Effective ways to quickly raise and strengthen the immune system of an adult

Weak immunity is the cause of frequent infectious diseases and decreased quality of life. If the body's defense resources are weakened, a person suffers from chronic colds, allergic reactions, fungal and pustular skin lesions. One of the manifestations of reduced immunity is damage to the respiratory and urinary tract, which is difficult to treat.

Many people think about how to increase immunity after serious illnesses or frequent relapses. If the situation is not changed in a timely manner, the problem of weakened immunity will begin to grow like a snowball. The body will be exhausted to such an extent that it will not be able to cope with a cold. And large doses of drugs will cause many side effects.

Increasing immunity is a complex process that includes taking vitamins and medications, changing your daily routine and adjusting your diet. In order for the resources to protect the body to increase, it is necessary to eliminate the factors leading to their depletion. The causes of weakened immunity include bad habits, irregular daily routine, heavy physical activity and poor nutrition.

To boost immunity, special methods are often used, which involve introducing a weakened virus into the body. The procedure is called vaccination and is carried out to form a strong immunity that will help the body cope with the causative agent of the disease.

Sleep more

A healthy adult body requires about 7-9 hours daily to sleep, children - about 10-13 hours.

Systematic lack of sleep (for 2 weeks or more) leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the immune system by at least 30%. This circumstance is responsible for the fact that people recover quickly after a full night’s sleep.

One scientific study has proven that partial deprivation of sleep at night leads to a decrease in immune response reactions, a decrease in the number of natural killer cells and the production of interleukin-2. Moreover, the effects are irreversible even when taking immunostimulants.

With a sleep duration of less than 7 hours, a decrease in the human body’s resistance to colds (viral) and bacterial diseases is observed. The incidence of such pathologies increases 3 times.

Healthy sleep ensures adequate functioning of all cells of the immune system and increases the body's resistance to infections.

Who is it suitable for? Target group and contraindications

In his book “Water Therapy,” Kneipp wrote that he recommends his technique to “old and young, healthy and sick.” Indeed, the system offers a lot of variations of each method of hydrotherapy. It is possible to choose an option for use both for healthy adults and for children over one year old and elderly people with a weakened immune system. Individual contraindications are not excluded

. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the principle of an individual approach described above. Before starting to use the technique yourself, consult your doctor.

Exercise regularly

Scientists from the UK have proven that the “aging” of the immune system directly depends on the degree and volume of physical activity. With active exercise (150-300 minutes per week) and correct heart rate (65-80% of peak), the rate of “fading” of immunity is minimal. It was also determined that the number of T-link cells directly depends on a person’s fitness.

With the help of physical exercise, you can get rid of toxic metabolic products circulating in the blood, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune system and ensures the prevention of cancer, autoimmune and allergic disorders.

It should also be noted that physical activity improves the condition of the heart and cardiovascular system as a whole, reduces the incidence of chronic pathologies, and improves the trophism of all organs and tissues.

Persons under 17 years of age need to exercise for at least 60 minutes 3-5 times a week, representatives of the older generation - at least 2.5 hours 1-2 times a week. For older people (over 65 years old), low-intensity aerobic exercise (brisk walking) is preferable.

Regular physical activity reduces the intensity of age-related decline in immunity and helps prevent infectious and inflammatory disorders.

Physical education, hardening, healthy lifestyle

Weak immunity is a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle, hypothermia and excessive physical activity (or its complete absence). This situation can be corrected with the help of hardening, a healthy lifestyle and moderate physical activity. When increasing protective resources using the above methods, it is important to consider the following:

1. A healthy lifestyle is not only about giving up alcohol and tobacco products. This includes proper and balanced nutrition, adherence to a daily routine and a competent combination of work and rest.
2. Exercise should not be harsh or too strenuous. Physical activity should be introduced into life gradually - at the initial stage, morning exercises or classes in the pool are enough.
3. Hardening includes outdoor sports, dousing, contrast showers and short immersions in a body of cold water. As with physical activity, hardening is only beneficial when used in moderation and wisely. Immersion in icy water or playing sports in the cold will only harm a person who does not have proper training.

When strengthening the strength to protect the body, do not forget that any methods to increase immunity should be used in moderation.

