The immune system is the primary defense mechanism employed by the body to actively protect against disease and prevent health complications in the long run. Even changes in daily nutrition and certain unhealthy lifestyle choices directly impact immunity. But the more important concern here is to identify the signs of a weak immune system so that immediate treatment and preventive care can be given for recovery. Here are the top indicators of weakened immunity.

Elevated stress
Stress is often referred to as the silent predator as it causes a high rise in cortisol levels in the body. An excess release of cortisol in the bloodstream lowers the white blood cell (WBC) count, the body’s central disease-fighting cells. Low WBC triggers a hormonal imbalance that directly affects a person’s immunity, leaving the body vulnerable to known diseases. Continuous stress can severely affect organ function and cognitive health.

Fever
Developing a fever indicates the body’s immune system is working hard to fight off a reaction or infection. There are also multiple autoimmune responses (triggers of the immune system) that directly impact a person’s overall health. With fever, a person also develops fatigue that impacts their daily routine.

Frequent sickness
An illness that persists or takes longer to recover from is a clear sign of a weak immune system. That is because the body cannot produce disease-fighting cells to counter the source of the illness. Also, developing an unusual sickness triggered by a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection is serious and requires immediate healthcare intervention.

Digestive problems
Chronic constipation or diarrhea indicates digestive problems that flareup up due to the body’s inability to support hormone and metabolic functions. These changes are rapidly triggered because a significant chunk of the immune system is in the gut along the digestive tract. So, the first signs of infections impact digestion and bowel movements.

Rashes
Weak immunity also impacts skin health and causes rashes to develop on the surface. This is mainly caused due to inflammation that develops as a result of low resistance to germs that attack the surface of the skin. In addition, itching, redness, and dry skin are among the first signs to take notice.

Wounds don’t heal
Weak immunity prevents the body from healing properly, so something as minor as a cut, scrape, or bruising of the skin will take more time to heal. In addition, the body produces fewer clotting factors due to weak immunity.