How Does An Immunity Blood Test Help to Strengthen the Human Immune System?

Your immune system is a large network of cells, proteins, organs, and chemicals [1]. A strong human immune system can ward off pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other foreign invaders [2]. It protects you from invading microorganisms and cancers [3]. On the other hand, a weak immune system is an invitation to infections and diseases. 

So, be sure to take proactive steps to strengthen your immune system. An immune system test is a first and foremost step you can take. Read on to understand how an immunity blood test can help in strengthening your body’s defence system and the ways to boost your immune system.

Additional Read: 6 Tips on Having an Immunity Boosting Breakfast to Fuel your Day!

What Role Does an Immunity Blood Test Play in Boosting the Immune System?

It is wise to take proactive measures to boost your immune system. A blood test is your first step to detect your levels of natural immunity biomarkers. An immunity blood test aids in identifying weak areas in your immune system. As per its result, you can take necessary steps for boosting your immunity to fight infections and illnesses.

A blood test can help you measure the levels of blood cells and immune cells. It can further determine whether you have normal levels of immunoglobulin, the infection-fighting proteins in your blood. An abnormal number of specific cells may be a sign of immune deficiency. With a blood test, you can also find out your immune system responsiveness and whether it is producing proteins responsible for identifying and eliminating pathogens.

What Is an Immunoglobulin Blood Test?

The immunoglobulin blood test measures the number of immunoglobulins in your blood [4]. Immunoglobulins are also known as antibodies. These are proteins that fight disease-causing germs like viruses and bacteria. Different types of immunoglobulins are produced by your body to fight foreign pathogens.

The immunoglobulin blood test measures three types of immunoglobulins. These are named IgG, IgM, and IgA. Immunoglobulin blood test normal range in adults should be as follows [5].

• IgG = 6.0 - 16.0g/L

• IgA = 0.8 - 3.0g/L

• IgM = 0.4 - 2.5g/L

If your IgG, IgA, and IgM levels are abnormal, it may indicate serious health issues. An immunoglobulin blood test helps diagnose conditions like:

• Bacterial or viral infections

• Immunodeficiency

• Autoimmune disorders

• Certain types of cancers

Symptoms of Weak Immune System

Here are the signs and symptoms you should watch out for:

• Frequent episodes of infections like cold

• Delayed or longer time in healing of wounds

• A feeling of constant tiredness and fatigue

• Skin infection, rashes, inflammation, and dry skin

• Rapid gain or loss of weight

• White patches of skin on your body

• Yellowing of skin or eyes

• Digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating

• Delayed growth and development in children

• Dry eyes – pain, redness, blurred vision

• Cold hands, mild fever, and headaches

• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

• Trouble in swallowing food

• Blood disorders such as anemia, hemophilia, and blood clots

• Blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma

• Organ inflammation due to injury, toxins, pathogens, trauma, or heat

• Autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells

Ways to Strengthen the Human Immune System

Healthy Diet

Following a healthy diet is important to boost your immune system. Eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes as they are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation. Also add probiotics like yogurt to your diet. The healthy gut bacteria in probiotics safeguard you against harmful microorganisms.

Exercise

A moderate to vigorous workout for 30 minutes a day can stimulate your immune system. Apart from building muscles and helping you de-stress, exercise also supports a healthy immune system.

Stay Hydrated

You constantly lose water through sweating, urine, and bowel movements. It is vital to replace the lost fluid by drinking plenty of water. This helps your immune system.

Get Rest

An average adult needs to sleep for 7 to 9 hours. Those who don’t take enough rest are more prone to infections. Get enough sleep to boost your immune system and start your day fresh.

Reduce Stress

Stress increases the levels of cortisol, the hormone that can suppress the immune system cells. It can reduce your body’s ability to fight infections. Thus, it is important to manage your stress to strengthen your immune system.

Additional Read: Nutrition for Immunity: How Important is it to Include Nutrients in Your Diet?

You can ask your doctor for an immunology tests list while you focus on boosting your immune system in all possible ways. It is best to take an immunity blood test in COVID times to check your resistance and keep your health on the right track. An easy way to talk to doctors or book labs tests is on Bajaj Finserv Health. Consult online or in person with the best doctors to know more about the immune system test and other ways to boost your immunity.