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Nutritional deficiencies and immune system malfunction

Pregnancy can bring abut a weakened immune system. Nutritional deficiencies can cause immune system malfunction and the inability to digest food properly adds to the problem. If there are issues with the digestive system, then nutrition is lost and the immune system is unable to function at optimum levels.

Each system, the endocrine system, lymphatic system, and digestive system interface with one another and all have a profound effect upon the immune system. The best and most simple way to give the immune system a boost is through a healthy lifestyle.

What weakens your immune system

The things that contribute to weakening the immune system include a lack of exercise. Non-exercisers have higher incidence of colds and a higher risk of infections. Sleep quality is poor and inactivity can lead to obesity.

Carrying extra weight increases the risk for diabetes, cancer, and heart disease - all resulting, at least in part, from a weak immune system.

A diet that is high in sugar and fat suppresses the immune system's cells that are responsible for attacking bacteria.

High stress levels for long periods of time (chronic stress) increases vulnerability to disease.

Not having friends and a strong support system has been shown the change the immune system on a cellular level, suppressing it and weakening it.

Boosting the Immune System

Obviously, the immune system boosters are the flip-side of the things that weaken the immune system. Here are some tips to boost your immune system:

Get regular exercise five times a week, getting the heart rate up, increases the level of leukocytes, the infection fighting immune system cells. Sleep is also improved through the release of endorphins, which help you feel good.

Improve the diet by enriching it with antioxidants and nutrients that boost the immune system. It is well known that an imbalance of antioxidants contributes to such diseases as cancer and heart disease.

Eating more immune-boosting foods like garlic and good old chicken soup does wonders.

Get enough sleep. Fatigue makes a person vulnerable to myriad illnesses, and insomnia and lack of sleep can cause a rise in inflammation in the body.

Practice relaxation techniques to deal with chronic stress so that levels of cortisol are lowered.

Finally, laugh - loud, long, and a lot. Laughing decreases the levels of stress hormones and increases infection fighting white blood cells. Endorphins and growth hormones are increased with laughter, and these hormones positively impact the immune system.