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A healthy immune system protects the body against harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses; however, at times, the immune system may weaken or even attack the body’s own tissues, leading to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. We’ll discuss why immune systems go haywire and recommend five ways to support healthy immunity.

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Why Immune Systems Go Haywire and 5 Great Ways to Support Healthy Immunity is an original (HealthXWire) article.

Think of your immune system as a protective layer of armor — a strong shield that keeps infectious microorganisms at bay. This complex network of cells and organs combats the invaders that enter your body. This natural defense system is crucial for survival. However, external factors can sometimes interfere with its function, which is why immune systems go haywire. Here are some factors that can weaken your resistance to infection:

• Stress: Anxiety and worry can decrease the body’s lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight off infection. The lower your lymphocyte levels, the higher your risk of colds and other viruses.
• Lack of sleep: The body needs sleep to produce antibodies and prevent infection. Your body releases cytokines (proteins that boost the immune system) during sleep.
• Smoking: Both nicotine and marijuana lower vitamin C and other antioxidants in your bloodstream, making you more susceptible to colds, influenza, pneumonia, and cancer.
• Alcohol: Even a few drinks can lower the body’s ability to repair itself. Alcohol can also interfere with the gut microbiome by altering the microbes in the intestine.
• Certain medications: Drugs that treat arthritis, allergies, and asthma (corticosteroids) can increase your chance of getting an infection. TNF inhibitors that treat autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis, can also weaken the immune system.
• Inadequate diet: A diet high in fats or lacking in fruits and vegetables is one reason why immune systems go haywire. Processed and fatty foods interfere with the body’s ability to produce the white blood cells needed to fight infection.
• Lack of vitamin D: This fat-soluble vitamin enhances the T cells and macrophages that protect your body against pathogens and other invaders. You can get vitamin D from sunlight, salmon, spinach, and some grains.
• Insufficient exercise: Exercise stimulates the movement of immune cells throughout the body and keeps them active for up to three hours afterward. Doctors have found people who exercise regularly have a greater resistance to several viruses, including COVID-19.

Signs your immune system needs help

Now that you know why immune systems go haywire, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of a weakened immune system. Here are a few signs to look for:

• Frequent colds and fevers: If you’re constantly taking antibiotics to fight off infections, your body could be telling you it needs help. It may be wise to consider taking supplements to boost your immune system.
• Constant stomach and digestive problems: Frequent diarrhea and constipation can be considered warning signs that your immune system is having trouble fighting off harmful bacteria or a virus in your gut, causing your small intestine to slow down.
• Headaches: Headaches and migraines can sometimes be the result of an autoimmune disease, a problem that can be especially dangerous for young women.
• Slow wound healing: A healthy immune system sends blood to wounded and burned areas of the body, promoting healing and skin regeneration. If your wounds aren’t healing quickly, it may be a sign of a weakened immune system.
• Constant fatigue. A weakened immune system can affect energy levels, regardless of how much sleep you’re getting.
• Numbness in hands and feet: A weak immune system may lead to inflamed blood vessels, which restricts blood flow to your extremities. This problem can worsen when you’re exposed to extremely cold temperatures.

Five great ways to support healthy immunity

Now that we know why immune systems go haywire, it’s time to work on rewiring your body to support healthy immunity. A few lifestyle changes can give your immune system the boost it needs.

• Maintain a healthy diet: Incorporate fruits and vegetables such as kale and elderberries that are rich in vitamin C and provide your body with the needed antioxidants to fight off infections.
• Limit alcohol and tobacco consumption: Both substances lower your vitamin C and antioxidant levels.
• Get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine: Take a daily outdoor walk to keep your blood flowing and boost your vitamin D levels from the sunshine.
• Get plenty of sleep: Sleep deprivation interrupts your circadian system, making you more susceptible to infection. 
• Frequent sex: Yes, you read that right. A recent government study found people who are more sexually active have a better immune system able to combat pathogens. Those who have sexual intercourse more than three times a month report fewer illnesses than those who have it less than three times a month.

However, even people who eat nutritiously, don’t drink or smoke, and are sexually active can still suffer from an immune deficiency. That’s where a supplement may come in handy, especially for those with a stressful job, medical condition, or those who work overnight shifts.

Why Immune Systems Go Haywire and 5 Great Ways to Support Healthy Immunity is the (HealthXWire) report.

Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Immune Pill

When contemplating why immune systems go haywire, many people vitamin shop and load their medicine cabinets. We found one supplement that contains all the necessary vitamins and antioxidants needed to support healthy immunity: Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Immune Pill.

This supplement contains 120 mg of vitamin C, 540 mg of antioxidant-rich elderberry (used for centuries to combat colds and flu), cordyceps mushroom (proven to boost cellular immunity), and echinacea (used by Native Americans to support white blood cells). Moreover, Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Immune Pill is third-party tested and comes with a money-back guarantee.

Take the right steps to support healthy immunity

Our immune systems are complex and delicate, requiring proper care and attention to function optimally. While there are many reasons why immune systems go haywire, making healthy lifestyle choices and taking supplements can support and strengthen immunity, promoting optimal wellness and quality of life. 

Further Reading For Additional Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Medications that Weaken Your Immune System and Fungal Infections:

Pfizer: How the Immune System Protects You From Infection

National Library of Medicine: Sleep and Immune Function

National Library of Medicine:: Alcohol and the Immune system

National Library of Medicine: The Effects of Sexual Frequency and Immune Boosting Mineral Intake on Immune Status in COVID-19 Susceptible Individuals

Important Note: The information contained in this article (Why Immune Systems Go Haywire and 5 Great Ways to Support Healthy Immunity) is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.

Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.