Medical warning: Daily habits that cause weakened immunity and a decline in overall health
With the accelerating pace of modern life and changing daily habits, public health is facing unprecedented challenges. In this context, Dr. Diaa Hussein, a consultant in rheumatology and osteoporosis, warned in statements to Al-Youm newspaper that the modern lifestyle poses a real threat to the efficiency of the immune system, citing a number of international studies that confirm that weakened immunity is the cumulative result of environmental, psychological, and behavioral factors.
Historical context and evolution of lifestyles
Historically, the human lifestyle was primarily based on movement and continuous physical activity, in harmony with the natural biological clock of sleep and wakefulness. However, the Industrial Revolution and the subsequent technological revolution brought about a radical shift; sedentary lifestyles replaced physical activity, processed foods dominated our diets, and sleep cycles were disrupted by artificial light and screens. This radical shift was not accompanied by a rapid genetic evolution of the immune system, creating a health gap whose effects are evident today in the form of chronic diseases and immune disorders.
Warning signs: Your body is crying out for help
Dr. Diaa explained that the human body has its own language to signal a decline in its immune function, emphasizing the importance of not ignoring these signs. Among the most prominent of these signs are frequent viral or bacterial infections, noticeably slow wound healing, and chronic fatigue and persistent tiredness even without significant physical exertion.
The consultant added that there are symptoms that may at first glance seem unrelated to immunity, but are strong indicators of a malfunction, such as persistent dry eyes, frequent digestive problems in the stomach and intestines, cold extremities, excessive sensitivity to sunlight, as well as unexplained joint pain and sudden hair loss.
Regional and global impact
These warnings are particularly important at the local and regional levels, especially in the Arabian Gulf region, where health statistics indicate high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which are closely linked to weakened immunity. Globally, the World Health Organization confirms that lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases kill millions annually, making the maintenance of a strong immune system the first line of defense in reducing the burden on global health systems.
Sleep and stress: hidden enemies of immunity
Dr. Hussein cited a significant regional study conducted by the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait, which revealed that even short periods of sleep deprivation alter the behavior of immune cells and increase inflammation throughout the body. He also addressed the psychological aspect, reviewing European and American scientific studies that demonstrated chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which in turn suppresses immune function. This reinforces the hypothesis of a close relationship between psychological stress and neuroimmune disorders.
Food and immunity: a direct relationship
Regarding nutrition, the consultant cited research from prestigious institutions like Harvard University, which confirmed that relying on fast food high in fats and sugars, coupled with a deficiency in essential vitamins, makes the immune system more compromised and aggressive. A study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine also demonstrated that excessive consumption of added sugars disrupts sleep quality and hinders access to deeper sleep stages, creating a vicious cycle of weakened immunity.
Dr. Diaa concluded his speech by outlining a roadmap for prevention, based on returning to the basics: improving sleep quality, managing stress effectively, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet, stressing that these steps are the only way to restore the body's immune defenses.
