Key Takeaways:
- Poor nutrition, lack of sleep and exercise, loneliness, alcohol, smoking, and more can negatively affect your immune system.
- Signs of a weak immune system include digestive issues, fatigue, stress, and more.
Your immune system is your body’s defense against invading pathogens. It is a complex system made up of several parts throughout your body, from your skin to your white blood cells, that help keep you at your best.
However, your body can also give you warning signs that may mean your immune system is weakened.
Let’s take a look at things that may mean your immune system needs support, and what you can do about it.
Things that may negatively affect your immune system
There are many things that can contribute to an immune system that needs support, including:
Signs your immune system needs support
1. You have digestive issues
The immune system and the digestive system are very closely connected.
In fact, 70% of the immune system is housed in your gut — specifically in the form of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The GALT consists of immune cells such as T and B cells, macrophages, antigen-pressing cells, and more.5
Because of their close connection, a healthy digestive system can help support a healthy immune system. It also means that frequent digestive issues such as diarrhea, gas, or constipation could suggest that your immune system needs support.6
Eating lots of fiber, drinking lots of water, and taking a probiotic supplement are great ways to support a healthy digestive system, and in turn, promote immune system health as well.
Read more: How the Digestive System & Immune System Work Together
2. You’re always tired
We all know that working too much and not getting adequate rest will leave you with major fatigue, but if you’re getting enough sleep and still feeling exhausted — your body might be telling you something.
When your immune system is working overtime, your energy levels can suffer. Your body is trying to conserve energy to help fight off germs, and as a result, you can feel tired no matter how much sleep you get.
If this is the case for you, slow down and prioritize quality sleep over checking things off your to-do list.
3. You frequently get infections
Your body is constantly talking to you, and if you seem to struggle with frequent infections, it might be trying to tell you something about your immune system.
If you feel as though you are overly susceptible to infections, be sure to talk to your doctor.
4. Your stress level is through the roof
It’s not a coincidence that you tend to get sick after a big project or test or following a distressing situation at home.
Long-term or repeated stress can weaken the responses of your immune system. People who are older or are already sick are also more prone to stress-related immune changes.7
Managing stress is important not only for your mental health and well-being but also for your physical health. Talking to a loved one or professional, making time for self-care, and taking a stress-supporting supplement are all great ways to cope with the physical and mental effects of stress.
Read more: How Stress Affects Your Health, and How to Cope
How to support a healthy immune system
1. Take an immune-supporting supplement
Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.* Taking a premium supplement is an easy way to help you get adequate amounts of these vitamins and minerals.
Solgar® Vitamin D3 helps support a healthy immune system and promote calcium absorption for strong bones and teeth.* It’s also non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and kosher.
Solgar® Chelated Zinc helps support a healthy immune system, as well as healthy skin, eyes, and reproductive functions.* Our premium formula provides zinc in a highly absorbable, chelated form of zinc which is gentle on the stomach.* And, it’s non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and kosher!
Solgar® Ester-C Plus Immune Complex Softgels feature Ester-C®, a non-acidic, gentle version of vitamin C that stays in white blood cells for up to 24 hours.* This unique formula also includes vitamin D3 and zinc for added immune support, as well as elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus.* The softgel form offers quick absorption. And, it’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
2. Eat immune-supporting foods
Eating a balanced diet affects all areas of your body, including your immune and digestive systems. Make sure you are consuming enough vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, spinach, or bell peppers. Or, to make it easier, take a vitamin C supplement every day such as Solgar® Ester-C®.
3. Exercise regularly
Whether you enjoy running, swimming, or working in your garden — there is no wrong exercise! During and after exercise pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are released, and immune-cell circulation improves, leading to increased immune support.8
4. Get adequate sleep
Skipping out on sleep does more than make you feel groggy the next day, it can also prevent your immune system from working optimally. Getting eight to ten hours of sleep each night can help promote overall health.
The bottom line
From poor nutrition to loneliness, many things can negatively affect your immune system. Digestive issues, fatigue, slow-healing wounds, high stress, and frequent infections or colds are signs that your immune system may need support. Thankfully, there are many ways to support your immune system so that you can feel confident that it’s doing its job.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Solgar® site.
