Have you ever noticed that some people get sick often, even when their immune tests come back normal? It raises a question: if the tests say everything’s fine, shouldn’t their immune system be strong? The truth is, immunity is complex and influenced by many factors beyond just test results.
Dr. Ravi Kesari, a General Medicine specialist at Apollo Spectra in Bangalore, highlights that relying only on test results can be misleading. “Normal lab results don’t give the full picture of your immune health,” he says. Our body’s ability to fend off infections involves daily habits, genetics, and environment.
The food we eat plays a critical role. “A healthy immune system thrives on balanced nutrition,” Dr. Kesari explains. Diets laden with sugar and processed foods can damage gut health, leading to a weakened immune response. Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue. Research shows that low vitamin D levels can increase the risk of respiratory infections, including influenza. It can also exacerbate autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Sleep is another key player. Dr. Kesari notes that people who regularly get less than six hours of sleep are more vulnerable to infections. Sleep helps the body produce antibodies, crucial after vaccinations. Along with sleep, hydration is vital. Staying well-hydrated helps your body carry nutrients, flush out toxins, and maintain defenses against germs.
Our gut health is vital, too. About 70% of immune activity happens in the gut. “Healthy bacteria need to be in balance,” explains Dr. Kesari. Frequent antibiotic use can upset this balance and make people more prone to infections. While antibiotics are sometimes necessary, overuse can lead to longer-term issues.
Besides nutrition and sleep, other hidden factors can affect immunity. These include genetic traits, structural organ defects, chronic stress, obesity, and long-term exposure to pollution. “Immunity is shaped by many internal and external influences,” Dr. Kesari adds. Therefore, it can’t all be captured by one test.
To foster a strong immune system, we need to adopt a holistic health approach. Balanced nutrition, good sleep, and stress management are vital for a resilient immune defense. If you notice recurrent infections, it might be a sign to evaluate and adjust your lifestyle. Regular, mindful choices can significantly enhance our body’s natural defenses. True immune health is built over time, through the choices we make every day.
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