When functioning properly, your immune system saves your life. But, as good as it is, it is not flawless. However, the immune system does not always function correctly.
If it activates too frequently, you could develop an illness like allergy, asthma, or eczema. If your immune system begins to fight your body instead of protecting it, you may have an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes. Other autoimmune diseases include lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Immune system issues contribute to at least 80 diseases. Smoking, drinking alcohol, eating poorly, stress, being overweight, becoming older, having a medical condition (such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, or recent major illnesses), or using medications can all compromise one’s immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy drugs).
Signs of a weak immune system:
- Frequent colds and other infections
- Digestive problems
- Delayed wound healing
- Repeated/frequent infections
- Feeling tired all the time
- Delayed growth and development
- Organ inflammation/ache
- Patchy hair loss
- Dry eyes
- Sensitive to sun
- Unexplained weight change
If any of the above warning signs sound familiar to you, your immune system needs additional care. Your immune system can be naturally maintained by adopting a few new habits and ways of life:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Wash your hands
- Keep up with your vaccines
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t smoke
- Try to minimize stress
Your immune system is essential to good health, so do everything you can to protect it. If you are experiencing frequent illnesses, don’t forget to book an appointment with SanoMed Medical Clinic in Toronto.