Your body’s immune system protects your body from any microorganisms that could cause infections and diseases. It is your first defense system and plays an important role in your body.

A weak immune system has been linked to serious health issues as the body cannot handle germs and bacteria that you come into contact with every day.

Here Are The Habits That Harm Your Immune System

Smoking

Aside from increasing your chances of lung cancer, smoking weakens your immune system. Cigarettes have many toxins that alter the immune cell count or impairs their proper function. This is the reason why smokers are more likely to have severe respiratory conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

Alcohol

Many studies show how too much alcohol consumption can destroy the body’s antibody cells, which is needed for fighting off cells that were infected by viruses. Individuals suffering from alcoholism are more likely to have serious infections and diseases such as tuberculosis.

Being Too Serious

Laughing decreases stress hormones and increases your immune cells. A significant immune system increase had been shown by healthy adults who watched a 1-hour funny video, according to studies.

Excessive Use Of Antibiotic

Excessive use of antibiotics reduces levels of cytokines thus making you resistant to the drugs and suppresses your immune system.

Being A Night-Owl

Having poor sleeping habits can reduce killer cells that help in fighting germs and can lower your immune system function. According to studies, men who only got 4 hours of sleep one night a week had ½ the flu antibodies as compared to those who slept for 7 ½ to 8 ½ hours each night.

Sun Exposure

When you are exposed to the sun, especially between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., always apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

Unprotected sun exposure for more than minutes is linked to immune suppression. After some time spent under the sun, cold sores often appear.

Lack Of Exercise

An individual who lacks exercise and has sedentary lifestyle can have a weakened immune system and increased risk of disease and infection. Studies found that a regular exercise can help boost the immune system as it increases the amount of the body’s white blood cells in order to fight off many forms of ailments.

Bottling Up Your Emotions

Some studies revealed that a constructive argument with a spouse for 15 minutes, using an affectionate and positive communication, can create surges in immune-related white blood cells, blood pressure, and heart rate that is similar to moderate exercise. However, couples who argue using insults and sarcasm take 40% longer to heal from injuries.

Too Much Sugar

Too much sugar consumption reduces the immune system’s ability to combat germs by at least 40%. Sugar can affect the body in just 5 minutes after its consumption. These effects can last up to 5 hours.
If you want your immune system to work properly, you need a good source of vitamin C. Eating too much sugar may destroy the cell structure of your immune system and can eat away at the vitamin C in your body.

Being Overweight

According to research, obesity can weaken a person’s immune system. If you are overweight, it’s important that you get more exercise and stay healthy for you to lessen your risk of any health complications.

Poor Hygiene

Though poor hygiene may not directly affect your immune system, it helps eliminate germs and bacteria thereby preventing illnesses and infection. You are prone to more harmful organisms if you lack proper hygiene. These organisms can overwhelm your immune system which can lead to infections or diseases.

Stress

A single bad day in your office might not be stressful. However, if you worry about your job for weeks, it can affect your immune system. Try yoga or meditation to lessen everyday stress.