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Signs and symptoms of a weak immune system


Hands up if you’re currently, right at this very moment, feeling a little sick. Maybe you have the sniffles? Or a pesky cough that won’t go away? Recurring headaches?


If you’re more often than not feeling sluggish and sick, chances are that your immune system is not at its best, and considerably weakened. 

 

Let’s look at some common signs:

Constantly stressed

We ALL get stressed at various times in our lives. Hectic deadlines, financial worries, losing a loved one, family problems and many more issues can contribute to everyday stressors. Consistent stress, however, starts to take a toll on your immune system. A report by the American Psychological Association points out, “Stress affects all systems of the body including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous and reproductive systems.”


What can you do?

Be proactive. Find practical and realistic ways to manage those stress levels. Whether this means logging off work promptly at 5pm or taking a daily lunch hour – do what you can to be healthier. Your immune system will thank you. 


Tummy issues

Not the most pleasant factor to consider, but an important sign of a weakened immune system. Interesting fact: almost 70% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract. So, is it any wonder that a weak immune system leads to common digestive problems like diarrhoea, nausea, constipation or worse?

What can you do? 

The trick is to keep the good bacteria in your gut happy. Think “PGP” when it comes to your gut health. 

P – more plant-based foods in your diet

G – good fats like olive oil 

P - more protein (chicken, turkey, lentils)

Also, cut back on processed, sugary, and salty foods as much as possible. 

 

Always sick

It’s normal to get a cold or the flu occasionally, but if you’re constantly sick with a cough or get the flu more than twice a year, your immune system is crying out for help. The same applies if it takes you a very long time to bounce back to good health after contracting a cold or the flu.

 

What can you do?

Fill up on Vitamin C-rich foods like spinach, oranges and naartjies. Invest in a good daily multivitamin and take care to rest when you do get sick. This means staying indoors, sleeping and hydrating with plenty of water.

 

Cuts and bruises take a long time to heal

What’s the largest organ in your body? Your skin – so pay attention if you notice that cuts, bruises and wounds take forever to heal or don’t heal at all. This is a telltale sign that your skin lacks nutrient-rich blood that makes healing possible.

 

What can you do?

If you are diabetic or obese, your blood circulation may already be in the doldrums. Take care of your diet and be mindful to exercise regularly. Get serious about losing the excess weight in a healthy way. Excessive smoking can also lead to poor blood circulation, so you know what to do. Stub it out for good!

References:

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.