On average, adults will get about two to four colds per year.
If you’re having more colds or illnesses than that, you might be showing signs of a weak immune system.
But how do you know for sure if you have a weak immune system? And how do you strengthen it? We’ll break it all down for you right here so keep reading!
Table of Contents
You Have High-Stress Levels
Having high-stress levels will really take a toll on your immune system. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that will decrease the white blood cells your body should have. If there are no white blood cells to fight infections off, you’ll likely get sick more often.
If you notice that you always get sick when you’re stressed at work or have a lot going on at home, this may be a warning sign.
You Have Digestive Issues
Having an upset stomach every now and then isn’t always a cause for concern; however, if your digestive system feels upset a lot, you might want to pay attention.
A lot of your immune system’s tissue is actually found in your digestive tract. If you’re having issues with gas, bloating, or constipation, it could end up throwing off your immune system as well, which will leave you more vulnerable to infections.
You’re Always Tired
As a self check to see if you’re just tired to have something else bigger to worry about, try and notice if your fatigue is also accompanied by an upset stomach, a lower appetite, and some aching joints.
If you notice all of these (or more) symptoms, it could mean that your body is worn down. When your body is worn down and tired, it doesn’t have the energy it needs to repair itself and defend against sicknesses.
You Get Sick for Longer Periods
An average cold shouldn’t last longer than a week, and you should be up and moving around again after about two or three days. However, if you have a simple cold and are stuck in bed for days or weeks, your immune system is having a harder time fighting it off.
Keep track of how often and how long you get sick to try and notice if there’s a pattern lurking there. If there is, it might be time to see a doctor to make sure it isn’t something more serious.
Your Wounds Heal Slowly
Getting scrapes and bruises every now and then isn’t something to worry about, especially when your skin takes care of itself and tries to protect it.
However, your skin can only do this if you have a healthy immune system to have it send the healthy cells to the wound site. If your immune system isn’t healthy, it will take longer for your wounds or scrapes to heal.
How to Stay Healthy
If you’ve noticed some of these symptoms or issues in your life, it might be time to start boosting your immune system.
While you can’t avoid getting sick forever, here are a few things to make sure that you won’t get sick as often.
Practice Good Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is important for anyone, even if they don’t have a weakened immune system. However, if you do have a weakened immune system, you should make sure that you pay even more attention to this.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you wash your hands before and after you eat, while you make food, if you cough or sneeze, after treating any wounds, after using the bathroom, and anytime after you come into contact with someone who is sick.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Now that you know having a weakened immune system can leave you tired all day, make sure that you try and get plenty of sleep.
As an adult, the CDC recommends that you should get at least seven hours of sleep each day.
When you get enough sleep, your body is able to make more white blood cells, which are crucial when it comes to fighting off infections.
Eat Healthy Foods
When you eat healthy foods, you’ll feel better in general, but it will also help you fight off illnesses. If you have a weak immune system, try eating vegetables, fruits, and anything else that has plenty of vitamins and rich nutrients.
If you’re interested in finding healthy foods to boost your immune system, make sure that you check out Researched Nutritionals for physicians!
Take Herbs or Supplements
If you can’t get all your nutrients through a healthy diet, you can also try taking some herbs or supplements to help fill in those gaps.
You’ll be able to find most of these at any pharmacy or grocery store, and some of them will help to boost your immunity. Make sure you talk to your doctor, however, before taking any supplements or herbs.
Learn More About How to Recognize Signs of a Weak Immune System
These are only a few ways to recognize signs of a weak immune system and a few ways to help treat it, but there are many more out there.
We know that getting sick and taking care of your health can be stressful and overwhelming at times, but thankfully you don’t have to figure it out all on your own. We’re here to help!
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