7 Reasons Why You Are Always Falling Sick
There isn’t anyone who hasn’t gotten a cold or virus just
days before a big event. For some people, being sick is a way of life, and days
of feeling well are few and far between. Getting rid of sniffles, sneezing, and
headaches may seem like a dream, but it’s possible. However, you have to first
know what’s making you sick.
7 Reasons Why You Are Always Falling Sick
1. Poor Diet/Nutrition
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a simple saying
that holds some truth. If you don’t eat a well-rounded, balanced diet, your
body can’t function at its best. A poor diet also increases the risk of various
illnesses.
READ ALSO: Kidney Disease and Diet: What To Eat And What To Avoid
Good nutrition is about getting the nutrients, vitamins, and
minerals that your body needs. Different age groups have different nutritional
needs and requirements, but the same general rules apply to people of all ages:
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.
- Limit your daily intake of fats, sodium, and sugars.
- Eat whole grains whenever possible.
- Vitamin D
If you get sick often, you may find it helpful to boost your
intake of vitamin D. A recent study found that vitamin D supplements might make
a person less likely to have an acute respiratory tract infection. Vitamin D
deficiency has also been linked to a weakened immune system. Increase your
vitamin D intake with foods such as egg yolks, and mushrooms. Being
outside for 10–15 minutes each day is another way to reap the benefits of this
“sunshine vitamin.” According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, most adults
should aim for at least 15 micrograms (mcg) each day. It’s safe for most adults
to consume up to 100 mcg each day. (6 Signs And Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency That You Didn't Know)
2. Dehydration
Every tissue and organ within the body depends on water. It
helps carry nutrients and minerals to cells, and keeps your mouth, nose, and
throat moist — important for avoiding illness. Even though the body is made up
of 60 percent water, you lose fluids through urination, bowel movements,
sweating, and even breathing. Dehydration occurs when you don’t adequately replace
the fluids you lose. (4 SIGNS YOU ARE NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER)
Mild to moderate dehydration is sometimes difficult to
identify, but it can make you sick. Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration
can be mistaken for general aches and pains, fatigue, headache, and
constipation. Both acute and chronic dehydration can be dangerous, even
life-threatening. Symptoms include:
- extreme thirst
- sunken eyes
- headache
- low blood pressure, or hypotension
- fast heartbeat
- confusion or lethargy
The treatment is simple: sip water all day long, especially
in hot or humid conditions. Eating foods with high water content, such as
fruits and vegetables, also keeps you hydrated throughout the day. As long as
you urinate regularly and don’t feel thirsty, you’re likely drinking enough to
stay hydrated. Another gauge of adequate hydration is that your urine color
should be pale yellow (or almost clear).
3. Sleep deprivation
People who don’t get enough sleep each night are more likely
to get sick.
Your immune system releases cytokines while you sleep.
Cytokines are protein messengers that fight inflammation and disease. Your body
needs more of these proteins when you’re sick or stressed. Your body can’t
produce enough of the protective proteins if you’re sleep-deprived. This lowers
your body’s natural ability to fight infections and viruses.
Long-term sleep deprivation also increases your risk of:
- obesity
- heart disease
- cardiovascular problems
- diabetes
Most adults need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each day.
Teenagers and children need as much as 10 hours of sleep each day, according to
the Mayo Clinic.
4. Dirty hands
Your hands come into contact with many germs throughout the
day. When you don’t wash your hands regularly, and then touch your face, lips,
or your food, you can spread illnesses. You can even reinfect yourself.
Simply washing your hands with running water and
antibacterial soap for 20 seconds (hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice) helps
you stay healthy and avoid illness-causing bacteria. When clean water and soap
aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60
percent alcohol.
Disinfect countertops, door handles, and electronics such as
your phone, tablet, or computer with wipes when you’re sick. To prevent the
spread of illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommend washing your hands in these situations:
- before and after food preparation
- before eating
- before and after caring for a person who is sick
- before and after treating a wound
- after using the bathroom
- after changing diapers or assisting a child with potty training
- after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- after touching pets or handling pet waste or food
- after handling garbage
5. Oral Health
Your teeth are a window into your health, and your mouth is
a safe haven for both good and bad bacteria. When you’re not sick, your body’s
natural defenses help maintain your oral health. Daily brushing and flossing
also keep dangerous bacteria in check. But when harmful bacteria grow out of
control, they can make you sick and cause inflammation and problems elsewhere in
your body.
Long-term, chronic oral health problems can have bigger
consequences. Poor oral health is linked to several conditions, including:
- heart disease
- stroke (One Month Before Stroke Your Body Will Send You These Warning Signs)
- premature birth
- low birth weight
- endocarditis, is an infection in the inner lining of the heart
To promote healthy teeth and gums, brush and floss your
teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals. Also, schedule regular
checkups with your dentist. Get more tips for preventing oral health problems.
6. Immune system disorders
Immune system disorders occur when a person’s immune system
doesn’t fight antigens. Antigens are harmful substances, including:
- bacteria
- toxins
- cancer cells
- viruses
- fungi
- allergens, such as pollen
- foreign blood or tissues
In a healthy body, an invading antigen is met by antibodies.
Antibodies are proteins that destroy harmful substances. However, some people
have immune systems that don’t work as well as they should. These immune
systems can’t produce effective antibodies to prevent illness.
You can inherit an immune system disorder, or it can result
from malnutrition. Your immune system also tends to get weaker as you get
older.
Talk with your doctor if you suspect you or a family member
has an immune system disorder.
READ MORE: But What Can I Eat? Learn More About Your Diet
7. Genetics
A low white blood cell (WBC) count may also result in you
getting sick more often. This condition is known as leukopenia, and it can be
genetic or caused by another illness. A low WBC count increases your risk of
infection.
On the other hand, a high WBC count can protect you against
disease. Similar to a low WBC count, a high WBC count can also be the result of
genetics. For this reason, some people may simply be more naturally equipped to
fight a cold or flu.
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DR. APPIAH
Dr. Appiah is a Natural Health Therapist (Naturopath) who engages the natural healing agents given by God to save lives. EAT FOOD AS MEDICINE! EAT TO LIVE, DON'T LIVE TO EAT!! FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE: WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS? WANT A PERSONAL(CERTIFIED) NATURAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER? REACH ME DIRECTLY ON WHATSAPP +233245643615 appiahinok@gmail.com