Don't abuse alcohol

According to a review of the scientific literature, excessive ethanol intake significantly increases the risk of developing infectious and inflammatory diseases (especially of the respiratory system), disrupts the adequate functioning of protective barriers (skin and mucous membranes) and destroys cells of the immune system.

The processes of lymphocyte synthesis also slow down due to the development of protein deficiency.

Ethanol reduces the intensity of the formation of immunoglobulins of classes G and M. Alcohol also prevents adequate differentiation of T- and B-link cells.

Alcoholic drinks are not always harmful to the body. According to Harvard Medical School, a dose equal to 15 ml of pure ethanol per day is considered safe for women, 30 ml for men.

It is recommended to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages as much as possible, since alcohol has been proven to disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system.

Factors that reduce immunity

There are a number of factors that negatively affect the body’s protective properties, reducing immunity. These factors include:

1. Regular consumption of refined fats. Such fats not only promote the growth of cancer cells, but also reduce the protective functions of the immune system;
2. Excessive consumption of sweets. Sugar stops the activity of phagocytes that fight microbes. Therefore, the more sugar enters the body, the weaker the immune system’s response to viruses and bacteria will be;
3. Cigarettes, alcohol and coffee. Just 50 ml of alcohol reduces immunity by 30% in the next two days. Smoking reduces the function of hairs in the lungs that destroy inhaled germs. And excessive coffee consumption causes nervousness and stress, which, in turn, negatively affect the immune system;
4. Using a large number of medications. Most drugs reduce the body's protective properties. Therefore, it is not recommended to take medications without serious reasons, especially if they were not prescribed by a doctor;
5. Stress and nervous tension. Bad mood, feelings of despondency and nervous tension provoke the production of the stress hormone, which has a detrimental effect on the immune system. Therefore, positive emotions and proper rest are important to maintain it.

Stop smoking

It has been proven that tobacco smoke harms all organs and tissues of the human body, increases the incidence of cardiovascular complications, and also impairs the immune system.

Nicotine, which enters the body when smoking, binds to hemoglobin, which leads to disruption of the oxygen supply to cells.

In addition, tobacco smoke contains a colossal amount of carcinogens and toxic tars, which directly suppress the immune response and provoke the development of allergic processes and autoimmune diseases.

Smoking is the easiest way to “kill” not only the immune system, but also the body as a whole.

Hardening systems and methods

Almost all hardening systems and methods are based on the use of the healing powers of solar, air and water energy. By establishing a connection with nature, we not only strengthen our body, but also improve our psychological state

. Sounds promising, but where to start? How not to stop halfway?

We bring to your attention a brief overview of the basic principles of independent use of hardening systems. As well as a detailed description, step-by-step instructions for beginners. Let's take as an example one of the most famous methods of hardening the body -
Kneipp hydrotherapy system .

Adjust your diet

In the previous article, we already talked about the importance of diet for immune function.

There are a sufficient number of foods that are beneficial for the immune system, which have a positive effect on the local and general defense mechanisms of the body.

Below we briefly describe the list of the most useful substances:

1. Protein low-fat food. Proteins are necessary for building cells of the immune system. With protein deficiency, a uniform deficiency of all components develops. Optimal sources of proteins are chicken and turkey breasts, seafood, eggs (whites), legumes (beans). The protein norm per day is about 1.6 g/kg of weight.
2. Beta carotene. Helps accelerate the production of lymphocytes, reduces the risk of developing cancer. Contained in the following products: potatoes, carrots, melon, apricots, spinach.
3. Selenium and zinc. They increase the production of natural killer cells and T-cells and have a positive effect on the red bone marrow. Selenium and zinc are found in large quantities in seafood (crabs, tuna, lobster), as well as in legumes and beef. The products described are recommended for ongoing use by the US National Institutes of Health. It is noteworthy that when zinc and selenium are combined, a mutual enhancement of their effects is observed.
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables. Many scientific experiments have been able to prove the immunomodulatory and direct antibacterial properties of vegetables and fruits. Preferred are zucchini, turnips, green apples, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons), bananas, peaches, plums, grapes and black currants.
5. Garlic. The vegetable contains allicin, which destroys many harmful microorganisms in the intestinal lumen, as well as in the circulating blood. Garlic also improves immunity (by activating the synthesis of white blood cells), prevents the development of cancer diseases, and slows down aging. The effects are scientifically proven.

