Top 5 bad habits that kill the immune system: get rid of them immediately

The immune system not only protects us from infections, whether it's the flu or the coronavirus, it also fights inflammation and tumour processes in the body. That's why a strong immune system is so important for maintaining the health of the whole body. But we can also harm it by our actions. That's why experts have compiled a list of habits that you should get rid of so as not to weaken the body's defences.

Eat This, Not That has collected these habits. And explained how they harm the immune system.

Alcohol abuse

Alcohol negatively affects our innate and adaptive immune cells, doctors explain. So, if you drink once, you weaken your defences for about 24 hours. And constant alcohol consumption damages the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the protective T cells and neutrophils that are in it. This disrupts the barrier function of the intestine and facilitates the penetration of germs into the bloodstream, leading to inflammation.

Smoking

Smoking so disrupts the balance of the body's defences that it can lead to the development of immune and autoimmune disorders. For example, new research has shown that tobacco smoke can lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. This is in addition to lung cancer, which has long been linked directly to smoking.

Lack of sleep

A good night's sleep restores all the body's strength, including its ability to protect itself from disease. Recent studies show that lack of sleep can negatively affect the effectiveness of a vaccine, with lower-than-expected antibody production. It is also known that people who do not regularly get enough sleep are more prone to viral colds. That is why doctors insist that everyone should get their 7-8 (and, if necessary, more) hours of sleep.

Loneliness

A person who does not have contact with other people is less able to cope with stress - this is a fact that has already been proven by science. It has also been found that lonely people are at a higher risk of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections. So, if you feel lonely, make sure you establish some social contacts - make friends or good acquaintances with whom you communicate regularly. This will not only cheer you up, but also strengthen your immune system.

Poor diet

There is an absolutely direct and immediate connection between immunity and diet. No wonder it has long been said that a person is what he or she eats. Saturated fats and trans fats, excess sugar and salt, lack of fibre, mineral and vitamin deficiencies caused by a poor or monotonous diet - all of these prevent the body from resisting disease. Doctors consider a Mediterranean diet to be a good choice. But even simply reducing the amount of fried food and increasing the consumption of vegetables will already bring good results.

Previously OBOZREVATEL told about healthy and delicious drinks that will help to maintain immunity in winter.

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