Why do we get sick? Building a stronger immune system
Everyone gets sick. But the frequency of illness may be a sign of a weak immune system beneath a blanket of a strong and aesthetic forefront. Why do we get sick? How often is too often? And what can we do to build our immune systems daily?
Quick Answer
Getting sick occasionally is normal, but frequent illness often signals an underlying weakness in your immune system — whether from stress, poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, or an unresolved health condition. True immune resilience comes from addressing root causes, not just treating symptoms, through diet, lifestyle, and targeted naturopathic support.
Key Takeaways
- ✔ Getting sick 0–2 times a year suggests a healthy immune system; 6+ times signals it’s severely compromised.
- ✔ Nearly 20 factors — from stress to nutrient deficiencies to leaky gut — can weaken your immunity.
- ✔ Treating symptoms alone won’t fix recurring illness — the root cause needs to be found and addressed.
- ✔ Diet, sunlight, hydration, sleep, and stress management are foundational to immune strength.
- ✔ A naturopath can help investigate what’s really driving your frequent illness.
A Different Approach
Treat the cause, not the symptom
Modern-day medicine has treated the symptoms in western societies for years. But the reality is the root cause has been overlooked, because a patient’s main goal is to recover as fast and as easily as possible. That’s an understandable goal — but an unsustainable one.
There may be an underlying health disorder — one that’s stubborn and untreated, and therefore regularly triggering illness as time goes by. It takes thorough investigation to find the true cause of your health condition, and a tailored treatment plan to treat it.
The Contributing Factors
How and why do we get sick?
The following factors may lead to sickness or disease:
- Weak or low immune system.
- Weak genetics.
- Stress.
- Poor diet.
- Vitamin imbalances.
- Mineral imbalances.
- Dehydration.
- Leaky gut.
- Dysbiosis and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
- Lack of exercise.
- Poor hygiene.
- Viruses, pathogens, parasites, and fungal infections.
- Exposure to environmental toxins and synthetic chemicals.
- Lack of sleep or insomnia.
- Smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse.
- Poor oral health.
- Insufficient sunlight or vitamin D.
- Certain medications.
- Autoimmune disease.
Know Where You Stand
How often is too often?
Take Action
What can we do to strengthen our immune system?
Support and correct all the areas mentioned in the “how and why do we get sick?” section above. A few places to start:
🥗 Eat Whole, Organic Foods
Healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and good quality protein, every day.
🥬 Eat Leafy Greens Daily
Kale, spinach, silverbeet, dandelion greens, and sprouts all count.
🫐 Eat Antioxidant Berries
Blueberries, Inca berries, goji berries, and açaí are all great choices.
🏃 Exercise Regularly
Aim for 4–5 days a week to support overall immune function.
☀️ Get Daily Sunlight
Aim for 30 minutes to an hour of sunlight most days.
💧 Stay Hydrated
30ml × your weight in kg daily, up to 50ml when exercising.
🌿 Use Supplements & Herbs
Targeted supplements and herbal medicine to strengthen immunity.
😊 Reduce Stress
Make space to enjoy life to its fullest, not just survive it.
🙏 Prayer & Meditation
Make time for stillness and reflection as part of your day.
😴 Improve Sleep Hygiene
Better sleep habits lead to deeper, more restorative rest.
🧴 Choose Natural Products
Use natural toiletries and cosmetics to cut chemical exposure.
🚰 Filter Your Water
A good water filter reduces daily contaminants from tap water.
Ready to strengthen your immune system?
If you’re getting sick more often than you’d like, let’s find out why. Book a consultation and get a tailored plan to build lasting immune resilience.