Proper nutrition plays a major role in maintaining immunity. The diet should be balanced and varied.

Why do we have weak immunity?

Unfortunately, most of us don’t even want to hear about such a concept as “prevention”. We begin to think about health only when serious treatment is required. In Russia, for unknown reasons, people are not accustomed to

to morning exercises and proper nutrition, they do not try to break away from bad habits and learn to look at the world with positive thoughts, but we, as a rule, sympathize with those who take pills and complain about doctors. Symptomatic medications quickly remove the symptoms, and we go back to work, trying not to think about the consequences.

Take your vitamins

Vitamins regulate all metabolic processes in the body and also participate in maintaining immunity.

It is recommended to use specialized food supplements (AlfaVit, Supradin, etc.) or obtain useful biologically active substances from food.

The following vitamins are especially important:

1. Vitamin C. Increases the production of white and red blood cells at the level of red bone marrow. This component should be added to food regularly, since the body is not able to accumulate and synthesize it. The maximum amount of vitamin C is found in citrus fruits (lemons, oranges), strawberries, rose hips, spinach and cabbage. It has been proven that vitamin C reduces the severity of clinical symptoms during acute respiratory viral infections.
2. Vitamin D. Particularly effective against productive psycho-emotional disorders and depression, which quickly disrupt the functioning of circadian rhythms (for example, sleep) and disrupt the functioning of the immune system. Foods rich in vitamin D: trout, cod, sturgeon, eggs.
3. Vitamin A. Has pronounced antioxidant properties. Accelerates the healing of any wounds, and also ensures the prevention of microbial contamination. Some scientific works demonstrate that vitamin A slows down the destruction of antibodies during infectious and inflammatory disorders. Vitamin A is found in carrots, broccoli, red peppers, pumpkin, melon, potatoes, and apples.

Regular intake of vitamins is necessary to maintain immunity and prevent viral diseases (especially ARVI and influenza).

What remedies are there to boost immunity?

Pharmacological companies regularly market medications whose purpose is to help a person maintain immunity. On pharmacy shelves you can find drugs based on bacterial enzymes, interferon and nucleic acid.

Drugs that support immunity are called immunomodulators. They are designed to generate an immune response to pathogens, external irritants and foreign tissue. Modeling drugs improve immunity and overall well-being and reduce recovery time during and after illness.

Immunomodulators are divided into immunostimulants and immunosuppressors. The former have a positive effect on metabolic processes and affect immunocompetent cells. Immunosuppressants suppress the immune system and are prescribed in cases where protective components are produced in excessive concentrations or mistake the body’s own tissues for foreign ones.

People who face frequent diseases constantly think about how to improve the immunity of men, women and children. Depending on the test results, the doctor may prescribe drugs from one of the following groups:

1. Microbial. Made from weakened or killed microbes. The use of microbial immunomodulators is reminiscent of vaccination - fragments of killed microorganisms cannot lead to the development of the disease, but they form an immune response in the body. Microbial preparations are used for preventive purposes and are prescribed to people who suffer from chronic colds. Microbial immunomodulators include: Abbott, Bronchomunal, Ribomunil, Imudon.
2. Thymic. They are synthesized from substances that are secreted by the thymus (thymus gland) of cattle. The active substances are a complex of thymic peptides, which include: Timoptin, Timalin, Timostimulin and other substances. The components stimulate the production of T-lymphocytes, due to which the immune status is normalized. Thymic immunostimulants include: Timalin, Timogen, Imunofan.
3. Bone marrow. They are a combination of bioregulatory peptide mediators that are synthesized from pig bone marrow cells. The resulting substances are used to create natural or synthetic medicines. Drugs in this group help improve immunity and have a pronounced antitumor effect. Myelopid is a common bone marrow immunomodulator.
4. Cytokines. This is a group that includes dozens of types of molecules. The task of cytokines is to store and use information about the functioning of the immune system. Cytokine-based drugs are divided into natural and recombinant. Natural cytokines contain ready-made immune cells. The latter were obtained from donor blood pre-treated with weakened viruses. Recombinant drugs differ from natural ones in that they contain only one type of cytokine. An effective natural cytokine is Superlymph, recombinant is Neupogen.
5. Interferons. These are substances that are produced by the body to protect against viruses. Reaching the lesion, they affect immune cells and protect against pathogens. This group of drugs includes: Interferon, Arbidol.
6. Immunoglobulins. These are protein molecules that are highly active against viral infections. In modern medicine, they are sold in the form of serums that are introduced into the body intravenously or intramuscularly. The most popular drug in this group is a complex immunoglobulin preparation, or CIP.

