What causes a low immune system?

A low immune system is the result of immunodeficiency disorder. An Immunodeficiency disorder is a condition in which the body is not able to defend itself against various types of infection. Such disorders make your body highly prone to viral and bacterial infections.

Immunodeficiency disorders are of 2 types:

1. Congenital/primary disorder is the one you are born with.

2. Acquired/secondary disorder is the one you have acquired from outside. It happens when an infection or toxic chemical attacks your body. The acquired disorder can happen because of the following reasons:

a. Diabetes

b. Radiation

c. Chemotherapy

d. Severe burns

e. Virus-like HIV

Besides the above disorders, low immunity can be the result of:

1. Poor nutrition: When you don't take a healthy diet comprising of protein, vitamins and minerals in the long run, then you may face low immunity. Include dark-green leafy vegetables like broccoli and spinach, chicken, lean beef, eggs, greek yoghurt and nuts in your diet along with whole grains.

2. No or less exercise: Every type of activity whether it's for fat loss, muscle building and strengthening or bone-strengthening helps in fostering immunity.

3. Alcohol or smoking: Consumption of alcohol or smoking in excess makes our body hollow by destroying our immune system.