Boosting immune system? Diet/exercise HELP!
#109915 - 10/03/04 04:43 AM
|
|
|
|
|
cailin
Reged: 08/12/04
Posts: 3563
Loc: Dublin, Ireland
|
|
|
Since I have been doing the diet I am constantly getting sore throats and sinusitis, much more than normal. I think its because I am rundown and not sleeping properly. I have taken antibiotics and really don't want to start on any more. Yesterday I bought an echinacea supplement that is supposed to be great.
I am trying to get my five portions of fruit and veg into me and am having at least one mango smoothie a day. I find raw fruit very hard to tolerate.
Can anyone recommend foods/supplements/practices to boost my immune system. I need to start going back to the gym but its hard when I am so tired. Any exercise or diet suggestions for me?
(I am going to make a tray of ADB's and that might help!)
Thanks everyone,
Sinead
--------------------
S.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I don't really have *too* much in the way of suggestions... the echinacea is what I was going to suggest before I read your post, but I see you've got that already, so nevermind.  Definitely give that a try. Zinc lozenges and vitamin C might also help; a friend of mine swears by them. A multivitamin may really help too.
Personally, if I get feeling really run-down, I know I'm eating too many starches and not enough protein. I don't know what "enough" protein is, really, but I know that I have to eat chicken/fish/something with at least 1 meal a day (and preferably 2), every single day, or I start to drag. I honestly haven't found fruits and vegetables to make a difference in that run-down feeling, but for general health, of course it's a good idea anyway. 
I'm definitely not one to help with exercise, but maybe start with walking every day?
I'm sure someone else will have more helpful suggestions than these... good luck!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I take something called Astragalus, available at health food stores. It's a Chinese herb that boots your immune system. I took all while my boyfriend had a chest infection and never got it. I have also avoided three nasty colds that have been going around my work too.
I take it every day and absolutely SWEAR by it.  
http://vtvt.essortment.com/whatisastragal_rxmy.htm
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
When I started taking Vitamin C every day, I went from 3-5 colds a year to 1-2. Also, I started washing my hands a LOT more and remembering not to touch my eyes or my nose unless I had just washed my hands because that's the way most viruses are transmitted.
If you're not sleeping well, my doctor suggests taking Benadryl before bedtime as a sleep aid. It's an over the counter antihistamine that also makes you drowsy!
--------------------
Laura
Keep it simple!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Vitamin C everyday and echinacea is what I use. I was doing great I now have a cold, but it'[s my first one for MONTHS which is amazing for me. I take 500mg of vitamin C every morning with breakfast.
I know that I don't get enough good nutrients through my diet, because most of the time when I do eat veggies with any insoluble fibre in them, they go through me whole (sorry to be gross! ), so I can't see what good they can do! Plus, getting a virus can make me really ill with my Fibro.
Fresh air, exercise and protein are also good ideas.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Zinc lozenges and vitamin c really do work well....my car-pool mate had influenza last year and I avoided it this way (thank GOD!) If you are feeling a little under the weather I have found that Zicam is the best stuff out there to help you feel better quick. My MIL who is a nurse suggested it, and it works awesome!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