Eat foods with probiotics

Probiotics are foods that contain live beneficial microorganisms.

Probiotics create conditions for adequate functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and increase the immunity of the entire body, with an impact on all stages of the functioning of the immune system.

With the systematic inclusion of probiotics in the diet, the incidence of infectious diseases is significantly reduced, and they occur predominantly in a mild form.

Yoghurt, kefir and other fermented milk products are extremely rich in probiotics. However, not all fermented milk products contain live bifidobacteria; this is important to consider. An example is Activia brand yogurt. It has been proven that a number of microorganisms in this yogurt remain vital even in the rectum (passes through the entire digestive tube).

In addition to dairy products, sauerkraut, pickled cucumbers, and kombucha-based drinks are rich in probiotics.

An alternative option for using probiotics is to take special medications containing bacterial cultures (for example, Linex, Acipol, Hilak, etc.). They are indicated for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis resulting from poor diet or after prolonged use of antibiotics.

Probiotics are necessary to maintain adequate functioning of the digestive tract, strengthen the immune system and reduce the incidence of infectious pathologies.

The best means

Doctors prescribe the following drugs to boost immunity:

1. Immunal is a preparation based on echinacea to stimulate the body's defenses. Available in the form of tablets and drops for oral administration. Stimulates the production of T-lymphocytes and granulocytes, thereby increasing resistance to infectious diseases. It has pronounced activity against viruses that cause influenza and herpes. Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to components, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, HIV infection, AIDS, collagenosis and leukemia. The cost of the product is from 183 rubles.
2. Imudon is a medicine for activating the body's defenses. It is sold in the form of lozenges with a mint flavor. The active component is a mixture of bacterial lysates. Helps strengthen the immune system and is prescribed by doctors to prevent bacterial diseases of the oral cavity. Contraindicated in case of intolerance to the components, in childhood (under 3 years) and in autoimmune diseases. The cost of the drug Imudon is 497 rubles.
3. Anaferon is an immunomodulatory agent based on antibodies to interferon gamma. It has an antiviral effect and activates cells that perform protective functions. Contraindicated in case of intolerance to the components. For children and adolescents, Anaferon for children is prescribed, which can be taken from 1 month. The cost of the product is from 220 rubles.
4. Sodium nucleinate is a drug that will help build strong immunity. The active ingredient is sodium nucleinate. It is used for diseases that are accompanied by the development of immunodeficiency: pathologies of the respiratory tract, kidneys and liver. Prescribed for leukopenia, lymphocytopenia, agranulocytosis, phosphorus metabolism disorders, ulcerative processes and other pathologies. The drug has no contraindications, since the sodium salt is a natural and non-toxic component. The cost of the drug is 1509 rubles.

When choosing a remedy that will help normalize the body’s defenses, it is important to take into account individual characteristics and not refuse an in-person consultation with a specialist.

Expose yourself to sunlight more often

Sunlight has been proven to improve mood, prevent stress and depressive disorders, which inhibit immune responses.

In addition, when exposed to sunlight, the human body produces vitamin D. One study confirmed that increased synthesis of vitamin D improves the body's resistance to influenza A, especially in children.

To achieve the effect, insolation lasting about 15 minutes in summer and 1-2 hours in winter is enough.

Sunlight helps prevent immunodeficiency by improving the emotional background and producing vitamin D.

Exercises

For a healthy immune system, it is important to maintain optimal physical fitness and also move as much as possible.

An excellent set of gymnastics are simple breathing exercises. After just a few days of regular practice, a person becomes more alert, capable, sleep normalizes and immunity improves.

1. Stand up straight and raise your arms up. You should hold your breath while doing this. Then slowly lower your arms and inhale;
2. Extend your arms in front of you and inhale slowly. While holding your breath, move your arms back. Exhale, stretching your arms out in front of you;
3. Stand up straight and inhale. Make circles with your hands, then exhale slowly;
4. Stand up straight and place your hands on your hips. As you exhale, bend forward, and as you inhale, stand up straight;
5. Lie on your stomach. You need to rest your hands on the floor. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, push up from the floor. As you inhale, return to the starting position.

