Low immunity can be perceived when the body gives some signals, indicating that the body’s defenses are low and that the immune system is not being able to fight infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, which can cause the person to become sick more often and have symptoms such as frequent chills, fever and recurrent infections.
The immune system corresponds to a set of organs, tissues and cells that act together with the objective of combating invading agents and, thus, preventing the development of diseases. Understand how the immune system works.
Signs and symptoms of low immunity
When the body’s defense is low, some signs and symptoms may appear, the main ones being:
- Recurrent infections, such as tonsillitis or herpes;
- Simple diseases, but that take time to pass or that get easily worse, like flu;
- Frequent fever and chills;
- Eyes often dry;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Diarrhea for more than 2 weeks;
- Red or white spots on the skin;
- Sharp hair loss;
Therefore, when realizing any of these symptoms, it is important to adopt measures that help strengthen immunity, such as having a healthy diet, for example, since some foods are able to strengthen and stimulate the body’s defense cells. See what to eat to boost immunity
What can weaken the immune system
The decrease in the activity of the immune system can happen due to several situations, including stress and anxiety situations, for example. In addition, some chronic diseases, such as AIDS, lupus, cancer and diabetes can also decrease the activity of the immune system and favor the onset of other diseases.
The use of immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids or antibiotics are also able to weaken the immune system, and it is important to inform the doctor of the symptoms it presents so that the suspension or exchange of the medication can be indicated to avoid compromising the functioning of the body’s defense cells. .
In addition to diseases, immunological factors and the use of medications, the functioning of the body’s defense system can also be compromised due to lifestyle habits, such as lack of physical activity, alcoholism, smoking and unhealthy eating.
Low immunity in pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is normal to have a weakened immune system due to hormonal changes and changes in the woman’s body, and extra attention is needed to avoid problems such as flu and urinary infections.
Therefore, to avoid complications it is important to always go to prenatal consultations, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as orange, pineapple, lemon, carrot and cabbage, and take flu shots during pregnancy. In this way, it is possible to protect the mother and baby.
How to improve immunity
To improve immunity, it is important that people change their lifestyle, including physical activity on a daily basis and improving their eating habits, giving preference to foods that stimulate the functioning of the immune system, such as Brazil nuts, fish, carrots and spinach, for example.
In addition, if symptoms of low immunity are frequent or if the person has diseases or risk factors that weaken the body’s defense system, it is important to go to the doctor so that treatment for the cause of decreased activity can be indicated. of the immune system, in addition to recommending blood tests to assess the defense cells. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend the use of home remedies, such as echinacea tea, as a way to complement the treatment for low immunity.
