Here are a
few bad habits that can sabotage your immune system and reduce your body to
fight germs and diseases:
Smoking –
Cigarettes damages your first line of defense, the linings of your mouth
and your nose, which are actually part of your immune system, making you more susceptible
to cold and flu. Smoking can also cause your immune system to attack your lung
tissues, worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, an
incurable respiratory condition. This is another reason why you should consider
giving up cigarette.
Lack of sleep – Getting adequate sleep helps the body to be
rested and prepared to fight infections, and lack of sleep increases your
chances of developing many conditions such as depression, diabetes, and
obesity. You can fight off infection while asleep! You should average about 7
to 9 hours of sleep every night, and you can then look forward to its benefits
on your health.
Too much alcohol – Drinking too much alcohol can wear away
the linings of your mouth and oesophagus, making it easier for viruses and
bacteria to enter your body and make you sick. Women who drink alcohol should
limit their intake to one drink per day, while men should have no more than two
per day.
Too much stress – Stress, whether from work, personal
commitments, or other sources, can weaken the body’s immune response and make
you more likely to come down with cold, flu, and other viral infections. To
de-stress and stay healthy, try exercising for 30 minutes a day or practicing
deep breathing — both can diminish the effects of stress on your body and boost
your immune system.
Bad eating habits – Eating foods with too much sugar or not
enough fruits and vegetables can impair your immune function. It can also cause
you to be overweight, a condition that makes you more susceptible to disease.
For optimal immune system, your diet should include plenty of fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk.
Risky sexual behaviours – Unsafe sexual behaviours can put
you at greater risk for human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, a condition that
weakens the immune system and hampers the body’s ability to fight infections.
Having multiple sexual partners and vaginal, oral, or anal sex without using
condoms increases your risk of becoming HIV-positive.
Lack of exercise – Regular exercise can bolster your immune
system by enhancing its ability to create antibodies and T-cells, which are
white blood cells that help the body fight disease. As little as 20 minutes of
walking five days a week can help your immune system perform at its best.
Not getting vaccines - If you want to avoid illnesses like
the flu, shingles, and other preventable diseases, conquer your fear of needles
and go get a shot. One of the easiest ways to avoid certain illnesses is by
getting vaccinated against them.
Keeping to yourself – People who keep to themselves are more
likely to suffer from depression, and people with depression are more likely to
have imbalances in certain immune-system substances. These imbalances can
increase the risk of developing illnesses like heart disease and insulin
resistance. So socialize and keep yourself healthy, and if you think you are at
risk of depression, talk to your doctor.
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