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Drink immunomodulatory compounds

The following plants have been proven to have immunomodulatory properties:

1. Eleutherococcus. It not only activates the central parts of the nervous system, but also increases the functioning of barrier tissues several times.
2. Ginseng. Many studies have demonstrated that ginseng can enhance general immunity, as well as improve the condition during viral infections, accelerate the ability of macrophages and natural killer cells to phagocytose.
3. Astragalus. The plant activates the maturation and subsequent differentiation of cells of the immune system, reduces the incidence of infectious pathologies.
4. Echinacea. Effective for eliminating symptoms of respiratory infections and generally improving immunity.

Most immunogenic preparations can be purchased at pharmacies in the form of dry herbal raw materials or finished dosage forms (tinctures).

The use of herbal preparations can have a positive effect on the body's resistance to pathogens of infectious diseases.

Types of drugs to enhance immunity

It is recommended to take medications to enhance immunity for the purpose of treatment and prevention during periods of massive spread of viruses and infections - epidemics of influenza, measles, coronavirus. Such products increase the body’s immune barrier and help it quickly produce active antibodies to fight viruses and pathogenic bacteria.

There are several types of effective medications designed to increase and maintain high immunity in an adult or child.

• herbal tablets;
• preparations based on animal ingredients;
• bacterial preparations;
• interferon or nucleic acid preparations.

The choice of immunomodulator depends on the form and severity of the disease. In severe, protracted forms, a sick person may be prescribed complexes that increase immunity in the form of tablets or injections. The duration of taking medications is determined individually.

Maintain good hygiene

Basic rules of hygiene help prevent the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases, the course of which is not only harmful to the entire body, but also negatively affects the immune system.

The following recommendations must be followed:

1. Regular hand washing after coming from outside, shaking hands, using the toilet, before and after preparing food. After contact with animals and cleaning, the skin should be additionally treated with antiseptic solutions. Clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of this method.
2. Brushing your teeth 2 or more times a day. With prolonged presence of microbes in the oral cavity, the formation of caries increases. Foci of chronic infection always negatively affect other body systems.
3. Taking a shower every day. Physiological folds and hair constantly contain a colossal number of microorganisms, which are responsible not only for the presence of an unpleasant odor, but also for the appearance of local infectious processes (in the skin and subcutaneous fat). Regional damage can always become systemic!

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene is the basis for the correct functioning of local barriers, as well as the functioning of the immune system as a whole.

Where to begin? Tips and tricks for beginners.

Kneipp offers 6 simple water hardening methods for beginners. The main advantage of these procedures is that they do not require special training.

. They have virtually no contraindications. It won't take up much of your time.

Walk barefoot on wet grass for 10-15 minutes. daily

The procedure has a positive effect on blood circulation and improves the body's thermoregulation.

• The water can be moistened with dew, rain, or sprinkled with water.
• The duration should increase every month by 5-10 minutes and gradually reach 45 minutes.
• At the end of the procedure, your feet should be kept warm without drying (wear warm socks and shoes). Continue walking at a brisk pace for 10-15 minutes to avoid hypothermia.

Walking barefoot on wet stones for 10-15 minutes daily

The procedure is an alternative to walking on water . It has a similar effect on the body.

• The stones are moistened with water, to which it is recommended to add a little vinegar
• The duration should increase every month by 5 minutes, gradually reaching half an hour
• At the end of the procedure, your feet should be kept warm without drying (wear warm socks and shoes). Continue walking at a brisk pace for 10-15 minutes to avoid hypothermia.

Natural drying as an alternative to drying after a shower

According to
Kneipp , by not drying ourselves, we contribute to the correct and uniform distribution of natural heat.
When we dry ourselves, we create friction.
But we cannot ensure uniform friction, so different parts of the body heat and cool unevenly. Natural drying, on the contrary, allows the internal organs to use the water located on the outer covers
as a source for uniform heat formation and increases blood circulation.

Washing hands and feet with cold water

The procedure helps normalize blood circulation in the limbs

Legs and arms are immersed alternately in cold water. It is recommended to start the procedure at a temperature of 22°, gradually lowering the temperature to 15-16 degrees. Extremities that are not immersed in water should be kept warm.

