to the immune system increases in proportion to the quantity of alcohol consumed.
In the short term, excess alcohol intake will increase the number of colds you will experience.
In the long term, alcohol can impede the functioning of immune cells, increasing your susceptibility to infectious diseases and cancer.
Medications. Some prescription and non-prescription drugs are major toxins that many put into their bodies. Excessive use of antibiotics and cold and fever fighting medicines weakens your immune system.
Researchers found that certain people taking antibiotics had reduced levels of cytokines -- the hormone messengers of the immune system.
You are more likely to develop resistant bacteria or become sick in the future when your immune system is suppressed.
A poor diet. Prolonged and excessive consumption of carbonated drinks and highly processed foods containing pesticides, chemical additives, and preservatives can weaken the immune system and make you vulnerable to developing chronic conditions.
A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk.
Lack of Hygiene. Lack of proper hygiene habits exposes your body to more germs thus leading to a weak immune system.
Habits like brushing your teeth twice daily; washing your hands properly before eating and keeping your nails neat and tidy can go a long way keeping infections at bay.
Smoking. Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals, all of which are extremely toxic to the body. And, more the amount of toxic substance in your body, weaker is the immune system.
Even exposure to second hand smoke (passive smoke) can affect your immune system. It can trigger an asthma attack and aggravate symptoms in people with allergies.
So, not only quit smoking yourself, if you smoke, but also encourage your friends and family members to quit smoking too.
Lack of sleep. Without adequate sleep, the immune system doesn't get a chance to rebuild, and it becomes weak.
Poor sleep is associated with reduced number of T-cells, white blood cells that help the body fight disease.
Many studies show that people who don't get a good night's sleep or who don't get enough sleep (sleeping under seven hours a night) are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as the common cold.
Remember, you have only one line of defense. Better make it the best one!
Source: Women’s Health
