Your immune system is your body’s protection against foreign threats including viruses, bacteria, toxins, and fungi. As a complex system of cells, proteins, and organs, all parts of the immune system work together to keep you from getting sick.
Unfortunately, not everyone has a pristine immune system. There are many potential causes of a weak immune system, from conditions that cause immune deficiencies to poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking. If you have a weak immune system, you’ll be more susceptible to illness and disease, though there are various treatments that can be used to restore the strength of your immune system.
Some of the main signs of a weak immune system include:
Frequent and Recurrent Infections
With a weak immune system, people often experience frequent colds and other infections. It can take more time to fully recover from an infection with a weak immune system, and the infection may keep coming back. This occurs when the immune system isn’t able to fully eliminate it. Having more than two to three cold infections per year, more than four ear infections per year, or catching pneumonia twice or more are all indicators of a weak immune system.
Digestive Symptoms
A weak immune system can cause of a variety of digestive symptoms, including:
- Diarrhea that persists for longer than two to four weeks
- Constipation, which can occur if the immune system causes the intestine to function more slowly
- Frequent bloating
Fatigue
People with a weak immune system often feel constantly tired or fatigued, even if they’ve gotten sufficient rest. Chronic fatigue is associated with an overactive immune system, meaning that the immune system has a heightened response despite there being no infection.
Skin Infections
A weak immune system can cause damage to the skin barrier. This can lead to repeated skin infections, inflammation, rashes, and dry skin.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a weakened immune system, the doctors at The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine can help strengthen your immune health with conventional and naturopathic treatments. Contact us to schedule an appointment!
