If you were born prematurely, you might think that it was a curse, but there is a silver lining – your immune system is better equipped to fight disease.

While it may seem like a small comfort, knowing that you have an advantage when it comes to battling illness is good news.

What is Prematurity?

Prematurity refers to babies who are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These babies are often smaller and less developed than full-term babies, but with modern medical care, most will survive and thrive.

Premature babies may require specialized medical care and may face long-term health challenges, such as developmental delays, eye problems and heart issues.

How Does Being Premature Affect Your Immune System?

Scientists have discovered that being born prematurely can actually strengthen your immune system.

This is due to a phenomenon called “early life immune challenge,” which refers to the fact that preterm infants are exposed to a host of bacteria and viruses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

While this might sound like a bad thing, it actually has a positive effect on the preemie’s immune system.

By being exposed to a variety of germs at a young age, preemies develop a more robust immune system than full-term babies who are not exposed to as many germs as early in life.

What Are the Benefits of a Strong Immune System?

A strong immune system has many benefits, including:.

Reduced risk of infection: Having a strong immune system means that your body is better equipped to fight off viruses and bacteria, reducing your risk of getting sick.
Less severe illness: If you do get sick, a strong immune system can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Faster recovery: With a strong immune system, your body is able to recover from illness more quickly.
Reduced risk of chronic disease: A strong immune system is also associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

What Can You Do to Support Your Immune System?

If you were born premature, you already have a head start when it comes to having a strong immune system. However, there are still things you can do to support your body’s natural defenses, including:.

Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to support a strong immune system.
Getting enough sleep: Sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Exercising regularly: Regular exercise can help boost your immune system by improving circulation and reducing stress.
Reducing stress: Chronic stress can weaken your immune system. Find ways to manage stress, such as practicing yoga or meditation.
Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush toxins from your body and keep your immune system functioning optimally.

The Bottom Line

If you were born prematurely, you may have faced some challenges early in life, but your immune system is one thing that you can be grateful for.

By being exposed to a variety of germs early in life, you developed a more robust immune system than your full-term counterparts. However, it’s important to take care of your body and support your immune system with healthy habits such as eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress.