Here’s a little self-checkup from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School…

If you answer “yes” to any one of the questions below then make sure you keep reading because I’ve added some simple tips for boosting your immune system after the quiz.

– Do you feel stressed and anxious a lot of the time?
– Do you have a cold more than three times per year?
– Do you have frequent tummy troubles?
– Are your wounds slow to heal?
– Do you develop infections easily?
– Do you feel tired often?

If you answered “yes,” there’s no need to be alarmed. But there ARE some steps you can take to give your immune system a little boost.

And if you practice these little tiny immunity hacks I’m willing to bet you’ll notice a difference sooner rather than later.

Here’s a few of them…

– Get at least 8-hours of sleep per night…

– Eat red bell peppers…

– Eat citrus fruits (grapefruits and oranges)…

– Cook with coconut oil…

– Eat more fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut (or take a probiotic)…

– Go for a walk in the sun…

– Stay hydrated…

– Manage stress by keeping a journal, stretching or meditating…

Give those a try and you’ll give your immune system a noticeable lift. And for the best immune defense, try to do at least one or two of these things a day to stay consistent.

Here’s why all of those questions matter…

……

Do you feel stressed and anxious a lot of the time?

It’s not a coincidence that you tend to get sick after a big life change or following an emotional situation at home.

According to a report by the American Psychological Association, long-term stress weakens the responses of your immune system. That’s because stress lowers white blood cells that your body needs to fight infections.

……

Do you have a cold more than three times per year?

It’s perfectly normal for adults to sneeze and sniffle through two or three colds each year. Most people bounce back in seven days and during that time, the immune system develops antibodies to fight off pesky germs.

But if you constantly catch colds, or your cold doesn’t run its course within a week, it means your immune system is having a hard time keeping up.

……

Do you have frequent tummy troubles?

If you have frequent diarrhea, gas or constipation, it could be a sign that your immune system is compromised.

Research shows 70 percent of your immune system is located in your gut. The beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that live there defend you from infection and support the immune system.

Low amounts of these helpful gut bacteria can leave you at risk to viruses, chronic inflammation and even autoimmune disorders.

……

Are your wounds slow to heal?

This healing process depends on healthy immune cells.

But if your immune system is sluggish, your skin can’t regenerate. Instead, your wounds linger and have a hard time healing.

……

Do you develop infections easily?

If you battle frequent infections, your immune system may be sending you red flags.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology reports that signs of a possible immune deficiency in adults include:

Having more than four ear infections in one year…
Developing pneumonia twice during a one-year period…
Suffering from chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year…
Needing more than two courses of antibiotics a year…

……

Do you feel tired often?

If you’re getting enough sleep (8 hours a night) and you still find yourself crawling to the couch for a nap, your immune system may be trying to tell you something.

When your immune system is sluggish, so are your energy levels. That’s because your body’s trying to conserve energy to fuel your immune system and fight off germs.

……

So now that you know the reason behind each question in the quiz, don’t forget to try out some of the immune boosting tips I gave you above. You’ll be glad you did.