Symptoms of a weakened immune system
Posted by Anne on Dec 01, 2020
Most adults will experience between two to three colds a year, and children up to eight. If you’re falling ill more frequently, there’s a good chance your immune system may need a bit of a boost. Here we look at the tell-tale signs of low immunity and what you can do to stay fighting fit.
Signs of a weak immune system
1. You always have a cold
Can’t shift that stubborn cold? The occasional cold is perfectly normal but if you’re always ill or are finding it difficult to shift a cold, your immune system may be having trouble keeping up. Most people bounce back in seven to 10 days. If you have a cold that won’t run its course, make sure your diet is providing you with the immune supporting nutrients you need to stay well. Fresh fruits and vegetables are key. For additional immune support try Echinacea. Research shows it can reduce the recurrence of colds by 59% and the severity of cold symptoms and duration.
2. You feel tired all the time
Sleep provides an opportunity to rest and recover. When your body’s fighting to stay well it will conserve energy to fuel your immune system, making you feel lethargic. Ordinarily we need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night but if you’re feeling more tired than normal, try to get a little more. Studies show that levels of immune cells are higher in those who have slept well the night before, whilst those with poor sleep tend to have lower levels.
Trouble sleeping? Try a little Jan de Vries Night Essence. Taken during the day and before bedtime it may help with insomnia and disturbed sleeping patterns.
3. Your gut is not very happy
Nearly 70% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract. Your immune cells can’t do their job if your gut is not very happy. If overworked by large volumes of unfriendly bacteria and yeast, the immune system may become extremely sensitive, worn down and tired, making you more vulnerable to infections, colds and flus. Frequent diarrhoea, bloating or constipation, could be a sign that your immune system is struggling. Restore some balance with probiotics. Try OptiBac Probiotics For Daily Immunity Capsules which are formulated especially to help support the immune system.
4. Your wounds are slow to heal
The healing process relies heavily on healthy immune cells. 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 but it can only do this if your immune system is healthy. Zinc plays a key role in protein and collagen synthesis, in tissue growth and healing, and zinc deficiency has been associated with delayed wound healing. Food sources of zinc include nuts and seeds or you could try a zinc supplement.
5. You are super stressed
Stress in itself is not a symptom of low immunity but if left untreated, can weaken the responses of your immune system making you more susceptible to illness. When we’re stressed, our cortisol levels rise, which makes it harder for the body to regulate inflammatory responses. Stress also reduces the production of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight infection. It’s simple: the lower the lymphocytes, the weaker your immune system. If you’re struggling to stay on top of stress, try A.Vogel AvenaCalm.