What is the difference between immunodeficiency disorders and autoimmune diseases?

Immunodeficiency disorders are the ones caused by a weakened immune system, where the body is at a higher risk of catching severe and opportunistic infections, such as AIDS. Autoimmune diseases are conditions wherein the body’s immune system malfunctions and starts attacking its own cells, resulting in certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc.

What precautions should I take to avoid catching infections if I have low immunity?

If you have low immunity, you must follow good hygiene and sanitation practices. Avoid eating raw or uncooked, or unhygienic food. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating meals and after visiting the loo. Wear a surgical mask whenever you visit crowded places. Keep your surroundings neat and clean. Allow the passage of ample natural light and breeze. Drink only filtered, purified, or boiled water. Keep your distance from people with infections and symptoms, such as cough, cold, or fever.

What are some foods that boost immunity naturally?

Ayurveda has promoted certain herbs and spices, such as turmeric, ginger, amla or gooseberry, cinnamon, black pepper, lemons, honey, tulsi, etc., as immunity-boosting foods. In general, consuming a balanced diet that is freshly cooked at home and fulfills the body’s daily nutritional requirements is sufficient for building your natural immunity.

Previously, HIV-AIDS was considered a fatal disease as there was no cure identified, and patients used to die from severe infections due to their inability to fight them. With progress in medical science, many treatment options are available for HIV-infected patients, and they are often able to lead productive lives.

Low Immunity

Written By Dr. Sakshi SharmaBDS

Reviewed By Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Also known as Immune deficiency

Overview

Our body has a natural mechanism to fight against invading organisms and prevent serious infections. The inbuilt immune system is the body’s first line of defense against any foreign infections. If for some reason, the body’s immune defenses are weakened, there is an increased risk of being seriously affected by even the simplest of infections.

The white blood cells, specifically the neutrophils, the B-lymphocytes, and the T-lymphocytes, play a crucial role in fighting off infections. The condition in which the body’s immune system does not perform efficiently is called low immunity.

Immunodeficiency can be genetic or acquired. A person suffering from low immunity contracts frequent infections that can turn deadly. Adopting a healthy lifestyle involving a well balanced diet, exercise, minimal stress, etc., can strengthen your immune system and protect you by fighting off various diseases naturally.

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Overview

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Home-care

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