11 Things that Destroy Your Immune System
Seek out and eliminate these quiet health
destroyers.
By Leah Zerbe, Rodalenews.com
Attack on Your Immunity Viruses and bacteria aren't the only bad actors that test your immune system. Your T cells are being tested 24/7, and by some surprising culprits, ranging from modern-day convenience items in your home to deep-rooted emotions. We scoured the data to bring you common immune-system wreckers so you can eliminate them from your life.
Microwavable Popcorn
Immune System Assassin: Microwavable popcorn
bags are commonly coated in nonstick chemicals
called perflurorinated compounds (PFCs) so grease
doesn't penetrate the bag. A recent study in
Environmental Health found levels the government
considers "safe" are 100 to 1,000 times too high for
children. These chemicals have been shown to mess up
your immune system; vaccines given to people with
higher levels of PFCs in their bodies were much less
effective.
Immunity Boost: Make popcorn on the stovetop or use this DIY microwave popcorn trick. These same chemicals hide out in many stain-repellent carpets and furniture treatments and greaseproof fast-food containers and wraps, so be sure to cut down on these exposures, too.
MORE: The 15 Grossest Things You Didn't Know You're Eating.
Pots and Pans
Immune System Assassin: Some of the same
nonstick chemicals added to popcorn bags also hide
out in many nonstick pots and pans. A recent study
published in Environmental Health Perspectives found
women with higher levels of hormone-disrupting
perfluorinated compounds like perfluorooctanoic acid
(PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in their
blood were more likely to have the autoimmune
disease osteoarthritis.
Immunity Boost: Don't panic if you have nonstick pans, but when you start noticing scratches and chips, replace them with glass, made-in-the-USA cast iron, or stainless steel to avoid nonstick chemicals.
Loneliness
Immune System Assassin: Your immune cells are
social, and they want you to be, too. T cells scan
your body for disease and then share information
like honeybees, according to a recent scientific
breakthrough. But if you're not so social, it could
impact your ability to fight disease. Ohio State
researchers recently found worrying about close
relationships acts like a chronic stressor that
suppresses your immunity. Previous research found
we're more likely to get sick--and die earlier--when
we have fewer social connections.
Immunity Boost: If you just can't seem to click with new people, try volunteering where you'll find generous and grateful folk, such as at a soup kitchen. You're not necessarily looking to make new friends there--though it's great if you do. But you may find it easier to lower your guard in an atmosphere of altruism and gratitude.
PLUS: Top 8 Toxic Triggers in Your Life
Lack of Sleep
Immune System Assassin: Slacking in the sleep
department can lower the number of killer cells your
body needs to wipe out infections. A University of
Chicago study found that sleeping just four hours a
night for a week cut the number of flu-fighting
antibodies in study participants' systems in half.
Immunity Boost: Stay away from looking at
screens for at least two hours before going to bed.
The light from electronics' screens can trick your
brain from easing into sleep mode. Aim for seven to
nine hours of uninterrupted sleep.
BEWARE:
10 Sleep Habits That Make You Fat.
Antibiotics
Immune System Assassin: Taking antibiotics can
slash your levels of cytokines, the hormonal
messengers your immune system relies on during
sickness.
Immunity Boost: Cold and flu and most middle ear and sinus infections are caused by viruses, so taking antibiotics will do nothing for your ailment and will wipe out immune-supporting bacteria in your gut. Find out when you actually need antibiotics, here. When you are on antibiotics, be sure to take doses on time and finish the entire course. Eat low-sugar yogurt and fermented foods to repopulate your gut flora.
Canned Food
Immune System Assassin: Bisphenol A, or BPA,
coats the inside lining of most canned foods. In
2010, University of Michigan School of Public Health
researchers found that adults with higher levels of
BPA also had higher cytomegalovirus antibody levels,
suggesting that their cell-mediated immune system is
malfunctioning.
Immunity Boost: To avoid BPA, opt for fresh or frozen foods, versus canned, or reach for soups and broths in Tetra Pak boxes.
BEWARE: 12 Household Toxins Lurking in Your Home
Sugar
Immune System Assassin: Eating 100 grams of
sugar (think a bottle of soda, fruit yogurt, and a
candy bar) significantly lowered the ability of
white blood cells to kill bacteria for up to five
hours, according to a study published in the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Immunity Boost: Avoid foods with added sugar as much as possible, especially during cold and flu season. It's in obvious places, such as juices, sodas, and desserts, but significant amounts also hide out in many low-fat yogurts, bread, condiments, and salad dressings.
BEWARE: 6 Sneaky Sugar Marketing Tricks
Dehydration
Immune System Assassin: Fluids help flush your
body of immune-damaging toxins and carry nutrients
to any infection sites. Little-known fact? Many of
us walk around mildly dehydrated most of the time
without even knowing it.
Immunity Boost: If your pee is dark yellow
in the morning, drink more water before bed--you're
aiming for pale yellow for a visible sign of proper
hydration.
Read More: Are You Chronically Dehydrated?
Antibacterial Soap
Immune System Assassin: Researchers at the Johns
Hopkins Children's Center found children exposed to
antibacterial chemicals are prone to food and
environmental allergies. Children with higher levels
of antibacterials in their urine experienced higher
IgE blood antibody levels. High antibody counts
signal a response to an allergen; the researchers
believe the antibacterial chemicals alter healthy
immune system development.
Immunity Boost: Children with more
triclosan, a popular antibacterial soap chemical, in
their blood high the highest allergy risk. Washing
with regular soap and water works just as well,
without the added risks.
Read More:
The Dangerous Chemical Hiding in EVERY Room of Your
Home
Air Pollution
Immune System Assassin: Cutting-edge research is
unearthing a connection between air
pollution--specifically polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs)--and damaged immune systems.
PAHs pour from exhaust pipes and flake off of
driveways, playgrounds, and parking lots treated
with coal-tar sealant.
Immunity Boost: Check local pollution levels and avoid exercising outdoors on high pollution days. Push for a coal-tar sealant ban in your city, state, or municipality to reduce PAH exposure from blacktop surfaces. (Safer alternatives without coal tar are readily available at most hardware stores.)
Read More: Your Neighborhood's Cancer-Causing Secret
Insecticides
Immune System Assassin: Using toxic insecticides
to kill household and lawn pests could increase your
risk of developing an autoimmune disease, according
to data recently presented at an American College of
Rheumatology meeting. Women who sprayed insecticides
at least six times a year were about 2½ times more
likely to develop lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Those who hired a professional lawn service to apply
insecticides to their yard had a two times greater
risk.
Immunity Boost: Use nontoxic pest control measures and use these organic lawn-care tips to keep your house pest free without chemicals. Plant native plants in your garden to attract beneficial insects that prey on pests, too.
READ MORE:
9 Disturbing Side Effects of Soda