Some people tend to fall ill more often than others and a UK doctor has shared five reasons behind frequent sickness and what you can do to strengthen your health and immunity
Everyone gets ill sometimes whether it’s a common cough or cold or the flu but some people seem to feel unwell more than others. Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses and non-infectious diseases linked to lifestyle, environment and genetics lead to illnesses.
A doctor based in the UK has shared five big reasons why people fall ill. GP Dr Sami is a qualified medical professional who shares educational health videos, expert advice and tips on TikTok. In a recent post on the platform he gave five causes of regularly feeling run down and explained what you can do about it.
The doctor said: “Do you keep getting ill more than the average person should do? It’s not just bad luck. These are the top five reasons why people regularly get ill.”
1. Lack of sleep
Dr Sami claimed studies have shown that getting less than seven hours of sleep can triple your chances of getting colds and other viral infections and he mentioned that your immune system “needs sleep just as much as you do.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus, and lack of sleep can affect how fast you get better if you do get sick.
2. Stress
The GP moved onto his next point as he added: “Chronic stress keeps cortisol levels high and cortisol suppresses white blood cells, which are the cells that fight off infection.”
Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress and chronic stress decreases white blood cells, putting you more at risk of getting viruses, including the common cold and cold sores, as per Cleveland Clinic.
3. Poor diet
Many people try to have a good diet by eating healthily and the UK doctor shared that most of us don’t get our five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, which he called a “problem” because we need nutrients like vitamin C and zinc to boost our immune system.
Dr Sami added: “We also need to get outside more and get some sunshine because vitamin D plays a really key role in how strong our immune system is.”
4. Environment
It’s commonly known that being in certain environments puts you at a greater risk of getting ill, such as if you work in healthcare, teaching, childcare or if you frequently travel by bus or train, as outlined by the medical professional.
He explained that you are going to be “exposed to more bugs than the average person.”
The doctor recommends always washing your hands and cleaning high touch surfaces, like door handles and handrails.
5. Underlying health conditions
Dr Sami noted that underlying health conditions, including anaemia, thyroid problems and gut or liver issues can make you feel ill.
He advises checking in with your GP if you suspect you have any of these conditions.