The immune system is one of the most important defense mechanisms of the body. It protects the body from various microorganisms that can cause different infections and diseases.
When your immune system is weakened, your body is prone to some serious health conditions. This is because your body is not able to handle the germs and bacteria that it comes into contact with.
Here are some habits that can seriously harm your immune system:
1. Alcohol
Alcohol severely damages the body’s immune system. According to some studies, an excessive alcohol consumption destroys the antibody cells which fight virus infected cells.
So, those people addicted to alcohol are prone to more severe infections and diseases such as tuberculosis.
2. Obesity
Obesity is one more factor that can weaken person’s immune system. However, more studies should be conducted to find the direct relation between obesity and an increased risk of an infection due to weak immune system.
In case you are overweight, it is of crucial importance to exercise more and stay healthy in order to reduce the risk of future complications.
3. Lack of Sleep
Having a low-quality sleep can weaken your immune system and reduce the cells that fight harmful germs and bacteria.
According to studies, people who sleep only 4 hours have half of the flu antibodies than those who have an uninterrupted sleep for 7-8 hours.
4. Seriousness
Laughter reduces stress hormones and increases the number of immune cells. Many studies reported that one hour spent on watching some video or funny movie provides significant benefits for the overall body.
5. Control of Emotions
According to studies, a 15-minute argument with a positive communication can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and the number of immune-related white blood cells.
In contrast, an argument with plenty of sarcasm and insults can take 40% longer to heal from some injuries.
6. Excessive Use of Antibiotic
An excessive use of antibiotics can cause drugs resistance by reducing the level of cytokines. For that reason, take some antibiotics only for bacterial infections.
7. Physical Inactivity
Physical inactivity weakens the immune system and makes the organism more prone to infections and diseases.
According to many studies, regular exercise will increase the level of white blood cells in the body which fight off any diseases and improve the overall immune system.
8. Improper Hygiene
With proper hygiene habits, you may not directly affect the immune system, but you will reduce germs and bacteria thus preventing many illnesses. When there are plenty of harmful microorganisms on your body, your body is vulnerable to many diseases and infections.
9. Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading factors that weakens the immune system and increases the risk of lung cancer. The toxin in cigarettes affect the immune cells, alter their number and damage their function.
For this reason, smokers are more prone to some serious respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
10. Stress
Everyday stress is one more seriously bad habit that weakens the immune system. One single bad day may not make much difference, but a constant worrying about some reason can seriously affect your immune system. To reduce your everyday stress, try yoga or meditation.
11. Exposure to Sun
When exposed to the sun, make sure you apply some sunscreen of SPF 15 or even higher.
If you stay in the sun at least 15 minutes unprotected, you suppress your immunity even during wintertime. When unprotected, you can experience some cold sores.
12. Diet High in Sugar
Diet high in sugar can weaken the immune system’s capacity to fight bacteria and germs at least 40%. According to research, sugar seriously affects the body just 5 minutes after consumption, and its effects can last for 5 hours.
If you want your immune system to function properly, you should include a plenty of vitamin C because sugar eats away the Vitamin C and destroys the cell structure.
Source 1m Health Tips
Image Source Everyday Health