As the weather changes, people often blame cold wind, rain, heat or pollution for their cough, cold, sore throat and fatigue. However, doctors point out that weather is not always the real cause of illness. Often, the problem lies in our everyday habits – habits that gradually weaken the body from the inside. In today’s fast-paced world, it has become common for people to stay up late at night, skip meals, sit in front of screens for long periods of time, and be under constant stress. The body can tolerate these habits for some time, but eventually, their effects start appearing on the person’s immune system. This is the reason why many people fall ill again and again.
How does your immune system become weak?
According to Dr. Rashika, Consultant Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals, good sleep is not just a matter of time, but also of its quality. She explains that continuously getting less or poor quality sleep weakens the body’s immune system. As a result, such people easily fall prey to frequent diseases like cold, cough and asthma. If a person wakes up frequently at night, snores, or uses a mobile phone late at night before sleeping, the body does not get a chance to recover properly.
What are the consequences of a weak immune system?
Research conducted by the US CDC shows that lack of sleep not only harms the immune system, but it can also adversely affect heart health, lead to obesity, and affect mental health. During deep sleep, the body repairs itself and makes proteins needed to fight infection.
Does our lifestyle also play a role in this?
Experts believe that bad eating habits also make people easily vulnerable to diseases. According to Dr. Rashika, people often skip meals or become overly dependent on processed foods and outside food. As a result, the body does not get the necessary nutrients. To maintain a strong immune system, the body needs protein, iron, zinc, vitamins, fiber, and adequate water; However, nowadays people are increasingly consuming packaged food, sugary snacks and instant meals.
Harmful effects of drinking less water and sedentary lifestyle
A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that nutrition directly affects both the immune system and the levels of inflammation in the body. Apart from this, not drinking enough water has also emerged as a major concern. According to doctors, not drinking enough water makes the mucus in the body thick, which can increase the risk of infection. Doctors also warn that staying in closed spaces for long periods of time – be it home or office – can be harmful to a person’s health. Viruses and allergens can survive for longer periods in air-conditioned rooms, dusty environments, poorly ventilated areas, and crowded closed spaces.
