5 Sure Signs of a Strong Immune System
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that prioritizing your immune system is seriously important.
But if you’re doing everything you can to boost immunity, how can you know that it’s working? After all, there’s not exactly a blood test, X-ray, or other exam that can prove strong immunity.
Fortunately, your body will let you know if your immune system is strong.
In this guide from Sunwink, we’ll go over five signs of a strong immune system. And if you think your immunity could use a boost, we’ll cover some of the best ways to do so.
But first, let’s talk about some signs that your immune system isn’t working as well as it should.
What Are Signs My Immune System Could Use a Boost?
1. You Get Sick Often
If you catch a few colds yearly, you likely have nothing to worry about. There are tons of mild viruses, and even the healthiest people are bound to catch a few.
But if you’re constantly coming down with something — and taking a long time to recover — your immune defenses could be down.
2. You’re Always Stressed
You need some stress in your life to grow and develop. For instance, exercise is technically stressful for your heart, lungs, and muscles. But if it’s short-lived, the effects of stress aren’t damaging but actually beneficial.
But if you’re in a constant state of stress, you can seriously weaken your immunity.
Of course, we all know about the harmful effects of chronic emotional stress. But you can also be stressed due to physical and environmental reasons, such as exposure to high mold levels.
When stressed, your body is in constant repair mode, which impairs its ability to perform other immune functions (such as fending off viruses). So, if stress is present constantly, it could lead to immunity problems.
3. You Have an Autoimmune Condition
A serious sign of weakened immunity is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system begins to attack healthy tissues. This can range from mild allergies to frequent breakouts to rheumatoid arthritis.
If you suffer from one of approximately 100 autoimmune conditions, it could be a sign that your immune system needs a boost.
How Can I Support My Immunity?
Fortunately, our immune system is very resilient, with a high potential for improvement.
If you show signs of weakened immunity, there are many things you can do, starting with the following:
1. Nourish Your Body With Superfoods
Unlike food void of nutrients (like iceberg lettuce), Superfoods are very nutrient-dense plants. And nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, are exactly what your immune system needs to work at its best.
Try to nourish your body with a rainbow of plants, including those high in vitamins like vitamin C, minerals like zinc, and antioxidants.
For a simple (and delicious) way to get your Superfood fix, invest in a few different Superfood powders from Sunwink — so you don’t miss out on anything.
2. Get Some Sun
Some sunshine is the best way to produce vitamin D, which is crucial for a strong immune system.
So, try to get some sun exposure every day — and make sure to protect your skin by wearing broad spectrum SPF before going outside. Depending on your skin tone, you might need anywhere from five minutes to a full hour.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is when most of your body’s repair happens. If you’re sleep-deprived, your body’s inflammation levels may increase and impair your immune response.
How much sleep is needed varies from person to person. For some, it could be six hours, while for others, it may be as much as ten. If you wake up feeling groggy and running for your nearest coffee shop, then it could be a sign you need more shuteye.
4. Manage Stress Levels
As mentioned above, high stress levels are a sure sign that your immune system needs work. That’s because stress drives inflammation, which can interfere with the immune response.
If you’re stressed out, it’s seriously important to manage it. From meditation to exercise to breathwork, there are many things you can do to help cope with and manage your stress. The important thing is to stay consistent in your routine in order to feel the benefits.
5. Limit Alcohol
We totally get that alcohol is present at most social gatherings and not drinking it may make you feel like an outcast. But if you consider the effects of alcohol on your body, then cutting it out might be totally worth it.
Alcohol is a toxin that has to be processed by the body. This means that the immune system is attending to alcohol detoxification and not its many other crucial functions.
Fortunately, giving up alcohol doesn’t have to be boring. Our Sparkling Superfood Tonics are filled with Superfoods that can help support your wellness. Plus, they taste as delicious as any cocktail! Try out our Variety Pack for your next social gathering!
6. Avoid Smoking
Chemicals in cigarette smoke are known carcinogens, meaning they cause all types of cancer (not just lung cancer). Cigarettes can also drive inflammation, putting your body in a state of constant repair and weakening your immunity.
Both conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes are harmful, and working to avoid both can benefit your health.
So, to give your immune system a boost, work to stop smoking completely. Quitting can be tough, and it may help to talk to your doctor about whether smoking cessation aids may be right for you.
What Are Signs of a Strong Immune System?
If you follow our immune-boosting tips, your body is sure to show it. Look out for the five following signs that your immune system is working as it should.
1. You Recover Easily
If your immune system is working properly, it can quickly fend off viral and bacterial infections. That means if you catch a cold with a strong immune system, it may be gone within a week or so as compared to those with a weak immune system.
But recovery isn’t only confined to infections. The immune system plays a major role in wound healing. So, if your cuts and scratches heal easily, you can thank your strong immune system for that.
2. You Have Good Gut Health
A healthy microbiome is linked to a well-functioning immune system. On the other hand, if your gut health is lacking, then your immune defenses may be down.
How do you know if your gut health is in good shape? Some sure signs are good digestion, steady energy, and clear skin. But since gut health is linked to many functions, a healthy microbiome can show signs in virtually any organ system.
3. You Don’t Have Allergies
Allergies are your immune system’s overreaction to harmless substances. If your body is constantly fighting off supposed pathogens, like pollen, then it’ll be less likely to fend off actual threats.
If you don’t experience constant allergic reactions, it could be a sign of a strong immune system ready to work.
4. You Don’t Have Skin Problems
Inflammation is involved in many of the most common skin problems, like breakouts.
Inflammation can seriously dampen your immune system. So — if your skin is clear, healthy, and glowing, it could be a sign that your inflammation levels are where they should be.
Skin problems can also stem from poor gut health, which is also linked to immunity. If you’re hoping to get a little more support for your gut, our Digestion Lemonade Superfood Powder may help. With Chicory, Amla, and Dandelion, our Superfood powder helps support digestion and overall gut health.
Our Berry Healthy Skin Superfood Powder can also support a radiant complexion with Acai, Goji Berry, and Amla for antioxidants and immune and digestive support.
So, use your skin as one indicator of your immune system’s health.
5. Your Vitamin D Levels Are Sufficient
Since a vitamin D deficiency is linked to lowered immunity, you want to ensure your levels of this vitamin (which is actually more of a hormone). See your doctor for blood work every six months. If your vitamin D levels are low, work on getting healthy sun exposure (while wearing plenty of broad-spectrum SPF, of course) and taking a vitamin D supplement in the winter.
Boosting Immunity With Superfoods
If your immune system is healthy, your body will show it through quick recovery, clear skin, and good gut health. But if your immune system is lacking, there are several things you can do to help give it a boost.
Sunwink’s sparkling Superfood tonics and Superfood powders contain a high density of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With just one delicious serving a day, you’ll help give your body what it needs to function at its best.
Sources:
STRESS AND HEALTH: Psychological, Behavioral, and Biological Determinants | PMC
Vitamin D and Immune Function | PMC
Color Counts: Sunlight and Skin Type as Drivers of Vitamin D Deficiency at UK Latitudes | NCBI
Sleep and immune function | PMC
Interaction between microbiota and immunity in health and disease | Nature
