Having a healthy immune system is key to staying healthy year-round. But sometimes your immune system isn’t strong enough to fight off infection, so it’s important to strengthen it. But how do you fix a weak immune system? There are many lifestyle changes, vitamins, and immune health supplements you can integrate into your day-to-day life to strengthen your immune system!
What Are the Signs of a Weak Immune System?
If you’re concerned about your immune system not being strong enough, there are a few symptoms of a weak immune system you can look out for.
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Frequent infection and illness. If you have frequent occurrences of the cold, flu, ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinus infections, and/or have to take more than 2 rounds of antibiotics per year, your immune system may need to get a boost.
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Fatigue and persistent tiredness. If you are consistently getting enough sleep (ideally 7-9 hours per night), and you’re still feeling constantly tired or physically fatigued, your body may be using extreme amounts of energy to fight infection instead of allowing you to rest.
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Digestive issues. If you have frequent gas, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, etc., your immune system may be weak or compromised. Research tells us that almost 70% of your immune system is located in your gut (digestive tract), so when this ecosystem is disrupted, so is your immune system.
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Slow wound healing. If you get a cut or scrape and it takes longer than normal for it to heal, your immune cells may not be working optimally. Healing depends on the health of your immune cells, but if your immune system is weak, it won’t be able to heal cuts, scrapes, and other injuries well.
Immune Function Diagnostic Tests
If your immune system is not functioning properly or optimally, there are tests you can take to determine exactly what is causing the poor function, and therefore how to treat it. A few common diagnostic tests are:
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Immunoglobulin blood test. This checks the amount of immunoglobulins (also called antibodies) in your blood. Immunoglobulin tests typically measure three types of antibodies:
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IgM - these are the first immunoglobulins your body makes when you are exposed to germs.
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IgG - these help your body fight infections from bacteria and viruses.
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IgA - these protect your respiratory tract and digestive system from infection.
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A blood test that checks your T- and B-cell lymphocytes. B-cells produce antibodies and T-cells destroy the body’s cells that have been overtaken by viruses.
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Vitamin D test, which specifically and solely checks your vitamin D levels.
Can You Strengthen a Weak Immune System
The short answer: yes, you can! Through a few lifestyle changes, you can strengthen your immune system. Things like eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, getting fresh air, taking supplements, and staying hydrated are a few of the ways to boost your immune system naturally and quickly.
What Are 7 Ways to Boost Your Immune System?
There are seven specific ways you can boost your immune system naturally, quickly, and for longevity not just short-term:
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Incorporate immune-supportive foods into your diet. This includes Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, red bell peppers, kiwi, and broccoli; probiotic foods such as yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, and other fermented vegetables; protein-rich foods such as meat, seafood, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds; spices such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric; healthy fats like olive oil or avocadoes.
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Take immune health supplements like Immune Health PLUS®. One of the primary reasons this supplement is so powerful is due to beta-glucans. These are tiny fibers that help regulate cholesterol, fight inflammation, boost immunity, stabilize blood sugar, activate immune cells, fight infection, and so much more!
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Get enough sleep! You should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Studies show that those who do not get enough sleep per night are more susceptible to getting sick.
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Reduce stress with mindfulness practices. When you get overly stressed, your immune system becomes compromised and you become more likely to get sick. Things like yoga, journaling, walking, deep breathing, praying, stretching, etc., can help you maintain stress levels appropriately.
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Maintaining proper hygiene by doing things such as regular hand washing, covering your cough, etc., can help boost your immune system. Good hygiene helps reduce the transmission of infectious diseases.
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Stay physically active! Even if it’s just a 15-minute walk every day, keeping your body moving boosts your immune system by stimulating white blood cells.
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Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking cigarettes in particular has been shown to damage lungs and increase cancer risk. Drinking alcohol can weaken your body’s immune system by impairing B cell function, impacting your inflammatory response, and more.
Can a Weak Immune System Be Cured?
While general immune system weaknesses can be fixed, there are some chronic immune deficiencies such as CVID (which causes low levels of antibodies), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus (which attacks body tissues), and more. Some deficiencies can be cured, but many are chronic and incurable. Other than those that are chronic and incurable, a weak immune system can be fixed with simple lifestyle changes and supplementation.
Conclusion
If your immune system is weak, it’s important to support and boost it by eating well, getting exercise, practicing mindfulness, getting sleep, and taking a high-quality immune health supplement. Immune Health PLUS® is clinically formulated to enhance your immune system’s ability to adapt and react to the specific needs of your unique immune system. With a unique and proprietary formula of vitamins, minerals, and beta-glucans, Immune Health PLUS® is sure to not just boost your immune system but support it, too! Grab yourself a bottle and add it to your supplement regimen!