Our immune system protects us from hazardous microorganisms and fights disease-causing alterations in the body. A person with a weakened immune system is more likely to become ill regularly and is more susceptible to infections than other people.

Autoimmune disorders, anaemia, pneumonia, bronchitis, skin infections, digestive difficulties, and delays in growth and development can all be seen in those with poor immunity.

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Stress is one of the causes of low immunity, and it can harm your health. Other reasons for a reduced immune system include smoking, drinking, a poor diet, infections, cancer therapies, and HIV or AIDS.

On the occasion of World Health Day which is observed annually on April 7, here are expert tips on how to improve your immunity system and warning signs of poor immunity.

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“Our body’s immune system is responsible for working around the clock to keep our body protected from various diseases and other environmental forces. However, due to certain factors, our immunity system gets compromised, making our body susceptible to illnesses. It’s imperative to notice some of your behaviours in your body like frequent cold and infections, suffering from autoimmune diseases, organ inflammation, skin rashes and delayed growth and development (in children),” Dr R.R Dutta, HOD, Internal Medicine, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram, explains some frequent symptoms of a weakened immune system.

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WARNING SIGNS OF POOR IMMUNITY

These are the main warning indicators of low immunity, according to Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder Director of the Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals.

* You always catch a cold: Having a cold regularly indicates a lack of immunity because it indicates that your body is unable to combat seasonal illnesses.

* You have frequent diarrhoea, gas, or constipation: Digestive problems might also signal that your immune system is not functioning properly.

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* Your wounds heal slowly: One of the warning indications of decreased immunity is if your body’s natural healing system is inadequate.

* You get a lot of infections: If your immune system isn’t strong enough to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other hazardous things, you’ll get a lot of infections.

* You are constantly tired: Are you constantly exhausted? It could be due to a lack of immunity.

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HOW TO IMPROVE IMMUNITY

A few lifestyle modifications and new habits can help you maintain a robust and healthy immune system naturally. Here are some things to keep in mind, according to Drs. Anjali Kumar and Shuchin Bajaj:

* Pay attention to what you eat. Eat a well-balanced diet.

* Get a decent eight-hour night’s sleep. Our bodies recover energy and mend damaged cells when we sleep.

* Exercise daily since it not only boosts your immune system and helps you maintain a healthy weight, but it also produces pleasant hormones in your body, which are mood elevators and aid in stress management.

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* Wash your hands at least once a day. Germs enter our bodies primarily through filthy hands.

* Practice mindfulness and gratitude to reduce stress levels. Live only for the day.

* Avoid smoking because it is believed to disrupt the immune system’s equilibrium and balance. This raises the risk of a variety of immunological and autoimmune illnesses.

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According to Dr R.R Dutta, a rich and balanced diet is essential for working on immunity, and the diet must include all vital nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B, and other macro and micronutrients.

He also suggests many lifestyles and dietary adjustments for a strong immune system, such as limiting sugar intake, staying hydrated, working out regularly, getting enough sleep, and effectively managing stress.