Some people never get sick and of course they should be thankful for strong immunity, healthy lifestyle, golden genes and many other motives. But some other people get sick more often, from flu symptoms to colds, and often wonder why this happens!
An average adult gets sick about two to three times a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But some get sick more often and there are several reasons why this happens, according to infectious disease doctor Nikhil Bhayani.
#1 You don't get enough sleep
According to the doctor, fewer hours of sleep means less chance for your body to fight your germs. People who sleep only six hours a night are four times more likely to catch a cold when exposed to a virus than those who sleep seven or more hours.
#2 You are stressed
Just like not getting enough sleep, high levels of chronic stress suppress your immune system. As a result, any germs you're exposed to will have an easier time sneaking past your body's defenses and causing an infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
#3 You have a health problem
Having a health problem is one more reason to have a weak immune system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the causes can be: rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, thyroid, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, etc.
#4 The environment where you live and work
If you have spent time in places where there are more germs, you are more likely to get infections or get sick more often. It can be door handles, supermarket shopping carts, escalators, elevators and many other spaces that are full of germs.
#5 Children can also be the cause
The fact that you are a parent is something fantastic, but children are often a source of infection. Parents who have only one child at home have 28% more chances of being affected by a viral infection during the year, especially if they have children who attend nurseries, kindergartens or schools.
#6 You don't eat properly
Vitamins C, D and E along with minerals such as zinc and selenium play a key role in supporting immune function. If you do not have a diet rich in these values, know that you are more likely to be affected by diseases. So more fruits, vegetables, dried fruits and healthy foods for a strong immune system.
What to do to strengthen the immune system
If you suspect that any of the above factors are not having an effect, then there is good news: there are many other things you can do to strengthen your immune system and reduce your exposure to germs and viruses.
-Wash your hands often. Just washing regularly can reduce the risk of infections by 20% and the risk of stomach bugs by 30%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Keep a healthy diet . A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats is right for you.
- Move every day . Exercise increases the circulation of infection-fighting white blood cells and helps remove germs from the lungs and airways.
- Get enough sleep . Aim for at least seven hours of sleep a night.
- Find time to calm down. Reducing stress is another step in helping the immune system function at its best.
- Get vaccinated . The flu vaccine can lower your risk of getting sick by up to 60%, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Source: Well+ Good
