6 Signs of a Weakened Immunity

Residing in a world completely dependent on smart devices, the immune system is our body’s very own smart system working day in and day out keeping allergies and infections at bay. The immune system identifies harmful substances and microbes from the outside environment as well as from inside the body to neutralize it and protect the body from diseases.

It protects the body from bacteria, viruses, pathogens and other harmful foreign elements. A complex immune response is initiated by the immune system when a potential enemy is identified.   In people with autoimmune diseases, the immune system gets confused between harmful elements and the essential elements of the body, and attacks the essential elements instead. Let us find out more about the signs our body gives when our immune system gets weakened.

1. Frequent cold and flu like symptoms

Catching a cold twice or thrice a year is considered normal for adults. These symptoms usually go away in about a week. Individuals with a weakened immune system tend to catch a cold frequently throughout the year, sometimes even at the slightest change in their daily lives. These cold and flu-like symptoms tend to persist for longer durations compared to healthy individuals. People with a weakened immune system often have runny noses throughout the year.

2. Frequent infections of the skin

The largest organ of the body, the skin is also the first layer of barrier of the body against infections. A weakened immune system impairs the skin’s barrier which keeps many infections at bay. A damaged skin barrier results in frequent skin infections and rashes.

3. Feeling of fatigue all the time

Fatigue is a common response of the body whenever something in the body is not working as efficiently as it should. A weakened immune system makes people feel unnecessarily tired despite taking adequate rest and getting proper nutrition. In such cases, less energy is produced in the body which makes people feel tired and sleepy at the slightest exertion.

4. Slow healing of wounds

Healing of wounds after an injury is an automatic response of the body. This response is powered by the immune system. A weakened immunity naturally results in a delayed response by the body because of which wounds take much longer to heal and chances of infection increase by many folds. In individuals with a weakened immune system, healing after a surgery is more complex and physically taxing.

5. Frequent digestive issues

People who suffer from frequent diarrhea, acid reflux and associated digestive issues have a high chance of having a weakened immune system. In healthy individuals, the immune system is usually able to fight off stomach bugs of moderate strength without harming the good bacteria present in the gut.

6. Increased chances of life threatening diseases

A weakened immune system is unable to fight off carcinogens and potent viruses such as HIV. The viral infection HIV causes AIDS, a disorder in which the entire immune system gets affected.This can lead to serious diseases, sometimes even compromising an individual's ability to survive.

Conclusion:
The optimum functioning of the body’s immune system is essential for living a fit and active life. Even a slight imbalance in the immune system may lead to several bodily complications such as an upset digestive system, frequent cold and flu, delayed recovery of injuries and even cancer. Therefore, it is essential to include immunity boosting food items and adequate exercises in our everyday life.

Reference:
www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/
www.medicinenet.com
www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/