Иммунолог объяснил причины хронической усталости и частых болезней через состояние микробиома

Immunologist Reveals Key Question for Those Who Feel 'Always Sick' The cold, flu, RSV and COVID-19 seasons enter "full swing mode" in October (or August or September when kids go back to school), but you may feel like it never ends for you. "I'm sick...again" may be a common refrain from you in group texts to the point where pals basically consider your "yes" RSVP a "probably not." Sick happens, but what actually defines "always sick?" Sorry, but not even immunologists have a hard-and-fast answer to that. It's highly personal to what your life demands. "If a person is constantly sick, that may reflect that it interferes with their life somehow, making them have to call out from work or not participate in their children's activities," explains Dr. Dushyant Viswanathan, MD, a double board-certified Integrative Internist specializing in enteroimmunology (gut microbiome) and the Chief Medical Officer of the Columbia Center for Integrative Medicine (CCIMHealth). "It could have a weekly rhythm, a monthly rhythm or a seasonal rhythm, and likely varies from person to person." Related: The One Food Nutritionists Say Can Help Shorten a Cold Regardless, if you feel that you're "always sick," it's worth speaking with your healthcare team. Your "normal" may not be, in fact, normal—or necessary. "It is important because the human immune system is geared to essentially protect us from infection, and so if a person is constantly sick, it may suggest that the immune system is being challenged by something," Dr. Viswanathan says. You likely know it's being "challenged" by viruses, but they may break through for a reason you might not expect. It's something that, as an enteroimmunology specialist, he asks about first when someone says they're "always sick." Scroll on to see why it's not something to sneeze at. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 ‘The First Thing I Ask When Someone Says They’re Always Getting Sick, as an Immunologist' Dr. Viswanathan always asks patients about gut health when they report that they're constantly sick. "An altered microbiome may be worth paying attention to as part of supporting overall gut and immune health," he says. Your microbiome is your tiny internal world. It's made up of trillions of microscopic organisms, including bacteria. Some bacteria are beneficial, while others are harmful, according to the Cleveland Clinic. So, it may make sense to you that your gut microbiome could affect whether or not you experience stomach aches, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal and digestive issues. However, you may wonder, "What does the bacteria in my gut have to do with my immune system, especially when it comes to sicknesses that affect my upper respiratory system?" In fact, you may have expected Dr. Viswanathan to ask about whether you have any lung conditions. That's important, too, of course, but your gut microbiome plays a big role in your immune system and overall health. Advertisement "Gut bacteria may help guide the immune system in determining whether a threat—foreign molecule—requires a significant response or does not," he explains. Dr. Viswanathan compares the gut to a teacher, and the immune system to the student. "The immune system has to be trained like any army or militia, and the training occurs in the gut," he says. "If you change the gut bacteria, that may also change the training, which may affect how effectively the immune system carries out its normal functions." Indeed, a 2021 review in Nutrients found an intricate link between gut bacteria and immune system health, supporting a growing body of evidence that the two are related. Of course, Dr. Viswanathan points out that sometimes he looks at his patients' gut health, and things check out. There can be several reasons why you're "always sick." "Stress may be another reason," he says. "Other reasons a person may feel unwell may include stress or dietary factors or, rarely, hereditary factors, which are usually identified in childhood." Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Gut When You Eat Greek Yogurt Every Day How To Improve Gut Health So You’re Sick Less Often Certain habits can support (or harm) your gut health, making it more or less likely that you get sick with other illnesses, like colds, more often. "Three habits that may be important are quality sleep, a supportive food lifestyle and regularity of bowel movements," Dr. Viswanathan says. Consuming plenty of fiber in various forms (such as legumes, fruits and vegetables) is one of his top dietary recommendations. Foods with probiotics, like Greek yogurt, are also supportive of the gut and immune system. "Processed food, inadequate fiber, eating late at night and frequent use of antibiotics or multiple medications may all play a role," Dr. Viswanathan says. He notes that even medications prescribed for good reasons by a doctor could affect your gut bacteria, and not always in a positive way. Speak to your doctor about your concerns, and they can help you navigate them, either by prescribing something else or by recommending other supportive measures for your personal microbiome. Up Next: Sources: - Dr. Dushyant Viswanathan, MD, a double board-certified Integrative Internist specializing in enteroimmunology (gut microbiome) and the Chief Medical Officer of the Columbia Center for Integrative Medicine (CCIMHealth) - Gut Microbiome. Cleveland Clinic. - The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients. - The gut ecosystem and immune tolerance. Journal of Autoimmunity. - Interaction between microbiota and immunity in health and disease. Cell Research. This story was originally published by Parade on Aug 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health & Wellness section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.