In our continued effort to help everyone keep their immune system strong, I decided to write a blog on signs you have a weak immune system. Some of these may surprise you and answer questions about symptoms that you or a loved one may have.

1. You Have Digestive Problems

Since most of your immune system (about 70%) is in your digestive tract, digestive symptoms are often a sign of a weakened immune system.  Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and funguses can all cause digestive complaints.

2. You Have Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations can be associated with several health issues, especially B vitamin deficiencies, mineral deficiencies, dehydration, but also immune system challenges.  Personally, my first sign of any cold, flu, or Lyme disease flare-up is heart palpitation.  Many patients have told me the same thing.

3. Your Energy “Isn’t What It Should Be”

Since fighting off invaders takes a lot of energy, not having as much energy as you’d like may be a symptom of immune issues.  Certain types of microbes can also interfere with the body’s energy production systems. I’ve had numerous patients think they have chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, adrenal, or thyroid issues when it was actually immune issues.

4. You have chronic aches and pains, especially ones that do not respond to treatment.

Infections, especially chronic infections, cause inflammation. This inflammation often causes pain, especially in the joints and muscles. You can be sure that if you’ve been diagnosed as having any “-itis”, tendinitis, or “fibromyalgia”, you may have an immune system issue.

5. Your Wounds Are Slow To Heal

Healing requires a healthy immune system. If your immune system is weakened, wounds tend to heal a lot slower.

6. You Get Frequent Colds

The average healthy person may get one or two minor colds per year. This is actually a healthy sign that your immune system is working normally when it needs to. More than that, and it means that your immune system is not rebuilding and healing after you get a cold or flu.

7. You Get Frequent Infections

Boils, skin infections, acne, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia are all signs of a weakened immune system. If you find that you need a course of antibiotics more than once per year, that’s a sign that you have a weakened immune system.

8. You’ve Been Diagnosed With An Autoimmune Disease

By its very name, an autoimmune condition means that you have an imbalance in your immune system.

9. You Have Dry Eyes

Sometimes when there’s an immune system disorder, the inflammation will actually affect the eyes, causing dry eyes. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are two specific disorders that cause dry eyes.

10. You Have Patchy Hair Loss

Sometimes the immune system will attack the hair follicles leading to patches of hair loss on the body or scalp. I’ve seen this a number of times cause balding in both men and women!

11. You Have Difficulty Swallowing

Sometimes immune system problems will affect the thyroid, causing swelling of the thyroid that may affect the ability to swallow.  Many people, especially women, complain of this, but don’t know its origin.

12. You Have White Patches On Your Skin

This is otherwise known as vitiligo. Sometimes the immune system will attack the melanocytes, the cells that make pigment in your skin. This may result in white patches of skin.

Now that you are aware that it might be an immune system issue, it’s time to do something to strengthen and balance your immune system! Check out my other blogs (try this one and this one to help you get started). And when you’re ready for some guidance with a personalized health improvement program, check out this link or call our office at (717) 392-6606. Now more than ever it’s vital to take action to improve the health of your immune system!