A healthy immune system is responsible for keeping the body safe from foreign viruses and bacteria that attack the healthy cells in the body. In this manner, it plays a huge role in warding off any infections or diseases. However, some factors can weaken the immune system over time, including unhealthy lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetic factors. Thus, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for that indicate a weak immune system.

Frequent illnesses
This is a very common symptom in anyone with a poor immune system. One may catch colds easily, and the symptoms that usually go away in a week last for longer. These individuals are also susceptible to getting food poisoning easily, which may take more than a couple of days to get treated. There are some barrier responses from the immune system which usually helps keep illnesses in check, and this includes:

Cough reflex, which helps in expelling any foreign object which suddenly causes irritation.
Stomach acid, which helps in killing the microbes which can enter the body through the food and drinks consumed.
Mucus production, which helps in trapping bacteria and any other small particles which can cause irritation or cause infection in the body.

In a weak immune system, these barrier functions are unable to function optimally, resulting in more frequent infections or illnesses.

Constant stress
Chronic stress is a cause and effect of an unhealthy immune system, so it is important to keep the stress levels in the body in check. The stress causes immune dysregulation and also leads to immune suppression. This, in turn, can cause other complications like increased infections and diseases in the body and a slower recovery process that keeps the body in a stress mode. Stress can also trigger autoimmune diseases like eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and asthma.

Frequent cold sores
Shingles and cold sores are diseases caused by the herpes virus. Once the virus enters the body, it remains dormant until factors leading to developing cold sores or shingles trigger it. These triggers include stress or even cellular immunity weakness. When the virus replicates itself and reacts in the body repeatedly, it is a sign that the immune system is weak and cannot fight off the virus to the best of its potential. This is when immunity boosters are required to treat some symptoms.

Stomach issues
The gut contains millions of bacteria that needs the right kind of food and nutrition to help it thrive. These bacteria are important for the functioning of a healthy digestive system as they help in keeping the gut clean. There are many studies to suggest how good gut health can influence overall health. However, if someone is experiencing chronic stomach problems like constipation, diarrhea, gas, and similar digestive issues, it indicates that the gut health is not ideal. This could be due to a weak immune system, which does not provide the healthy environment for the good bacteria to thrive.

Slow healing
Slow recovery and healing is a major indicator of a weakened immune system. The healing process involves sending nutrient-rich blood and healthy immune cells to the cut, scrape, or burn on the skin. When the immune system is sluggish, this healing process becomes much slower, and the regeneration of new skin is also slower. So, keep an eye out for these small signs and symptoms that could indicate a slow immune system.

Lethargy
If you are getting enough sleep and still suffering from weakness and lethargy, this could indicate that the body is pointing towards a tired immune system. When the immune system is struggling to keep the body active and energized, despite no physical exertion, it indicates the presence of an issue. This lethargy usually means that the immune system is trying to reserve its energy so it can fight off germs in the body.

There are some ways to keep the immune system healthy, and this involves strict lifestyle changes on a daily basis. Eating nutritious food every day for each meal is of utmost importance to keep the body running on good fuel. Enough sleep, exercise, and minimizing stress are also some of the key points in keeping the immune system less burdened and healthy.