Weak Immune System

We know that disease-causing organisms are microscopically small and are present everywhere. Not only are they around us but also inside our bodies. Our body is hence under constant threat of falling prey to the adverse effects of millions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that we live with, side by side. Then what is it that is preventing us from being chronically ill? Well it a complex and invisible shield known as the immune system that is constantly at work, killing the disease causing microorganisms inside our body and protecting us from their disease-causing effects.

How Does the Immune System Work?

Immune system is a complicated network of a large number of cells formed in various organs of the immune system. In response to various chemicals released in the body, these cells act to kill, eat, destroy and eliminate disease causing organisms inside the body. The immune system also restricts tumors and cancerous growths inside the body. Hence a compromised immune system leaves one susceptible to a host a diseases.

Causes of Weak Immune System
A weakened immune system means that the body has laid down all its defenses to the numerous disease causing organisms present all around us all the time. How is our immune system weakened? Here are some common weak immune system causes:

Poor Diet: The importance of proper diet need not be emphasized. Role of food other than suppressing pangs of hunger has been probably known to mankind since its inception. A balanced diet keeps the whole machinery of the immune system in gear. Among all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals are of utmost importance in strengthening our immune system. Where on one hand it is important to have enough of all the different types of food stuffs, one also needs to refrain from some particular types. For example, too much of sugar in the body is known to weaken the immune system. Similarly alcohol, nicotine and other toxic materials also impair the immune system's ability to fight diseases.

Stress: Stress, be it physical or emotional is known to depress the ability of the immune system to function properly. The result is that our body surrenders to a host of diseases. Physical stress involves lot of physical or mental activity coupled with lack of enough sleep and rest. Sleep is the time when the whole body rejuvenates. All the non-functional cells are replaced with new ones and those that are damaged are repaired. Lack of rest and sleep immensely compromises our immune system.

Immunodeficiency Diseases: Immunodeficiency diseases are those that cause the immune system to lose one or more of its components. There are certain diseases that specifically target the immune system. The one disease that has the entire medical fraternity in a frenzy trying to find a cure for is the AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Although this disease is an acquired one, there are other immunodeficiency diseases that are inherited. For example in case of SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency disease) an individual lacks all the major immune defenses.

Other Causes: Other causes leads can make one's immune system weak are:

• Undue stress on the immune system as it is being subjected to frequently fight conditions that threaten our health.
• Drugs, most commonly antibiotics.
• Blood transfusions
• Surgeries
• Chemical exposures like radiations.

Preventing Weak Immune System
Once we know the role of the immune system in ensuring our health, the next important question that comes to our mind is how to strengthen the immune system? The answer to this question lies in understanding the causes of a weakened immune system. One perusal through the causes and the fact becomes clear that healthy diet and adequate rest are important immune system boosters. Including foods that boost immune system like broccoli, cabbage, yams, mushrooms and fish like salmon that are rich source of omega-3 fatty acids also helps in strengthening the immune system. Other than this, physical exercise and relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation that help one to fight emotional stress, are also important to ensure that one's immune system is in perfect shape.

A weak immune system is like dropping all armors against various diseases that affect the body. This fact only reiterates the importance of balance in life which can be attained through a healthy lifestyle.