The immune system is made up of special organs, cells and chemicals that fight infection (microbes). The main parts of the immune system are made up of white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow. These are the parts of your immune system that actively fight infection1.
6 Signs You Have a Weakened Immune System2.
1.Your Stress Level is Sky-High
It’s not a coincidence that you tend to get sick after a big project at work or following an emotional situation at home.
According to a report by the American Psychological Association, long-term stress weakens the responses of your immune system.
2. You Always Have a Cold
It’s perfectly normal for adults to sneeze and sniffle through two or three colds each year. Most people bounce back in seven to 10 days.
But if you’re constantly catching colds – or have a cold that’s won’t run its course – that’s a clear sign your immune system is struggling to keep up.
3. You Have Lots of Tummy Troubles
If you have frequent diarrhea, gas or constipation, it could be a sign that your immune system is compromised.
4. Your Wounds Are Slow to Heal
Your skin goes into damage control mode after 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 healing process depends on healthy immune cells. But if your immune system is sluggish, your skin can’t regenerate. Instead, your wounds linger and have a hard time healing.
5. You Have Frequent Infections
If you seem battle frequent infections, your immune system might be sending you red flags.
6. You Feel Tired All the Time
You know that burning the candle at both ends is bound to leave you feeling sluggish. But if you’re getting enough sleep and still suffering from exhaustion, it’s worth considering if your immune system is trying to tell you something.
Here are some simple ways to naturally boost your immune system and help combat some of the 6 issues mentioned above.
Reduce stress – Studies show that stress can take a toll on your immune system and open you up to illnesses. Here are some easy ways to reduce stress throughout the day include taking a walk outside, listening or dancing to music, watching your favorite show, taking deep breaths and meditating. Taking a break from watching the news and scrolling through social media may also help reduce stress triggers.
Exercise – Regular exercise has a variety of benefits and among these is increasing your immunity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise three to four times a week. Walking is a form of exercise accessible for most people and is easy on the joints. If you live in an area where you are able to, walk outside in nature for mental health benefits by breathing in fresh air, listening to birds and the wind, and ultimately, creating a sense of peace and calmness.
Sleep – A good night’s sleep can help you feel refreshed and recharge your immune system – many experts recommend 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary by removing electronics such as cell phones and other digital devices, regulating room temperature (if possible) to a comfortable 60-67 degrees, minimizing light interruption with blackout curtains, and adding white noise such as a fan or white noise machine, if desired.
Sunlight – Feeling the sun on your skin could boost your mood, it can also support the immune system by allowing our body to naturally create vitamin D, which can help the body fight off illnesses3.
Drink plenty of fluids – Adults need eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid each day to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks and consuming lots of caffeine, which can be dehydrating, and instead add fruit slices or mint to water to help you reach your hydration goal.
Eat a colorful diet – Diets rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants give the immune system a boost. Produce like blueberries and broccoli are high in antioxidants.
Take immune boosting supplements – There is a multitude of supplements that support the immune system including:
- Hawaiian Spirulina®: 3 grams daily – Clinical research shows that spirulina boosts immunity by positively impacting antioxidant activity and immune variables in your body4†.
- BioAstin® Hawaiian Astaxanthin®. Astaxanthin has 6000 times more relative antioxidant activity than vitamin C and is 550 times stronger than Green Tea. Astaxanthin supports healthy immune function5†..
- Zinc: 15 to 30 mg daily – Zinc supports the immune system in multiple ways including fighting off free radicals6.
- Vitamin C: 1,500 mg daily – Vitamin C supports your immune system7.
Taking the time to engage in these and other immune boosting activities will not only help keep you -healthy but can improve the quality of your life by reducing stress. For specific health recommendations, please consult with your health care provider.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
1 – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/immune-system#:~:text=The%20immune%20system%20is%20a,it%20enters%20the%20body%20again.
2 - https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/march/weakened-immune-system
3 - Aranow, C. (2011). “Vitamin D and The Immune System.” J Investig Med. 2011 Aug; 59(6): 881–886.
4 - Park, H.J., et al. (2008). “A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Establish the Effects of Spirlina in elderly Koreans.” Ann NutrMetab 2008; 52:322-328.
5 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4730289/
6 - Powell, SR. (2000). “The antioxidant properties of zinc.” J Nutr. 2000 May;130(5S Suppl):1447S-54S
7 - Gorton, HC. (1999). “The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections.” J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1999 Oct;22(8):530-3.
