A weak immune system could be the boost you need to begin a healthier lifestyle, or it could be the sign of a greater underlying problem. If you wonder what the signs of a weak immune system are, here are the six most common ones. A general rule of thumb: if you experience these symptoms even after getting your sleep, diet, and exercise in check, you may need to seek professional care.
What Are 6 Signs of a Weak Immune System?
Fatigue
One of the classic signs of a weak immune system is fatigue. When you feel tired all the time, despite not doing strenuous activity, your immune system might be trying to conserve the energy it needs. If you struggle to get out of bed due to exhaustion or you sleep much more than normal, this could be a sign to seek treatment.
Frequent Sickness
It’s normal for adults to get about two to three colds a year. But if you find yourself getting sick much more frequently, your immune system might be struggling to keep up. Another sign is that your colds last for long periods of time. Normally, your body should take three to four days to attack bad bacteria and viruses.
Upset Stomach
Do you experience gas, constipation, or diarrhea more often than you’d like to admit? Your upset stomach could be trying to tell you something. Most of your immune system defenses exist within your gut, and good bacteria helps to maintain that protection. However, if you have low levels of helpful microorganisms, you may be vulnerable to inflammation.
Recurrent Infections
Too many infections might be your immune system’s signal for help. What’s considered too many infections in one year? Let’s review:
- Getting pneumonia twice
- Developing more than four ear infections
- Struggling with chronic sinusitis
- Having more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis
- Requiring more than two courses of antibiotics
Slow-Healing Wounds
Healing depends on healthy immune system cells. Your body heals cuts, burns, and other wounds by sending nutrient-rich blood to the area to produce new skin. A suboptimal immune system could mean that your wounds struggle to heal properly or take longer than normal to heal.
High Stress Levels
Short bouts of stress are inevitable in life, but the dangers of long-term (or chronic) stress are worrying. Per the American Psychological Association, long-term stress weakens your immune system responses. Stress decreases the number of white blood cells that fight off illness — if you often get sick during (or after) big work projects or difficult long-term situations, this is probably why.
Treat the Root of Your Symptoms
Now that you recognize what the signs of a weak immune system are, know that these symptoms may feed into one another — for instance, long-term work stress can cause tummy troubles and constant colds. A treatment like cell therapy can help with boosting your immune system, particularly after long periods of stress. However, be mindful that autoimmune disorders also require the attention of a physician.
To learn more about cell therapy, be sure to read our overview here. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, be sure to call our clinic at 1-800-826-5366.