Your immune system is the cavalry that protects your body from infections and viruses. If an infectious bacteria or microorganism does make it into your body, the immune system is tasked with tracking down the culprit and eliminating it. Your immune system consists of white blood cells, the lymphatic system, bone marrow, antibodies, the thymus, and the spleen. All of these parts play specialized roles in keeping your body free from infections and actively fighting off organisms that cause illnesses.  There are a number of reasons why your immune system could be in a weakened state. From lack of nutritious food to increased stress and bad sleep patterns, many lifestyle factors play a direct role in the effective functioning of your immune system.  If you are wondering about your immunity and your body’s innate ability to fight infections, consider adding a daily immune support probiotic to your diet. Here are a few signs your immune system may benefit from the support of a daily probiotic. 

Highly susceptible to infections

A key indicator that you may want to start focusing on improving your immune health is your predilection to contract illnesses. A person with a weakened immune system is likely to fall ill more often and catch more infections than other people. Subsequently, these illnesses may also be more severe and difficult to treat without the support of a well-functioning immune system. If you find yourself frequently ill with pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, skin conditions, inflammations, anemia, or other autoimmune disorders, it could be a sign that your immune system needs more support.  According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), some signs of immune deficiency include getting pneumonia two times within a year, having chronic sinus issues, and needing to take more than a couple of courses of antibiotics in a year.

Always exhausted

Constant fatigue is a hallmark sign of a weakened immune system. While there are many reasons you may be feeling tired, a common reason could be the state of your immune health. Experiencing excessive fatigue with other ambiguous symptoms such as a reduced appetite, aching joints, low energy or frequent stomach aches are common signs that your immune health may need urgent attention and support.

Frequently have cold hands

Raynaud’s phenomenon, also known as cold hands, are the result of inflamed blood vessels. If you have such inflammation, your body will find it difficult to keep its extremities warm. This means that you have to contend with cold hands, toes, ears, and nose. The skin at these sites may also get slightly discolored if the condition persists. This phenomenon may be caused by excessive smoking, arterial issues, drug interactions, and may also be the by-product of a weakened immune system.

Dry eyes

According to the National Institute of Health, more than 23 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders cause your immune system to attack your body, rather than protect it. If your immune system has caused an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you are likely to find that your eyes are perpetually dry, painful, reddened, or blurry. Persistent dry eyes may be your immune system’s way of asking for more. 

Skin problems

Your skin is your body’s first line of defense that protects you against germs and harmful microbes by acting as your body’s first barrier. Persistent rashes or reddened skin are a sign that your immune system may need more support.  Frequent fungal infections or thrush in the mouth could also be indications of a weak immune health. 

More than 4 ear infections in a year

In adults, ear infections are generally the result of a germ attack by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Typically, antibiotics are not needed to fight off ear infections because a healthy immune system is capable of eliminating the germs without any external help. However, if you have a compromised immune system or inflamed structures within your ears, not only will your body be unable to fight an ear infection, but you will also find yourself contracting ear infections with disturbing regularity. If you have had more than 4 ear infections in a year, it is most likely a sign of a deeper-rooted problem such as an immune system that needs more support.

Wounds take a long time to heal

When you get a burn or cut, your body’s immune system pushes into overdrive. The singular focus of the immune cells of your body is to control the damage and promote healing. Nutrient-rich blood is pumped to the site of injury to aid in the regeneration of new skin cells. This process of healing is conducted by the healthy immune cells in your body. If you find that your wounds take a long time to heal, a compromised immune system may be the culprit.

Never-ending digestive issues

Chronic digestive conditions and a weakened immune system often go hand-in-hand. If you find yourself struggling with issues like bloating, constipation, or gas, irrespective of what you eat, your immune system is most likely at fault. If you have persistent diarrhea-like symptoms that last for more than 2-4 weeks, your immune system could be flashing a warning sign by allowing the lining of your digestive tract to become inflamed.  Research studies have found that there are many proven links between your immune health and the diversity of your gut flora. Approximately, 70% of your immune system is located within your digestive tract. Your gut flora which comprises beneficial bacteria and microorganisms works to protect the immune cells and your gut from infections. Having too little of these probiotics or healthy gut bugs increases your risk of infections, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune conditions. 

Give Your Immune System Some Love

If any of these signs are familiar to you, consider giving a little extra something to your immune system through the support of a probiotic. Get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night, maintain whole body wellness, eliminate stress, quit smoking, stay active, and ensure that you are up-to-date on your vaccinations. Starting a few new habits, changing some lifestyle factors, and adding a quality probiotic supplement to your daily diet can help keep your immune system healthy and alert.  Remember to LoveBug Probiotics Immune Support contains a proprietary blend of 5 targeted probiotic strains that is designed to support the health of your immune system. With added zinc, echinacea, and Vitamin C, this probiotic supplement has what you need to to support an optimal immune system.  References