The body is often sick and can be caused by various things, ranging from a weak immune system or frequent exposure to germs, viruses, or parasites. This can be due to an unhealthy lifestyle, an unhygienic living environment, to certain health problems.
Various types of germs, viruses, and parasites can cause infections in the body, thus making the body sick. But to overcome this, the body actually has a natural defense system called the immune system.
The immune system or immune system consists of antibodies, certain cells, tissues, and organs, ranging from white blood cells, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, to the body's natural shields, such as skin and hair, as well as mucus in the body's mucous tissues. .
When the immune system is weak or problematic, the body can become more susceptible to disease.
Causes of the Body Often Sick
Almost everyone must have experienced pain, both headaches, stomachaches, fevers, colds, and coughs. This condition is actually normal and indicates that the body's immune system is actively working to fight infection.
But if the body is often sick, there are several factors that can be a possible cause, namely:
1. Unhealthy eating patterns
You can have a strong immune system by eating lots of healthy foods that are rich in nutrients, such as antioxidants, protein, omega-3, as well as vitamins and minerals. Examples are vegetables and fruits, eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts, yogurt, and whole grains, such as wheat.
Conversely, the habit of eating unhealthy foods can make the immune system weak and susceptible to illness. Therefore, reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods, such as fast food or foods high in saturated fat, too salty, or too sweet.
Also avoid the habit of eating unhygienic food, raw, undercooked, or stale food because these foods contain germs and parasites that cause infection.
2. Lack of fluids
In addition to healthy foods, increase the consumption of fluids, ranging from water, tea, and fruit juices, can also prevent you from getting sick. With sufficient fluid needs every day, nutrient intake to all cells in the body will be maintained and the body's organs can function normally.
Water also functions to moisturize the mouth, nose, and throat area so that viruses and germs do not easily enter. Therefore, your risk of getting sick will be higher if your body is dehydrated. Not only that, not drinking enough water can also increase the risk of the body becoming dehydrated.
Avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages because it can interfere with health and weaken the immune system.
3. Prolonged stress
Stress that occurs occasionally and subsides once the cause is addressed is a part of everyday life.
However, if you feel that stress is severe and prolonged or stress has caused mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders, then the impact can make your immune system weak. As a result, the body will be easy to fall ill.
4. Lack of sleep
Various studies have shown that sleep deprivation can reduce the body's natural ability to fight infection. Not only that, lack of sleep can also increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, to cancer.
Therefore, you are advised not to stay up late and sleep on a regular schedule, with a duration of 7-9 hours every night.
5. Lazy to wash hands
When you are active throughout the day, your hands may unwittingly touch something dirty and contain viruses and bacteria. For example, when changing a baby's diaper, after urinating or defecating, holding the doorknob, even when touching the cellphone screen.
Therefore, if you rarely or lazy to wash your hands, then this habit can increase the chances of germs and viruses on your hands entering your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes. Therefore, you need to regularly get used to washing your hands properly so that your body doesn't get sick easily.
6. Lack of cleanliness
Cleanliness of the body and the environment plays an important role in preventing infectious diseases. When hygiene or sanitation is not maintained, germs, viruses, and parasites that cause infection will easily multiply and attack your body.
If you have this, you will still be susceptible to infection even though your immune system is working properly.
So, it is important to regularly clean the house, not littering, wash your hands regularly, and brush your teeth frequently so that the body is kept clean and not susceptible to disease.
7. Certain medical conditions
In addition to some of the consequences of some of the factors above, a weakened immune system can also be caused by certain diseases or medical conditions, including:
- Side effects of drugs, such as chemotherapy.
- Have had surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy).
- HIV/AIDS.
- Leukopenia or a low number of white blood cells in the body, making the body more susceptible to infection.
- Genetic disorders, eg DiGeorge syndrome.
- Malnutrition
Illness caused by an unhealthy lifestyle can be prevented and overcome by adopting a healthy lifestyle, living a healthy and balanced diet, getting enough rest, exercising regularly, not smoking, and completing immunizations.
If it happens occasionally, the body aches may not be caused by something harmful. However, if your body is often sick to the point that you often miss work or school, then it's best if this condition is checked by a doctor because it could be caused by certain health problems.
Therefore, do not hesitate to see a doctor to undergo a thorough health examination and get treatment so that the body does not fall ill easily in the future.