Walking on water

Walking on water has a beneficial effect on the kidneys , promotes urination, removes gases from the intestines, and has a positive effect on the respiratory tract, making breathing easier.

The procedure is easy to carry out in a regular bath , making movements in the water starting at 22°, lowering the temperature by one degree per week. The duration during the first week is 1 minute, during the second week 2 minutes. So in increments up to 15 minutes. Initially it is recommended to immerse the legs up to the ankles, after 2 weeks up to the calves

. The most effective is considered to be immersing your feet in water up to your knees. At the end of the procedure, you must remain in motion for 5-10 minutes, doing physical exercises.

Walking on freshly fallen snow

This procedure is not recommended for beginners. It involves a certain level of preparation of the body through the procedures of walking on wet grass and wet stones throughout the year.

It is important that the snow be freshly fallen : compacted snow cools very sensitively and is unsuitable for hardening. According to Kneipp, the optimal duration is 3-4 minutes. The procedure does not involve an increase in duration, the greater the role of regularity

. The body must be warm when walking in the snow. At the end of the procedure, you must continue to move, for example, brisk walking. The legs should

According to Kneipp, a healthy person can combine several procedures at the same time, using the principle of moderation, taking into account individual needs. In case of weakened immunity, it is advisable to start hardening with one procedure.

Follow the principle of gradually increasing the load.

What to avoid

Factors that reduce immunity include:

1. Poor environmental conditions. The content of heavy metal salts and other toxic compounds in the air causes chronic inflammation in the upper parts of the respiratory system and can lead to the development of autoimmune and allergic (bronchial asthma) pathologies.
2. Insufficient or excessive insolation. A short exposure to sunlight leads to suppression of the emotional background and a decrease in the production of vitamin D, which a person receives from food in negligible quantities. But with an excess of ultraviolet radiation, destruction of cells of the immune system and the appearance of skin cancer pathologies are observed. The norm should be observed (15-30 minutes a day in summer and 1-2 hours in winter).
3. Stress. Constant psycho-emotional overload, depression and other disorders of the central nervous system contribute to increased production of cortisol, a hormone that is a “killer” of immune system cells.
4. Low sleep duration. When sleeping less than 7 hours, the incidence of infectious pathologies increases several times.
5. Having bad habits. Smoking, alcohol, drugs. These factors affect almost all mechanisms of the immune system, leading to their suppression, and also have a direct cytotoxic effect.
6. Excessive physical activity. Failure to comply with the activity regime is fraught with the development of fatigue, the effect of which is comparable to the influence of a negative psycho-emotional background.
7. Poor nutrition. A lack of the foods described above in the article in the diet will inevitably lead to a lack of valuable amino acids, minerals and vitamins, which are important for the full synthesis and subsequent maturation of leukocytes and other cells.
8. Sedentary lifestyle. Insignificant activity provokes the development of multiple trophic disorders, deposition of adipose tissue, and the appearance of a hyperglycemic background. Against the background of such transformations, the processes of the immune response change, the humoral component of the functioning of the immune system is suppressed.

The exclusion of the above factors is the key to the correct functioning of the immune system and high resistance to various infections.

Prevention

Boosting your immune system is much more difficult than maintaining good health. In order for the immune system to function without interruption, it is enough to follow a few basic rules:

1. Nutrition should be healthy and balanced. It is recommended to steam the products and eat them in small portions. This way, the food will be easily digestible, and the person will not lack vitamins and minerals.
2. Physical activity should be moderate. A sudden transition from a sedentary lifestyle to heavy training leads to the fact that all resources are spent on recovery, which is why protection against external threats is undermined.
3. The daily routine should be structured in such a way that a person always has time for sleep and rest. Decreased immunity is often a consequence of overwork, both physical and emotional.

In order for the immune system to work without interruption, it is important to maintain a balance in nutrition, physical activity and daily routine. Medicines should be taken with caution, since a decrease in the body's defenses often becomes a side effect of treatment with their help.

How to understand that immunity is reduced

Suppression of the immune system can always be suspected in the early stages. Initially, the following symptoms may be recorded:

1. general weakness and malaise;
2. poor tolerance to physical activity;
3. chronic fatigue;
4. lack of interest in the outside world;
5. disturbance of sleep patterns (drowsiness during the day and lack of desire to sleep at night);

Then, due to the suppression of the natural physiological mechanisms of the T- and B-links, the following symptoms appear:

1. frequent headaches;
2. feeling of fatigue and aches in skeletal muscles;
3. periodic joint pain (at rest).

