Low Immunity: what it is and how we help

Low immunity at a glance

Everyone catches colds, and adults typically get two to four a year. Feeling that you catch everything, or that illnesses drag on, is common during periods of stress, poor sleep, heavy training or after a major illness. Most people do not have an immune disorder; lifestyle and nutrition factors are usually involved, though frequent or severe infections need medical tests.

Signs your immunity may be low

• Catching colds more often than usual
• Infections that last longer or keep coming back
• Slow wound healing
• Persistent tiredness and poor recovery

What can weaken immunity?

• Short or poor-quality sleep
• Chronic stress
• Low vitamin D, iron, zinc or B12
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Heavy alcohol use and smoking
• Overtraining without recovery
• Some medicines, such as steroids and immunosuppressants

How we help in Chiswick

• Blood tests: full blood count, vitamin D, iron, B12 and HbA1c.
• Ayurveda: diet, routine and seasonal guidance.
• Fitness and nutrition: balanced training and eating to support recovery.
• VedaPulse: checks stress and recovery balance.
• Acupuncture: used by many people for stress and sleep.

What does the evidence say?

No treatment can boost a healthy immune system beyond normal. What works is correcting deficiencies, sleeping well, managing stress, moderate exercise and a varied diet. UK advice is to consider a vitamin D supplement in autumn and winter.

Why do I keep getting ill?

Frequent colds are common in people with young children, those who work with the public and during periods of stress or poor sleep. Recurrent infections can also follow low vitamin D or iron, poorly controlled diabetes, smoking or heavy alcohol use. Infections that are severe, unusual, keep coming back in the same place or need repeated antibiotics should be checked by a GP.

Does stress weaken the immune system?

Yes. Long-term stress raises cortisol and disrupts sleep, and both can dampen immune responses and make you more vulnerable to infections such as colds and cold sores. Managing stress through sleep, exercise, relaxation and social connection supports immune health.

Vitamin D and immunity

Vitamin D plays a role in immune function, and UK advice is to consider a daily 10 microgram supplement from October to March, when sunlight is too weak for the skin to make enough. People with darker skin or who spend little time outdoors may need it all year round. A blood test can check your level.

What to expect at Omnia

We ask how often you are ill, what infections you get, and about your sleep, stress, diet and health history, and may arrange a blood panel to check for deficiencies. Your plan focuses on sleep, nutrition, activity and stress, with Ayurvedic or acupuncture support if helpful. Anything that suggests an immune problem is passed to your GP.

What you can do at home

• Sleep seven to nine hours
• Eat a wide range of plants and enough protein
• Exercise moderately and regularly
• Keep up to date with recommended vaccines

For what each test shows, see private blood tests explained.

Related: immune support. Omnia Lifestyle, Chiswick W4. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.