Broad microbial exposure, in short, appears to train the immune system not to overreact to substances like animal dander. Cytomegalovirus, a relative of the virus that causes chicken pox, stages its attack by reprogramming the human immune system. Other proteins, according to research from the University Medical Center Utrecht , interfere with the expression of key human HLA genes. And since cytomegalovirus infections are chronic, the resulting immune deficits can go on indefinitely.
But you can control your daily routine, what you put into your body and how you shield yourself against germs. In recent years, scientists have begun a full-fledged push to find out which lifestyle habits actually foster a robust immune system — and which may be more hype than substance.
While the overall picture of how diet shapes immunity is still blurred, new studies do hint at the immune-strengthening effects of certain types of foods. Garlic, for instance, contains a sulfur compound called allicin, which spurs production of disease-fighting immune cells like macrophages and lymphocytes in response to threats. Researchers also report that specific bacteria-containing foods — such as sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir — produce an immunologically active substance called D-phenyllactic acid.
In addition to tweaking their diets, many titans of immunity embark on intense exercise regimens to keep their health robust. Studies have shown that moderate exercise reduces the incidence and duration of illnesses like upper respiratory tract infections. Getting your daily quota of shut-eye, however, does seem to boost your immunity. But while getting more sleep could help snap your streak of winter colds, squirting your palms with hand sanitizer may not.
In numerous studies, plain old soap and water was shown to kill germs better than sanitizer does. The moment you touch another germy surface, your thin layer of protection will vanish. Champions of immunity tend to credit their daily habits with keeping them healthy.
Last year, scientists at Kyoto University in Japan and elsewhere described one potential way to redress this kind of imbalance: turning effector T cells into regulatory T cells in the lab. When Narumiya and his colleagues used an inhibitor chemical to block an enzyme that controls cell development, cells that would normally develop into effector T cells turned into regulatory T cells instead — a tweak that dialed down harmful autoimmune responses in mice.
While not everyone needs such immune fine-tuning, some people could potentially benefit from a treatment based on this technique, Narumiya says. Filling out the ranks of regulatory T cells could someday help keep a range of disabling autoimmune conditions under control. You might consider yourself forever prone to the flu or sniffles, but an X-factor — a cross-country move, a dietary tweak, a new therapy — can unexpectedly realign things and boost your immune potential.
You might also want to consider stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness techniques to help cope with stress. Read more: 6 little things you can do every day to feel less stressed. Poor sleep habits can lead to a weakened immune system. Do you wake up rested and ready to face the day or do you play the snooze game with your alarm? If you're not getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night , you might be increasing the odds that you'll end up sick.
That's why she said to work on cultivating strong sleep habits to get quality sleep every night. If you're eating unhealthy foods, Dr. To counter this, Lipman said to avoid sugar and processed foods , both of which might decrease immune function. And instead, he recommended loading up on nutrient-rich whole foods, like well-sourced organic, grass-fed and finished animal protein, nourishing soups, colorful salads, and green-leafy veggies which are packed with flu-fighting phytonutrients.
Germs are easily spread indoors. Abramowitz also said that colder temperatures can slow down the immune system, which makes it easier to get sick. Plus, being inside means more exposure to dust, and Abramowitz said this can trigger allergies, which can often feel like the common cold.
If you have a weakened immune system , you're at a higher risk of developing health problems such as the common cold. In addition to recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections, frequent colds are also common if your immune system is compromised. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. You can experience symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as itchy eyes, watery nose , and a stuffy head without actually having allergies.
This condition is called nonallergic rhinitis. The symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis are similar to those of an allergic reaction. But instead of being caused by ragweed , grass, tree pollen, or another typical allergen, nonallergic rhinitis is caused by strong odors, certain foods, stress, changes in the weather, or even dry air. Irritation and swelling of the lining of the nasal passages cause nonallergic rhinitis.
The blood vessels in your nose expand and blood rushes into the nasal lining. This causes abnormal expansion and inflammation in your nose, which triggers the telltale allergy symptoms. Most people are diagnosed with nonallergic rhinitis after undergoing allergy testing. Most people can use a steroid-based nasal spray to flush the nose of irritants and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter and prescription decongestants are also effective. You can find a variety of decongestant nasal sprays on Amazon.
Side effects of long-term use include high blood pressure , loss of appetite , and anxiety. Stress is a normal part of life, and it can even be healthy in small increments. This can delay healing, increase the frequency and severity of infections, and aggravate existing health problems.
Practice stress reduction techniques , such as:. You may find relaxation through music, art, or meditation. Whatever it is, find something that reduces your stress and helps you relax. Kids have the most social contact , which puts them at high risk for carrying and transmitting germs. Playing with fellow students, playing on dirty playground equipment, and picking up objects from the ground are just a few instances where germs can be spread. Teach your child good hygiene habits , such as frequent hand washing, and bathe them every day.
This helps stop the spread of viruses and germs around your household. Wash your own hands frequently, wipe down common surfaces when someone gets sick, and keep your child home if they are sick. You can help normalize your overactive bladder naturally by avoiding artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and alcohol, losing weight, and performing….
Taking sick time isn't easy, but you don't want to spread your illness or infect your co-workers if you're contagious. But how do you determine when…. Are you sneezing or coughing? Have a runny nose or watery eyes? You may have allergies or a cold. These conditions share many of the same symptoms….
Home remedies can often treat sinus drainage. Learn about tips for relieving symptoms like inflammation, nasal congestion, and irritation. Here's what the research says about using essential oils to treat sinus congestion. Learn about the symptoms that Mucinex and NyQuil treat and more to see if one of these drugs is right for your cold or flu.
Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health.
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