Hello everyone. Today’s article is a guest post from Grace Kelly.
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Are you constantly getting sick? Do you feel rundown and tired? Chances are your immune system is taking a pretty hard hit from some of the things you do on a routine basis. By cutting out some of the following things, you can substantially boost your immune system and keep sickness at bay.
1. Stress
Stress is perhaps one of the worst things for your body. Research shows that about 90% of all ailments are, in someway, linked to stress. Most people like to ignore how awful stress truly is for them, but there is scientific evidence to back up the claim. Chronic stress, which comes in the form of stressful situations that last for a long period of time, raises the body’s cortisol levels, which reduces the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help to support immune function, are anti-inflammatory and help to regulate blood.
2. Soda
You already know this stuff was bad for you, but now there are numbers to back it up. According to statistics, for every 100g of sugar that is consumed, white blood cells are practically useless at killing bacteria for up to five hours. Prolonged exposure to highly processed products, such as soda, can lead to the development of chronic health conditions.
3. Lack of Sleep
While scientists still don’t understand the exact role sleep plays in a person’s health, they do know that lack of sleep can be detrimental. Lack of sleep is associated with a lower number of T-cells, which are white blood cells that help to protect the body from dangerous substances.
4. Obesity
Besides the fact that obesity increases a person’s risk of diabetes and heart disease, obesity can also affect the immune system. Excessive weight can prevent the body’s white blood cells from reproducing and can prevent inflammation from occurring, which is the body’s way of healing itself.
5. Lack of Exercise
Studies suggest that moderate exercise actually promotes a stronger immune system. It also helps to push through toxins that would otherwise begin to build up and reap havoc on the body. Exercise also promotes better circulation, which in turn helps to circulate white blood cells throughout the body.
6. Too Much Sun
Recent studies suggest that excessive exposure to UV rays can actually damage the immune system, and one reason for this is because the body has to work in overdrive to heal the damage caused by the sun. While most think a tan is healthier than a sunburn, a tan is actually your body’s way of telling you that it successfully fought off dangerous cells that could have caused cancer. You may not be as lucky next time.
7. Smoking
This one shouldn’t be all that surprising being that cigarettes contain over 4,000 different chemicals, all of which are toxic. Over time, the toxins found in cigarettes can lower the immune system and make it difficult for it to fight off disease and infection. Even if you don’t smoke, exposure to secondhand smoke can have some of the same effects on the immune system.
8. Dehydration
Ever wonder why it is said you should drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day even if you don’t feel thirsty? Dehydration, which can occur even when you don’t realize it, can weaken the immune system because the concentration of toxins is much higher when a person is dehydrated. Dehydration can even affect other aspects of your life, such as your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
9. Pessimism
Recent studies show that those who view the glass as half-empty are less likely to have high levels of T-cells. Some scientists suggest that pessimism is linked to stress levels, which has already been proven to have a negative impact on the body. Others believe that optimistic individuals tend to take care of themselves better, thus leading to a stronger immune system.
10. Medication
Those that are quick to grab medication are actually causing more harm than good because it can produce resistant bacteria. The only time you should take medication is when it is for bacteria infections, and in these cases the medicine should be taken right away and for the prescribed amount of time.