A strong immune system is at the core of any healthy individual. Therefore, it’s important to understand how it works and the signs that indicate something may be wrong. It’s also important to know what can lead to a weaker immune system and what you can do to strengthen it. 

What Does the Immune System Do?

Your immune system is made up of many different cells, organs, and tissues that work together to fight off infection, cellular damage, and disease. Together, they form a biological defense system for your body. Its main purpose is to identify self from non-self. 

If your immune system identifies non-self proteins, viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other pathogens, it will act quickly to defend your body. As you can imagine, your immune system plays a vital role in your overall well being.

What Causes Your Immune System to be Low?

There are many reasons why you may develop an immune system disorder. Some are born with a weak immune system while others weaken quickly due to disease or over a long period of time due to lifestyle choices. If your immune system doesn’t work the way it should, you may:

• Get a disease that weakens your immune system
• Have an immune system that is too active
• Have an immune system that turns against you
• Weaken your immune system over time by smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition

If you do have a weaker immune system, it’s important that you take the steps necessary to stay healthy. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands before eating, after having contact with someone who is unwell, after touching garbage, after using the bathroom, and after touching an animal. According to the CDC. handwashing can decrease infectious diarrhea cases by 58% in people with weak immune systems. 

How do You Know if Your Immune System is Strong?

Other than laboratory tests, there is no tried and true method of testing your immune system. This would essentially require you to try and make yourself sick to see if your immune system is operating properly. Obviously, no doctor, scientist, researcher, or sane human being would recommend this. Instead, here are some subtle signs that you may be having some immunity issues:

• Cold hands
• Dry eyes
• Fatigue
• Mild fever
• Headaches
• Rash
• Aching joints
• Repeat infections
• Sensitive to sun
• Trouble swallowing

It’s important to note that these symptoms can happen for many other reasons. To fully figure out what’s going on with your health, you will want to see your doctor. 

How to Boost the Immune System?

Boosting your immune system is easier said than done. That doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. Dietary and lifestyle changes may provide the immune boost that you are looking for. Other things such as immune-boosting supplements that promote autophagy can also help you improve your immunity. 

Ways to Boost the Immune System Naturally

The best way to boost your immune system is by changing your lifestyle and dietary habits. While there’s often more that goes into a weak immune system, sedimentary lifestyles and poor habits are interconnected with weak immune systems. Here are some things you can do to get a natural boost:

• Sleep well - Inadequate sleep is linked to higher susceptibility to sickness
• Eat more superfoods - Foods such as citrus fruits, berries, ginger, garlic, nuts, and seeds are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that will help you fight off harmful pathogens
• Limit added sugars - Added sugars and refined carbs may contribute to obesity, which increases your risk of getting sick
• Moderate exercise - While it’s important to exercise, long and intense workouts can actually suppress your immune system. Moderate exercise can give it a boost
• Drink enough water - Preventing dehydration is crucial to your overall well being

While none of these lifestyle changes guarantee that you will be healthy forever, they can reinforce your body’s fight against harmful pathogens.