How to keep healthy
We've compiled a list of habits and conditions that undermine your immune system, and measures you can take to get back on the healthy track.
1)Stress
Being stressed can actually undermine your immune system.
In a stressful situation your body releases the hormones cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, and these can lead to symptoms commonly associated with stress, such as SWEATING, increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Stress can undermine your immune system, making you more susceptible to infectons. If you find yourself frequently stressed, you need to address what is causing it.
Talk about your worries with someone you trust, and find a way to manage the situations which are causing you stress.
2) Depression
Being depressed can also make you more prone to illness.
Research into depression has found that those affected are more likely to have a compromised immune system, which in turn, increases the risk and severity of infections.
Depression is a serious medical condition in its own right, so if you suspect you may be suffering from it, you should see your doctor at once.
They will be able to advise you on the most effective treatment, which can range from talking therapy to medication.
3) Lack of sleep
If you are short-changing yourself on sleep, you may well be undermining your immune system.
Getting enough sleep - 7 to 8 hours per night - is key to good health. Research has found that people who get enough sleep get fewer colds than those who don't.
For starters, if you're not making the time to get a proper night's sleep, try to find it. Perhaps cut out some screen time before bed.
If you do make the time, but find yourself unable to sleep a full night, address what's disrupting your sleep. Make sure your bed is comfortable; your room is well shielded from the morning sun; it is well ventilated and at a good temperature; and get some earplugs if your partner snores.
4) Bad habits
Eating highly processed foods full of saturated and hydrogenated fats can make you overweight, and in turn this can have an impact on your immune system.
Opt instead for fresh vegetables, fruit and whole grains, as well as beans, lentils and fish.
Avoid fad diets, especially if they suggest avoiding entire food groups as you may be cutting key nutrients from your diet or speak to your doctor or a registered dietician first.
Drinking alcohol and smoking are bad for your system in many ways, so cut down on them.
5) Exercise
While moderate exercise is good for you, "extreme" exercise has actually been found to lower your body's immunity.
Studies on athletes found that after they exercised for more than 90 minutes at high intensity, they were more prone to illness for up to three days after exercising.
The lowered immunity appears to be caused by the release of certain hormones during intense exercise.
In the unlikely event you're training for a marathon, just be aware of the risk.
If not, carry on, and well done for keeping fit.