These questions will give you a clue.
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Especially in spring, when the changeable weather adds to all the above, it's common to fall victim to a variety of illnesses, viruses and flu. The common denominator is generally weakened immunity. But it can also stem from other problems of which you may not even be aware. Find out how your immune system is doing and how you can help it work more effectively.
What is natural immunity and how does it work?
Immunity refers to our body's defences. The main role of the immune system is to protect the body against pathogens and antigens in the form of different types of bacteria, viruses, foreign substances, parasites or even altered cells (tumour cells) in our body. The immune system is essentially divided into two categories: specific and non-specific. Non-specific immunity is innate and less adaptable. It is provided by the skin, mucous membranes and stomach (barriers preventing the penetration of bacteria), white blood cells capable of phagocytosis (absorption of foreign particles) and interferons (proteins that prevent viruses from multiplying).Specific immunity is targeted and adaptive. It is provided by T and B lymphocytes, which form targeted antibodies that fight infections and cells altered by tumours. They also play a major role in immunological memory, which is applied in vaccination.
The most common symptoms and causes of weakened immunity
Weakened immunity is not something that happens overnight. It's generally a combination of several symptoms and situations that last over time. Which are the most common?
- tiredness and sleepiness
- the feeling that "something is creeping into your head"
- falling ill with strep throat, colds and flu several times a year
- stomach and intestinal problems
- lack of appetite
- eczema, cold sores, skin rashes
- poor wound healing, etc.
What are the main causes of weakened immunity?
- unhealthy diet, poor diet composition
- lack of exercise
- prolonged stress
- lack of sleep
- smoking, alcohol
- an unsuitable and unhealthy living environment
- certain types of medication, etc.
How can you tell if your immune system is weak in just a few questions?
We've prepared a few questions that can tell you how your immune system is doing. Try to answer all these questions honestly and be as honest as you can with yourself.
- Do you wake up tired in the morning?
- Do you suffer from insomnia?
- Do you feel constantly tense?
- Do you have to deal with a lot of stressful situations on a daily basis and feel uncomfortable doing so?
- Have you been ill more than 3 times this year?
- Do you suffer from stomach or intestinal problems or a lack of appetite?
- Do you have a day without sporting activity at least 4 times a week?
- Do you not have time to eat breakfast?
- Do you eat fewer than 3 balanced meals a day?
- Do you eat fewer than 4 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day?
- Do you suffer from frequent infections, asthma or inflammation?
- Do you smoke?
- Do you drink alcohol several times a week?
If you answered yes to more than half of these questions, you need to think about changes that could rebalance your immune system. If you want to be 100% sure about the state of your immunity, it is of course advisable to consult a doctor and have a thorough laboratory examination.
What helps weakened immunity?
En règle générale, notre système immunitaire reflète notre mode de vie. Si nous voulons nous maintenir en bonne santé, nous devons nous concentrer principalement sur une alimentation saine et un exercice physique régulier. Il est absolument essentiel de fournir à l'organisme tous les nutriments, minéraux et vitamines nécessaires. Bien entendu, il est également important d'apprendre à mieux gérer les situations stressantes, de travailler sur un esprit sain dans un corps sain et de ne pas oublier de se reposer et de dormir suffisamment.