The body’s immunity system works to protect it against harmful viruses and bacteria. Immunity is provided not only by the red bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus. An important part of our immune system (about 80%) is associated with lymphoid tissue.
Over 70% of the lymphoid tissue is found in the intestine in the form of mucosal cells lining the entire gastrointestinal tract. That is why it is very important while protecting the immune system to take care of the intestines first of all.
Also, some medications can threaten health, which many of us often take without a doctor’s prescription, considering them completely harmless. Popular diets, which some are especially eager to turn to get rid of extra pounds, can cause significant damage to the body. It turns out that often we ourselves destroy our own immunity without realizing this.
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Things That Suppress Immunity System
Below we have collected seven such factors that make the immune system weaker.
1.Medicines For Heartburn
Medicines for heartburn, especially those taken without the appointment and supervision of a doctor, can have a negative effect on the immune system for a variety of reasons. Some antacids reduce acidity. The stronger ones, which are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can dramatically change the pH of the stomach. The acidity must be high so that the body can “sterilize” all the food we eat.
When acidity decreases, the body becomes more vulnerable to aggressive microflora, which puts additional stress on the immune system in the intestines. A recent study at the Mayo Clinic showed that people who regularly take acid-lowering medications have a less diverse intestinal flora and are at increased risk of diseases. This includes disease caused by the gram-positive bacteria, Clostridium.
Another problem is that some vitamins are often deficient while taking medications for heartburn and other ailments. This is because some nutrients are not absorbed properly in a low acid environment. People who often take drugs to lower acidity are deficient in vitamin B12, zinc, ascorbic acid, and iron. Their deficiency further weakens the immune system.
2.Pain Relievers
Certain pain relievers, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often damage the lining of the intestines and cause leaky gut syndrome. As a result, the immune system suffers its functional capacity decreases.
If you use pain relievers quite often, at least several times a week, then sooner or later, you will encounter immune disorders. In such cases, it is imperative to consult a doctor in order to conduct an examination. The doctor will help you find out the causes of pain and get adequate and safe therapy.
3.Antibacterial Drugs
Antibiotics can also help to weaken the immune system. Once in the body, antibacterial drugs destroy all microflora indiscriminately. In the absence of beneficial bacteria, the intestinal mucous membranes begin to absorb toxins, and the immune system gets weakened.
In any case, do not treat any infections, flu, or colds with antibiotics on your own. If you experience symptoms of illness, immediately make an appointment with your doctor. Only use prescribed medications to get the right treatment.
4.Alcohol
Regular alcohol consumption suppresses the bone marrow’s production of red and white blood cells, which over time damages the immune system. But this does not mean that you need to eliminate alcohol from your life completely.
A glass of red wine in good company along with a glass of water is unlikely to harm the body. But those who have a previous history of addiction should definitely avoid drinking it.
If anyone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, guide them to get proper treatment. Only through alcohol addiction treatment, they will be able to get rid of toxins from the body and strengthen the immune system.
5.Diets For Weight Loss
Sometimes a passion for healthy eating can damage your immune system. You can increase your risk of illness by following popular diets and self-detox treatments. Those who practice shock diets, which are very low in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and magnesium, have poor immunity systems.
If your diet is balanced, then fresh juices won’t hurt. But if you constantly sit only on fresh juices and lose weight quickly, your body will probably lack many vital nutrients. Only a balanced diet that includes healthy fats will benefit your immune system.
6.Frequent Business Trips
Most of those who are forced to travel frequently on business trips have a poor immune system. They get exposed to germs and infections on airplanes, trains, hotels, etc. In addition, they do not get enough rest and disrupt their usual diet. All this leads to disorders in the functioning of the immune system.
Try to stick to your usual lifestyle, even on trips. Since exercise can help boost immunity, exercise for at least 15 minutes a day. And try to eat right. Be sure to add more immune-boosting foods to your diet for healthy snacks – tangerines, nuts, or dark chocolate. These are a good source of healthy magnesium.
7.Loneliness
Research shows that chronic feelings of loneliness over many months or years can damage the immune system and increase the risk of a variety of diseases. Loneliness is experienced by many. For example, about 20% of Americans suffer from prolonged loneliness and social isolation. You can live in the same apartment with a large family and feel like the loneliest person.
Chronic loneliness affects health at the cellular level, provoking inflammation and inhibiting immune responses, including in cases of viral infections. It is difficult for a lonely person to start connecting with others or participating in social life simply.
To get rid of this feeling, you first need to get rid of insecurity or fear. Stress relief practices, meditation, yoga help many to come to terms with the world. Besides, mental practices have a beneficial effect on immunity.
Take Away
It is important to take notice of what we eat and drink if we want a fully functional immunity system. Thus, avoid the aforementioned things to strengthen your body’s immune system and help in fighting the diseases.
Thank you very much for this wonderful post. It’s truly informative. I’ve learned a lot about the 7 Factors That Causes Your Immunity To Go Down.
I agree that our immune system to protect us against the virus and that’s why it’s very important to know the factors that could harm our immune system. In fact, since the pandemic started I noticed that I have a weak system and since I am fit, I have been thinking why I have a weak immune system then I realize loneliness triggers my immune system..
With so much information online, it’s quite difficult to spot which are the factors and what are the healthy lifestyle that we need to practice. In my research, I came across an article about detoxification https://discoveryournature.com/the-benefits-of-an-alkaline-detox/. I think that trying a good diet and detox could improve our immune system as well.