Your Immune System: Things That Can Weaken It

Your Immune SystemWeakened immunity can cause malaise and make you susceptible to disease. But did you know what destroys the immune system? Find out in this article and pay attention to what weakens the body’s defenses.

What is immunity?

The immune system is the body’s natural barrier against disease, supporting its life and health. We could not live without an immune system that protects us from viruses, bacteria, and fungi that would otherwise easily enter the body.

The immune system is also responsible for preventing the spread of disease if it does pass the initial barriers. So the body protects itself from infections by neutralizing and eliminating harmful microorganisms.

When the body’s defenses are not working properly, we are less resistant to harmful microorganisms. This leads to many negative consequences, such as the development of chronic or long-term diseases, recurrence of diseases, or problems with recovery.

What weakens the immune system?

We can divide the causes of a weak immune system into 3 groups:

  1. Nutrition;
  2. Emotions;
  3. Activity.

Nutrition

“You are what you eat” is a common saying. In that case, we could change it a bit to say, “Tell me what you eat and I’ll tell you what the problem is.” Many foods in our daily diet reduce the body’s ability to defend itself, like as:

  • Sifted flour (white)
  • Processed and sweet flakes
  • Cow’s milk
  • Additives, preservatives, and dyes
  • White sugar
  • Non-alcoholic sweet carbonated drinks
  • Sweets
  • Canned foods, cakes, all kinds of semi-finished and processed foods

If you get sick often, you may be consuming too many foods from this list.

Emotions

First of all, stress, but also anxiety and nervousness. All of these emotions are harmful when they reach elevated levels and reduce the body’s ability to protect and heal itself from disease. That’s why when you’re really tired, overworked, anxious, or nervous, you’re more likely to get sick.

Activity

A sedentary lifestyle is closely linked to all types of diseases. If you spend your day sitting in the office and do not exercise at least twice a week, find time to move actively for at least two hours a week.

How to naturally strengthen the immune system?

You may have already realized that we can strengthen the immune system if we add some good habits to our lifestyle.

Here are some tips that can help strengthen immunity:

1. Eat healthy food:

  • Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes should be added to the daily diet.
  • Do not forget to drink at least two liters of water a day.
  • Choose healthier foods in the grocery store.
  • Fill the fridge and cabinets with natural food – so you will not be tempted.

2. Sleep well at night

Another way to increase immune protection is to rest well. There is no universal standard because all people are different, but the average duration of healthy sleep is 7 hours (6 to 8). Sleep helps the body restore the energy expended during the day and keeps your immune system strong and healthy.

3. Natural light

If you work in an office, go out to lunch and find a place, such as a park bench, where you can enjoy the sun.
Or stand as close as possible to the large window and open the curtains.
Do not turn on artificial light until evening.

4. Live positively

A smile is wonderful therapy. Doctors recommend this to patients with long-term or chronic diseases to improve their quality of life. A good mood effectively fights depression, stress, and anxiety.

Picture Credit: Pixabay