Have you been feeling under the weather for a long time? Or do you often get sick with a cold? If you feel so, the chances are that your immune system is not in good working order. But how can you tell if your immune system is underperforming? It’s essential to know the signs of a weakened immune system and what you can do to keep it as healthy as possible.
# Always TiredIt’s normal to feel tired after burning the midnight oil or having a hard day at work. Adequate rest may help recharge your battery and keep you refreshed to bring your A-game the next day. But suppose you still feel fatigued or low on energy after one or two good nights of sleep. In that case, your body is probably trying to tell you something: you could have a weakened immune system. When your immune system is not in good shape, your energy levels also suffer.
# Wounds Take Longer to HealMinor injuries, such as burns, cuts, scratches, and punctures, should recover in approximately five days. However, if your wounds take substantially longer to heal, your immune system may be compromised.
The immune system plays a pivotal part in the recovery of skin wounds. But if your immune system is weakened, the flow of nutrient-rich blood to the wound may stagnate or postpone. This may impede the skin generation process, and you’ll have a hard time healing.
# Digestive ProblemsSuppose you have diarrhea lasting for longer than 2-4 weeks or frequent constipation. In that case, it is likely your immune system is not functioning correctly. This is due to the fact that your intestinal microorganisms play a significant part in controlling your total immunological balance. The beneficial bacteria and microbes dwelling in your tummy protect you from illness and give your immune system a boost. Low levels of these gut microorganisms might put you at risk of having a weak immune system.
# High-Stress LevelsIs it any surprise, then, if you become ill due to a significant project or an unexpected financial loss? The more stressors you have in your life, the more likely you are to have a weakened immune system. This has also been proved in the American Psychological Association report that long-term stress decreases immune system responses.
# Frequent ColdsAdults should expect two to three colds or infections each year, with a seven to ten-day recovery period. But those in a weakened immune state will have more than that and a slow recovery.