The human immune system is the body’s natural defence mechanism, protecting us from harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
When functioning optimally, once the body’s immunity detects threats, it mobilises protective cells and antibodies towards them, preventing infections from taking root.
However, when immunity is weakened, the consequences can be far-reaching and sometimes life-threatening.
One of the common effects of a lowered immune system is susceptibility to common illnesses such as colds, flu, and foodborne infections, which are more likely to linger longer than in individuals with strong immunity. Opportunistic infections, which are caused by organisms that are normally harmless at a particular site of the body, can also become more prevalent due to low immunity. Some individuals may also suffer from oral thrush, urinary tract infections, delayed recovery, and poor wound healing due to compromised immunity.
Low immunity not only increases vulnerability to infections, it can also worsen the progression of chronic illnesses. Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune disorders may flare up more often. A weakened immune system reduces the body’s ability to regulate inflammation, leading to prolonged symptoms and more frequent hospital visits.
Health experts have noted that the immune system plays a crucial role in identifying and destroying abnormal cells before they multiply uncontrollably. But when immunity is suppressed for long periods, the body becomes less efficient at this task, which may increase the risk of cancers developing or spreading undetected.
Here are ways to ensure that your immunity is boosted:
Sleep adequately
“Good sleep (which includes going to bed before 11pm as an adult) is ideal for the proper functioning of the body and mind, lack of which may lead to tiredness and fatigue.
“Lack of sleep can also lead to poor cognitive functions, sluggishness, lack of motivation during the day, and even weight gain. An adult should have at least seven hours of sleep,” a Lagos-based pharmacist, James Ucheaga, advised.
Stop overusing antibiotics
Ucheaga warned that excessive use of antibiotics could disrupt the gut microbiota — a key component of the body’s immunity.
“Indiscriminate use of antibiotics can cause a great deal of harm. Some of them include causing resistance of pathogens towards the particular misused antibiotics and other antibiotics, especially those resembling the misused antibiotics in chemical structure.
“What this implies is that few or no antibiotics would be available to treat a condition, especially when it is really needed.
“Malaria and typhoid are no twins, and do not always occur together, yet patients insist on treating both every single time they have symptoms that may appear as malaria. Such drug abuse creates room for drug resistance and toxicity which may harm the body.”
Cut down on artificial sugar
“Although sugar consumption doesn’t directly cause diabetes,” Ucheaga explained, “excessive consumption of sugars, especially added sugars as contained in soda drinks, will result in more sugar craving, which can cause insulin resistance.
“This insulin resistance can lead to diabetes and its complications, as well as other conditions like excessive weight gain, premature ageing, and some heart conditions.”
Watch your weight
“Being overweight, especially having a pot belly, is not a flex,” Ucheaga stated. “It may be a strong indication of insulin resistance. What this means is that one may be predisposed to diabetes. A regular fasting blood sugar check or HBA1c check is advised.”
Eat a balanced diet
A senior medical officer, Dr Paul Anejodo, highlighted poor diet as one of the common causes of low immunity.
“A lack of essential nutrients like vitamins C, D, and zinc weakens immune responses. So it is important to eat a balanced diet, particularly fruit and vegetables,” he advised.
Avoid substance abuse
“Excessive alcohol or smoking damages immune defences,” Anejodo warned. “Although painkillers are useful in the management of mild to moderate pain, especially those that fall into the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, extended and indiscriminate use can predispose one to peptic ulcer disease and its complications.
“Nicotine, which is present in cigarette smoke, weakens the immune system by impairing immune cells and altering inflammatory responses, increasing susceptibility to infections and contributing to chronic diseases.”
