New Delhi: With the COVID-19 pandemic taking over the world, our immune system forms the first line of defence against attacks of harmful foreign agents like viruses, bacteria, allergens. When on target, it is our life saviour. But eating less nutritious food, lack of sleep and high-stress levels can weaken our immune system making us easy prey for germs.
Here are warning signs that indicate our immunity is below par and there is an urgent need to strengthen it up.
1.Frequent cold and infections
It’s normal for adults to sniffle and sneeze with two to three colds/infection episodes every year. Most commonly people can recover from cold and related infections within 7 to 10 days. But if you frequently catch colds or recurring cold symptoms, it’s clear that you have a weak immune system.
2. Autoimmune diseases
Immune system diseases may cause overactivity or abnormally low activity of the immune system. If the system is overactive, the body starts damaging its tissues – leading to autoimmune diseases. These diseases decrease your body’s ability to combat invaders and cause vulnerability to certain infections.
3. Skin rashes
Your skin is the first barrier of the body to fight against germs. Its appearance can also reflect on how well the body’s immune system is working. The appearance of frequent skin rashes or dry skin is a sign of inflammation and may even indicate a weakened immune system if the rashes are recurring and causing lupus on the skin.
4. Digestive system problems
The digestive system is a gateway to health. According to many medical specialists, the root of most diseases is a weak digestive system. There are some beneficial microorganisms in our gut to defend the body from different infections and also support the body’s immune system. But if you notice frequent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, etc., it may be a sign of a depleted immune system.
5. High-stress levels      Â
Stress is the body’s response to certain unwanted situations. For instance, if we face any accident, stress levels increase to prepare our body for taking the right physical actions to avoid an accident. However, frequent stress over little things that are not life/death situations can interfere with the immune system’s natural functioning. This may result in inflammation and reduce white blood cells, making the body highly susceptible to tissue destruction and infection.
6. Slow healing of wounds
If you observe that your wounds on the skin take longer than normal to heal, your immune system is weakening. The healthy immune system helps skin to heal and fight harmful bacteria or germs while reducing the risk of infection. However, a weak immune system hinders the skin’s normal functioning and doesn’t let it fight infections faster as it should.
7. Constant fatigue
In our daily life, we work hard day and night to achieve our goals. So, feeling tired after working so hard is normal in daily life. But even after taking proper rest if you still feel fatigued, it may be an indicator that your immune system is weak and requires extra support. When your body’s immune system is not working efficiently, your body starts wearing faster as it’s constantly fighting harmful parasites and bacteria, leaving you exhausted all day long.
Following are some simple yet effective ways to make the immune system healthy again:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits
- Get adequate sleep
- Try to maintain a healthy body weight
- If you cannot resist drinking alcohol, it’s best to drink in moderation
- Take necessary steps to avoid germs, bacteria, and infections by washing hands frequently
- Always wash vegetables, meats, and fruits before cooking or consuming
Your immune system is incredibly vital for your survival, and taking it for granted is never an option. If you have symptoms indicating a weak immune system, you may want to improve a few aspects of your life to boost it up.