However, the above symptoms are nonspecific and can occur with a wide range of other pathologies. If immunity continues to decline further, then deviations such as:

• Frequent infections in places where barrier tissues come into contact with the external environment. All chronic respiratory diseases are getting worse, ARVI and influenza are starting to occur more than 1-2 times a year. The skin becomes dry and brittle, and so-called pustular processes appear.
• Changes in the functioning of the sweat glands. Increased sweating is recorded (even in the absence of stress and physical activity).

Already with severe disorders of the immune system, opportunistic diseases appear - pathologies that almost never occur in healthy people. These include:

• cytomegalovirus infection;
• Epstein-Barr virus infection;
• Pneumocystis pneumonia;
• candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes;
• sepsis of any etiology in the absence of a primary source of infection;
• toxoplasmosis;
• cryptosporidiosis;
• herpes zoster (with obligatory damage to the area of ​​innervation of the cranial nerves).

If at this stage the patient does not begin active immunomodulatory therapy, then the following diseases can lead to death, since even the prescription of adequate antibacterial or antiviral therapy will be an ineffective method of treatment.

The main conditions in which a pronounced decrease in immunity is observed are:

1. nutritional starvation;
2. chemotherapy (used to treat oncological pathologies);
3. genetic predisposition;
4. taking immunosuppressants (for organ transplantation);
5. long-term use of antibacterial agents;
6. pregnancy (in rare cases);
7. the course of HIV infection (according to official data in the Russian Federation, about 1,300,000 people are carriers of the virus, according to unofficial data - up to 30,000,000).

If any signs of decreased immunity appear, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. If defense mechanisms do not work adequately, any disease can be the last in life!

Causes and symptoms of decreased immunity in adults

Weakening of the immune system occurs as a result of a malfunction of one or more components of the immune apparatus, as a result of which antibodies are produced in insufficient quantities. When people write about reduced immunity, they most often mean secondary immunodeficiency. Decreased immunity can be caused by the following factors:

• environmental pollution;
• microwave or ionizing radiation;
• aggressive chemotherapy;
• hypothermia and frostbite;
• overwork and frequent stress;
• depletion of the body due to a lack of vitamins, minerals and nutrients;
• chronic diseases of a bacterial or viral nature;
• blood loss and burns;
• kidney pathologies;
• severe injuries and extensive surgery;
• disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system;
• poisoning with toxic substances;
• autoimmune diseases;
• long-term use of medications (hormonal drugs, antibiotics, glucocorticoid hormones and cytostatics);
• malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumors).

Before buying drugs to restore immunity, you should figure out whether they are necessary. You can understand that the body’s defenses have weakened by a number of symptoms. These include: frequent infectious diseases, increased fatigue, dry and flaky skin, weakness and drowsiness, difficulty concentrating.

If a person does not do anything to improve their immunity, their quality of life deteriorates over time. A patient with immunodeficiency suffers from allergies, digestive disorders, tumor pathologies and developmental defects.

Procedures

An excellent procedure for increasing immunity is hardening. Therefore, it is useful to take a contrast shower, go to a Russian bath and sauna, swim in the pool and open reservoirs.

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Hardening will allow the body to resist temperature changes. Therefore, when carrying out a regular hardening procedure with the onset of cold weather, the likelihood of contracting a viral or infectious disease is reduced.

Hardening must begin in the warm season. At least once a year you need to relax on the seashore and periodically walk barefoot on natural surfaces.

General health promotion activities

To achieve strong immunity, you need to follow simple rules:

• stop smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee, as well as other bad habits;
• cure all foci of chronic inflammation;
• weight normalization;
• closely monitor various symptoms in order to cure the disease in time;
• do not overexert yourself and sleep enough hours;
• Healthy food.

A healthy immune system is a reliable barrier between viruses and the body.

Therefore, it is necessary to constantly maintain health, giving preference to proper nutrition, traditional methods of restoring immunity, as well as hardening. For frequent colds, it is recommended to visit a doctor who will prescribe comprehensive treatment.