Dr Kelly
HAVE you ever wondered why during the cold season many people get down with cough and catarrh while some others do not, even when everyone in their home struggles with a cold?
The answer is simple: It’s the immune system!
Immunity is the first line of defence in the body, against foreign bodies like bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms preventing them from entering into the body.
A strong immune system protects your body against infections, giving rise to fewer chances of illness; whereas, a weak immune system makes the body vulnerable to infections, slows down wound healing and causes fatigue and lethargy.
Some daily habits affect our immune system badly and if we can modify these habits we would have a healthy life.
They include the following:
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Low water intake:
Our daily water requirement is 3Litres per day, 75% of the human body is made up of water; it contains electrolytes so proper hydration builds a strong Immune system.
Sedentary lifestyle:
When we are not active, our body sleeps too. But when active, we produce body heat that reduces bacteria growth, stress and antibody production.
Poor sleep patterns:
Our daily sleep requirement is 7-9 hours. At this duration, protective Cytokines antibodies are released into the body system. Frequent poor sleeping patterns reduce the production of those Cytokines that fight germs.
Excessive sugar intake:
Refined sugar, like chocolate, cookies, carbonated drinks and others, reduces the uptake of vitamin C into the White blood cells, thereby reducing the production of the cell. We should instead eat sugars from sweet fruits like apples, pineapples, oranges or honey.
Excessive Alcohol Intake:
It’s proven scientifically that a glass of wine a day is good for the heart(cardiovascular system); but when taken excessively, it overworks the liver, reduces digestion and production of white blood cells (WBCs). Not all alcoholic beverages have the benefit of wine; some beverages like stout and whiskey have increased alcohol content toxic to the body.
Smoking: Cigarette contains over 250 high toxic substances i.e Ammonia, Arsenic, Nicotine and Toluene. The human body is not made to process such chemicals giving rise to the gradual destruction of the immune system and the entire body system
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Too much caffeine:
1-2 cups of caffeine a day helps with Alertness, mood and energy, but more than that results in rising in stress level>>rise in stress hormones (cortisol)>>Immune suppression.
