by Introduction
A depressed immune system may expose you to infections, delay recovery and even prolong disease. The upside is that your daily habits are strong influences in either depleting or protecting your immunity. So why is your immune system crying foul and what can you do to make a turn around naturally? Let us find out some of the core reasons your immune system is not doing so well and what you can do to make a turnaround.
You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep
One of the most widespread although forgotten things that make the immune system weaker is the absence of good sleep. When you are in the deep sleep, your body makes some cytokine proteins which are helpful to fight with infection and inflammation. When you shorten your sleep or you experience interrupted sleep, your body is denied this important immune-boosting activity. In the long run, this predisposes you to viruses, slower recovery after sickness and stress which further deteriorates the immune functioning.
Your Diet Is Missing the Right Nutrients
A bad diet of processed food, sugar and empty calories deprives your body of the vitamins and minerals it needs to remain strong. Such nutrients as vitamin C, D, zinc, and antioxidants play an essential role in the production of white blood cells and inflammation control. Is your diet lacking in fruits, vegetables and whole foods? Then your immune system can be weakened. In simple terms, you cannot expect your immune system to do its best, when you do not provide it with the correct fuel.
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You’re Living Under Constant Stress
When you are in chronic stress your body remains in fight or flight mode and is flooded with cortisol and other immune suppressing hormones. When you are constantly stressed, overworked or your mind is simply tired, your body will divert energy normally used in maintenance and repair, including immune functions. This will eventually result in higher susceptibility to infection and slower recovery once you fall ill.
You’re Not Moving Enough or You’re Overdoing It
Insufficient movement can strain circulation and suppress immune function, but it may come as a surprise that excessive strenuous exercise can do the same. When you lead a sedentary life your lymphatic system, which aids in eliminating toxins and waste materials, becomes sluggish. However, an overtraining without sufficient rest and recovery may promote more inflammation and body stress. Regular moderate workouts such as walking, stretching, or light cardiovascular activated your immune system and keeps it balanced.
Your Gut Health Is Out of Balance
A leaky gut might be the silent deterioration of your immunity. Your gut houses about 70 percent of your immune system, which is aided by good bacteria to attack bad invaders. Your microbiome might be out of whack in case your diet is low in fiber or fermented foods, or high in antibiotics or processed meals. This imbalance may result in excess inflammation and slow immune system that can hardly defend you.
Why is your gut health important?
You’re Missing Out on Sunlight and Vitamin D
Vitamin D is the main player when it comes to mobilizing your immune cells. Do you spend most of your time indoors or live in an area that does not get a lot of sun rays? Then your body might be lacking this important vitamin. The lack of vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of infection, exhaustion, or even autoimmune problems. Unless you routinely get sunlight or supplement, your immune system may be working with one hand tied behind its back.
Conclusion
Here is the thing, when you find yourself getting sick more frequently or you just feel your body is not recovering like it once did, it pays to examine what could be bringing your immune system down. Whether it is due to poor sleep and stress or nutrient deficiencies and gut problems, the causes of it are often under your control. It does not have to be huge life altering steps, but small adjustments in your everyday life, can get your body back to its natural state of defense, and you will not only live through the seasons, but flourish in them.
