10 Surprising Ways You’re Weakening Your Immune System

Avoiding Sunlight

Overexposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) sunrays is damaging to the skin as well as your overall health. For this reason, many people avoid sunlight completely. But that, too, harms your immunity.Sunlight helps build the immune system. When exposed to sunlight, the body makes vitamin D, which is necessary for proper functioning of the T cells that contribute to immune defenses. Plus, vitamin D plays an important role in calcium and bone metabolism. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine reports that vitamin D is important for modulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Its deficiency increases the risk of infection as well as many autoimmune diseases.To help your body produce enough vitamin D, enjoy early morning sunlight (without sunscreen) for 10 to 15 minutes daily.Avoid sunlight during the peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but if you are out in the sun during that time, do not forget to wear sunscreen