Busting Myths About Immunity

During the covid-19 pandemic, our immune system play an important role in fighting against infections, as well as clearing cancerous, infected and old cells in the body. However, they are often myths about our natural defence system, so what is the truth?

Myths 1: The stronger the immune system, the better

This is not true. While a weak immune system can cause you to get sick easily or has higher risk of infections, having an overly strong or overactive immune system, can be just as harmful and cause health problems such as allergies or even autoimmune diseases (etc. lupus and rheumatoid arthritis), which can lead to complications and inflammations. Hence, it is very important to keep a balanced immune system for well defenced body.

Myths 2: If you are young, you don't have to worry about having a weak immune system

When we were born, our immune system take time to build up and peaks at young age. However, as we grow older, after the age of 40, our immune function begins to decline, in which there is a decrease in immune cells activity and reduction of antibodies production. The weaken of immune system increases the risk of diseases and infections.

Though aging can weaken your immunity, modern people's lifestyle nowadays, such as stress, imbalance diet, lack of sleep and physical inactivity can negatively impact your immune system and cause imbalance. Hence, to all the young people out there, especially during these crucial times, it is still very important to take good care of your immune system!

Myths 3: Stress has no effect on your immune system

While stress is a feeling, it can also negatively affect your physical and mental health, as well as your immunity. Studies have shown that stress, when in the long term can cause the body to produce high levels of cortisol, which is a type of stress hormone that inhibits immune function, causing your imbalance in your immune system. So beware of the effect of stress on your immune health.