Why are you falling sick often?
Chronic stress or sleep deprivation are factors that can often cause people to keep getting sick. Although simple lifestyle changes are sometimes enough to improve these issues, this is not always the case.
Frequently getting sick can be disruptive as well as uncomfortable. It may also lead to more serious health complications over time. For this reason, it is important to identify the causes of frequent sickness and deal with them effectively.
In this article, we discuss some common reasons people keep getting sick and explain what to do about them.
1] Stress
Stress is a part of everyday life for most people. However, chronic stress persists over time and can adversely affect health.
Over time, persistent stress can contribute to the development of several chronic health conditions. These conditions range from heart disease to depression.
Chronic stress can also cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Headaches.
- Irritability.
- Fatigue.
- Attention problems.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Digestive Issues.
- Rapid, Disorganized thoughts.
- Frequent infections and illness.
- Dealing with chronic stress involves identifying and tackling the leading causes of stress, which can be challenging and may require significant life changes, such as finding a different job or ending an existing relationship.
- Some other methods of stress reduction include:
- Exercise.
- Mindfulness Meditation.
- Healthful Diet.
- Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
2] Immune system disorders
- Many disorders can affect the immune system, which is a collection of organs, tissues, and cells that work together to defend the body against infection and disease. Several problems can occur with the immune system, and these may be due to:
- Congenital abnormalities.
- A disease that weakens the immune system, such as HIV.
- An overactive immune system, which may cause allergic reactions
- A fault that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue, such as an autoimmune disorder.
- It is possible to get sick regularly when the immune system is not functioning correctly. The reason for this is that the body is unable to fight off germs, such as bacteria, properly.
- If an infection occurs, it can take longer than usual to recover. It is possible to acquire another illness during this time, which may cause a constant feeling of being unwell.
- It will be necessary to treat any disease affecting the immune system, and this will usually involve different types of medication.
- Many manufacturers make products that they claim can boost the immune system, but it is very difficult to promote its activity. Drinking a particular type of tea or taking supplements will not affect its functioning.
- Leading a healthful lifestyle is the best way to support the immune system. Doing this may include:
- Eating a Nutritious Diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Avoiding triggers of stress where possible.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Avoiding tobacco
- Abstaining from alcohol or drinking it in moderation.
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
3] Sleep
Sleep plays an important role in health.
The body uses its time asleep to recover and rest to prepare for the next day. Not getting enough sleep can disrupt this process and have consequences for the next day. Sleep deprivation can cause:
- Irritability.
- Difficulty processing thoughts.
- Inability to concentrate.
- Drowsiness.
- Microsleeps are episodes of briefly falling asleep while awake.
- Feelings of depression and anxiety.
Over time, sleep deprivation can have more serious consequences. It is possible for sleep deprivation to increase the risk of:
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Depression.
- Weakened immune system.
4] Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of common mental health conditions that affect about 19.1 percent of adults in the United States each year. There are several types of anxiety disorders, but they share the same primary symptom of a state of excessive worry or panic.
Anxiety disorders can affect the body in several ways that may contribute to recurring sickness. For example, anxiety disorders can cause:
- Fatigue.
- Muscle tension.
- Difficulty Concentrating.
- Sweating.
- Heart palpitations OR Rapid heartbeat.
- Trembling.
- Shortness of Breath.
- Irritability.
Over extended periods, an anxiety disorder can also lead to physical health complications. For example, people with anxiety disorders have a higher risk of heart disease and early death.
Many different treatments are available for anxiety disorders. Talking therapies, such as CBT, are one option. Antidepressants, beta-blockers, or other medications can help with the symptoms of anxiety too.
Research also shows that engaging in mindfulness meditation or physical activity can benefit people with anxiety disorders.
How to reduce the risk of getting sick
1] Disinfecting Surfaces;
Viruses can survive on many different types of surfaces, including:
- Metal.
- Plastic.
- Fabrics.
- Paper.
- Glass.
How long a virus can remain infectious on these surfaces depends on a variety of factors, such as temperature and humidity.
People can lower their risk of infection by using products that contain alcohol or bleach to disinfect frequently used objects, such as countertops, desks, and keyboards.
2] Keeping the Air Clean
Common colds and the flu are types of respiratory infections. The viruses that cause these illnesses replicate in the mucus membranes that line the respiratory tract, and they can travel through the air in tiny droplets of mucus.
This means that people with a cold or the flu can spread the virus whenever they cough or sneeze. For example, influenza viruses can travel up to 3.7 meters, around 12.2 feet, through the air after a person coughs or sneezes.
People can reduce the risk of infecting others by staying home when they are ill Using a Mask OR covering their face when they sneeze or cough.
3] Good Hygiene
Viruses can enter the respiratory tract through a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. People can infect themselves by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their face.
Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with clean water and soap is an effective way to protect against viral infections. Proper hand washing can result in a 16–21 percent Trusted Source decrease in respiratory illnesses, such as colds and the flu.
If soap is not available, a person can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4] Taking Zinc Supplements
Zinc is an important micronutrient that occurs naturally in meat, fish, nuts, and other foods.
Zinc deficiency can lead to a weakened immune response and inflammatory skin conditions. People with a weakened immune response are less able to fight off infections.
5] Eating More Fiber
Dietary fiber has many health benefits, including regulating digestion, preventing constipation, and lowering the risk of health conditions.
Dietary fiber may also boost the immune system.
6] Avoiding Cigarette Smoke
Smoking is a known risk factor for several diseases, such as cancer, asthma, and respiratory infections. Breathing in secondhand smoke can also increase a person’s risk of developing these conditions.
People who smoke or regularly inhale cigarette smoke are also more likely to experience severe symptoms when they get colds or the flu.
7] Exercise
Regular physical activity can improve a person’s general health and well-being and reduce the risk of several illnesses, including:
- Heart Disease.
- Stress & Anxiety.
- High blood pressure.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Certain types of cancer.
- Physical activity can also improve a person’s immune function and decrease their risk of respiratory infections.
8] Manage Stress
- Stress can weaken the immune system further and make a person more susceptible to illness.
- Some Source shows that a person who is under excessive stress is more likely to get sick.
- People with weak immune systems should take steps to manage their stress. Practices that may reduce and manage stress include:
- Yoga.
- Meditation.
- Massage.
- Spending time pursuing hobbies.
- Staying in touch with friends, relatives, and others who can offer support.
9] Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation has a similar effect on the body’s immune system as stress. Lack of sleep disrupts the average production of white blood cells, a crucial component of the body’s immune system.
10] Eat a Healthful Diet;
Eating a healthful, balanced diet can improve a person’s overall well-being.
For people with a weak immune system, doctors generally recommend a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruit, which will provide plenty of nutrients.
If a person is very immunocompromised, for example, because they are undergoing cancer treatment, a doctor may recommend that they take extra steps to avoid foodborne illnesses.
These may include:
- Washing all fruits and vegetables before peeling them.
- Avoiding undercooked meats, fish, and eggs.
- Refrigerating food promptly.
- Choosing pasteurized juices and dairy products over unpasteurized products
