Throughout life, your natural defences are constantly working, developing and learning from challenges. However, there are a number of common factors which almost everyone will face at some stage. And they can leave you feeling run down.
These are:
Cold, changeable weather and indoor living
Here in Ireland, we're all very familiar with cold and changeable weather. The harsh weather may be challenging for our natural defences, especially during the long winter months. Some germs are more stable in cooler temperatures, thus resulting in more germs than normal lurking around. Also the cold weather and short, dark days change our lifestyle forcing us to spend more time indoors in close proximity to each other and to more germs.
The ageing process
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Research has shown that as we get older our natural defences can get weaker. Studies have shown that the level of good bacteria in the gut can be lower than for younger adults and that the immune system’s response can weaken. |
Hectic lifestyle
Today's busy lifestyles often mean stress, lack of sleep and a poor diet, factors which scientific studies have shown can weaken our natural defences.
Stressful situations may put our bodies to the test. Stress can be brought on by psychological pressure (e.g. during exam time), or intense physical pressure (e.g. while practicing a competitive sport). Stress has been shown to weaken the immune system, part of the natural defenses.
Lack of sleep can also affect your natural defences as sleep is one of the most important opportunities for the body to repair itself naturally. Adults need, on average, 7 to 8 hours sleep a night, but sometimes lifestyle demands can result in disrupted sleep patterns, which may weaken your natural defences.
A healthy balanced diet is also important for supporting a healthy life. But with the time pressured lifestyles we lead, we can often end up eating on the run or opting for convenience food rather than healthier, more nutritious options.
