Stress:

Stress leads to an increased release of the steroid hormone cortisol, which delays the body’s immune response because the body is conserving energy to cope with a potential threat. This usually lasts until the stressful event is over. However, if your cortisol levels remain consistently high—such as due to long-term stress—it prevents the immune system from activating and performing its function, and the body can no longer adequately protect itself against potential threats, such as viruses and bacteria.

Sports:

People who are physically inactive often suffer from a weakened immune system, as the body is simply not being challenged and the immune system is therefore not receiving the necessary nutrients. Regular exercise increases the number of white blood cells and promotes the release of immune mediators (cytokines, prostaglandins). Other organs involved in the immune system, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, also receive better blood flow and thus function more effectively.

Nutrition:

A common cause of weak immune cells is an unbalanced diet. If you don’t provide your body with fresh fruits and vegetables every day, you risk having an underactive immune system. Nutrients that have been proven to support our immune cells can also be found in time-tested medicinal plants and superfoods.

Sleep:

During sleep, immune cells such as cytokines (an anti-inflammatory protein), T cells, and interleukin (a pro-inflammatory cytokine) are produced and distributed. Getting enough sleep is therefore essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.

Luxury foods:

Alcohol, nicotine, and sugar weaken our immune cells. They slow down the production of the messenger substance interferon, which means that when an infection threatens, the “attack” signal fails to be sent. In addition, the body is deprived of important vitamins, which further weakens the immune cells. Immediately after consuming these substances, the effectiveness of our immune system is reduced by 40 percent.