8 Daily Habits That Can Lower Your Body's Defenses
Our bodies have incredible built-in defenses against getting sick, but some everyday habits can weaken those defenses. Here are eight things you might be doing unintentionally that could make you more likely to catch a cold or bug.
Sleep Skimpin'
Catch some shut-eye! When you sleep, your body releases special messengers called cytokines. These guys help fight infection and inflammation. If you're burning the midnight oil too often, you might not be making enough cytokines, leaving you more prone to getting sick. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night to keep your defenses strong.
Chronic Chill
Stress can be a real drag on your immune system. When you're constantly stressed out, it can make it harder for your body to fight off germs. Find healthy ways to de-stress, like exercise, yoga, or spending time in nature.
Junk Food Champ
Your body needs good fuel to function at its best, and that includes fighting off invaders. A diet full of sugary treats, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can leave your immune system sluggish. Load up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains instead – they're packed with nutrients that give your defenses a boost.
Couch Potato Power Down
Getting your body moving is a great way to keep your immune system happy. Exercise helps improve circulation, which allows immune cells to travel throughout your body more easily and do their job better. It can also help reduce inflammation, another enemy of a strong immune system.
Smoking Double Whammy
Smoking is a double whammy for your health, including your immune system. It weakens your body's defenses and makes it harder to fight off infections. On top of that, it damages your lungs, which are on the front lines of battling respiratory illnesses.
Overdoing the Booze
Having a drink occasionally isn't a big deal, but constantly overdoing it can suppress your immune system and make you more likely to get sick. It can also damage your liver, which plays a key role in immune function.
Skipping Meals – Not Your Friend
Your body needs a steady stream of nutrients to function properly, and that includes keeping your immune system strong. Skipping meals can deprive your body of the fuel it needs to fight off illness.
Antibiotic Overuse – Backfires
Antibiotics are lifesavers for bacterial infections, but using them too often can backfire. When you take them too frequently, bacteria can develop resistance, making the antibiotics less effective in the future.
