We are living in unprecedented times. The COVID-19 virus that has gripped the world has caused quite a few changes in our daily lives. Even the most health-conscious of us find ourselves with renewed worry about our immunities and overall health as we take precautions to stay safe and remain free of this or any other disease.

When we talk about our immune system, we are all aware of the common things that compromise our immunity and overall health. Things that are known to contribute to a lowered immune system are:

• lack of exercise;
• smoking;
• a high-fat diet;
• a diet with too few fruits and vegetables; and
• alcohol.

However, there are some surprising ways that you may be weakening your immune system without even being aware of it. We’ve put together a list of 9 ways that surprised even us.

1.   Stress and Worry

Believe it or not, just having bothersome thoughts or consistent worry can lower your immune response in only 30 minutes. Constantly fretting over something can take a greater toll over time and make it harder to fend off viruses. Under prolonged periods of stress, your body produces the hormone, cortisol, which is known to impair the function of infection-fighting T-cells.

2.   Loneliness

Research has shown that the increased distress caused by loneliness suppresses the immune system. According to an article in Psychological Science, just the act of hugging someone reduced their susceptibility to illness because it lowered their stress levels. With modern technology, the ability to meet and interact with others is easier to accomplish than ever before. So make sure that you are making the effort to connect with others in a healthy way today.

3.   Too Much Exercise

Couch potatoes have something to cheer about! Yes, too much strenuous exercise (what is known as the “overtraining”) breaks down the body and weakens the immune system. However, the bad news for those engaging in a sedentary lifestyle is that engaging in regular, moderate exercise actually strengthens your immunities and makes you less susceptible to viruses.

4.   Grief

If it lasts a long time, there is evidence that grief and sorrow can suppress your body’s immunities. Bereavement increases your body’s cortisol output and lowers your immunities in the same way that stress does. The boost of nerve chemicals and hormones after the sudden loss of a loved one may put you at risk for viral infections like the flu.

5.   Lack of Sleep

You know that a sound, restful night’s sleep is good for you in a number of ways. But did you know that lack of a good night’s sleep can make you more susceptible to viruses and lengthen your recovery period? One reason is that your body only creates the protein, cytokines (which help the immune system), when you are asleep.

6.   Low Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known for its ability to strengthen bones and support healthy blood cells as well as its ability to boost your immune system. Certain foods such as fatty fish and eggs are a great source of vitamin D. However, a key source of vitamin D is sunlight. Just 15 minutes of direct sunlight, 2 to 3 times a week, will boost your vitamin D production.

7.   Not Enough Time Outdoors

Speaking of the great outdoors and the benefit of sunshine, not only does sunlight boost your vitamin D production, but it also energizes your T-cells in order to help you fight infection. In addition, being outdoors in a particularly calming or beautiful environment relieves stress and reduces your body’s production of cortisol. This, in turn, allows your immune system to function at optimal levels. So fun in the sun not only serves to make you happy, but it’s also healthy!

8.   Ultraviolet Radiation

Yes, a healthy amount of time in the sunlight does increase your levels of vitamin D and your T-cell production, both of which are great for your immune system. Unfortunately, too much time in the sun can also be bad. Air pollution and the thinning of the ozone layer are allowing more ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun to reach us. This can lead to a weakened immune response. If you are in the sunlight for more than 15 minutes at a time (the optimal for immunity support), then be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

9.   Certain Medications

Many common drugs that are available in your pharmacy aisle or by prescription can diminish your body’s ability to fight infection. TNF inhibitors and corticosteroids are examples of this type of medication. If you have concerns about your medication’s immunity suppressing qualities, talk to your doctor.

Pharmstrong™, Your Partner in Health

We at Pharmstrong™ want to be your partner in improving your overall health as well as boosting your immunities. Because our Verified Pure Premium Grade™ CBD products are known to help you feel more relaxed, your body will feel less stressed, which therefore puts less of a strain on your immune system so that it can function properly. In addition, Pure + Potent products like ourCBD Softgels with Melatonin or Sleep Kit will help you get the sleep that you need in order to produce the cytokines protein that your body needs to boost your immune system.

You can count on Pharmstrong™ to bring you premium quality CBD products that are third-party laboratory tested to make sure what is on the label is exactly the quality ingredients that are in our products – you can see results of those tests right on our website. In this way, you can be assured that you are receiving all of the benefits of adding CBD to your health and wellness routine without the fear of getting unwanted elements such as THC, pesticides, metals, and molds.

Make Pharmstrong™ your partner in your wellness journey today! You can shop with us online, place an order over the phone by calling 1-866-399-5371, or visit us in our Breckinridge, Colorado store where you can try our one-of-a-kind CBD sample bar!

A big boost to your immune system is only a CBD order away!