There are many causes of a low immune system from lack of sleep through to stress and improper nutrition. When dealing with a low immune system and suffering from the side effects, it is extremely important you focus on the cause and deal with the problem at the source if it is that simple. We are looking into the causes, side effects and treatments for a poor immune system and focusing on you getting the most out of your body’s defence system.

Why is my Immune System Low?

The four most common causes of a low immune system are, stress, minimal exercise, lack of sleep and improper nutrition. Fortunately, the main causes are very easy to treat and usually do not require any invasive treatment or therapy.
If you feel you are suffering from low immunity, visiting your doctor will confirm the issue and highlight the underlying cause usually without any test. On some occasions your doctor may as to take a blood test to check the nutrients in your body if they suspect a deficiency may be to blame.
The signs and symptoms of a low immune system vary and can be moderate to severe. If you are experiencing recurring infections, fatigue, frequent coughs and colds, wounds that take too long to heal and swollen lymph nodes it may we recommend visiting your doctor for further testing.

What Protects me?

Your immune system is made up of four organs; the spleen, tonsils, bone marrow and lymph nodes. When fighting an infection any one of these organs if not more than one will often be affected and show signs and symptoms of defence.
Here we look into the side affects your organs may experience and when to look out for dangerous symptoms:

Enlarged Spleen:

The Spleen is responsible for fighting infection. When fighting an aggressive infection your spleen can become enlarged, although this is rare side effect you need to be aware of the symptoms should this become a medical emergency.
Be aware of pain behind your left rib cage, the area may also be tender to touch. You may experience fatigue coupled with a loss of appetite due to your spleen pressing on your stomach simulating a full stomach. If you have frequent infections it may also be a sign that your Spleen is not functioning correctly.

Tonsils and Tonsillitis:

As with the Spleen, your Tonsils help to fight infection. They specifically help to fight infection in your mouth and throat. Should your Tonsils be struggling to fight an infection, they will become red, swollen and extremely tender.
Swollen Tonsils can also be a sign of Tonsillitis, an infection which affects your Tonsils causing them to swell so big that it may obstruct your airway. If this is ever the case you doctor may recommend you have these organs removed in order to swallow and breathe.

Bone Marrow:

Your Bone Marrow produces vital cells that play the biggest part in protecting your body from infection and antibodies. Bone Marrow produces White Blood Cells. These Blood Cells physically fight infection, seeking out bad bacteria and fighting it off before it can affect any organs.
Complications with Bone Marrow are extremely rare in basic cases and shouldn’t be something you need to consider. However, should you ever experience fatigue, shortness of breath, unexplained or easy bruising and prolonged bleeding from cutes. It may be worth having a test to ensure there are no issues surrounding your Bone Marrow.

Swollen Lymph Nodes:

Lymph Nodes are located in groups throughout your body. Each group is responsible for draining that particular area. If your Lymph Nodes are fighting an infection, you will notice the area closest to the infection will become swollen. This is normal and is usually nothing to worry about. Usual areas for swelling include under the chin, the arm pit, behind the ears and your groin.
Should the swelling last longer than a week it may be a sign of a more aggressive infection, therefor contact your GP and have this treated accordingly.
The main sign of a poor immune system is a recurring infection or cold. Should you be experiencing an infection that keeps returning you need to address this with your GP and express your concern.
A low immune system will make you susceptible to frequent illnesses, the most common is a persistent cold. The average adult will catch 2-3 colds per year and these usually coincide with changes of season, however, if you experience more than 3 colds per year you may have a weakened immune system.

What can I do to Improve my Immune System?

Sleep:

It is extremely important you allow your body to rest. The average adult should get a solid 8 hours sleep per night in order to stay healthy physically. If you have sleep issues it is important you address these with you GP and seek the help you require in order to get the rest your body needs.
Your body clock is extremely important. Some recent studies have found that over sleeping may also increase your risk of infections, cold and general illness due to a weakened immune system. Remember sleep is important, however, 8 hours a day should be enough to stay fit and healthy.

Exercise:

We all know it is important to exercise in order to stay fit and healthy. You don’t have to join a gym in order to improve your immune system.
A walk, run or a hike is enough for your immune system to stay fit and healthy. Physical activity helps to flush bacteria out of your body through sweat. Exercise also increases your bodies White Blood Cells, which we have previously stated are vital for fighting against infection. Increasing your heart rate and causing yourself to sweat is a good way to fight infection and battle an illness quickly!

Nutrition:

It is no surprise that a balanced diet is the key to a healthy immune system. Your body requires nutrients to survive, if you lack certain nutrients your body will become less protected and fatigued.
Surprisingly there are certain nutrients that help your immune system more than others! Citrus fruits are vital, they are full of Vitamin C. This miracle Vitamin is often used to treat colds and fight antibodies! Vitamins A, C, D and E will all boost your immune system and can be found in various foods. It is important to stick to the “five a day” tip to ensure your body is getting everything it needs in order to stay happy and healthy.

Visit your GP

Poor immunity can be dealt with in many ways. If you feel your fatigue and recurring colds may be linked to a low immune system, it is vital you deal with this at the earliest possible opportunity.
Recurring infections can be detrimental to your health and have sometimes been linked to serious illnesses. Your doctor can give you the best advice tailored to you and your immune system, so you stay happy and healthy.