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Original poster

Tips for boosting immune system

9 replies

ThisIsntThe80sPat · 13/12/2023 12:58

I'd be grateful for any tips to boost my immune system please.

Since September, I've had a 10 day tummy bug and 3 mild cold/viruses. Frustrating, under the weather, and I took it easy, but I was able to get on with everyday things at least. However this time round (4th round), I have a nasty virus. Sore legs, phlegm in chest, ear infection, cough, sore throat. I'm on antibiotics for the ear.

I've never ever been ill this much in such a short space of time in my life. I haven't been on antibiotics in years.

I have a 3 year old in nursery 3 days a week who is doing alright so far this winter with only one cold under his belt, and a 10 month old baby who I'm breastfeeding, who has had 1 nasty cold, 2 mild colds and the tummy bug since September. Sleep is all over the place pending teething / illness / regressions.

I already take a multivitamin, magnesium, Zink.

Is there anything you swear by which helps keep you healthy? A vitamin? A tea? Certain foods?

I've had enough...

OP posts:
Whataretheodds · 13/12/2023 13:03

Have you had the flu vaccine?
Vitamin D, ideally daily daylight, if not then supplement.

I add garlic, ginger, turmeric to food at every opportunity.

Fresh fruit and veg.
Enough protein
No/minimal booze
Not too much caffeine

Active Stress-reduction
Enough sleep (easier said than done given the ages of your DC).

But if you get a bug you get a bug.

Original poster
ThisIsntThe80sPat · 13/12/2023 19:05

I haven't had the flu vaccine this year actually. I have the last few. I should get on that again

Thank you for the advice. There's definitely a few points on your list where I can make improvements. Just can't do anything about the sleep sadly and I think that's causing the most issues

OP posts:
UnmentionedElephantDildo · 13/12/2023 19:20

When did you last have covid?

There is now a large body of evidence on how covid dysregulates the immune system and that this effect can last for many months. So if you're catching covid a couple of times a year, you could be permanently "run down"

(Other infections can do this too, but the effect is not usually do marked or of such a lasting duration)

So avoid catching it (or indeed anything else) for as long as possible. Lobby for better ventilation (and/or air filtration) in workplaces and schools. Think about masking when you have to be indoors with people whose infection status you do not know.

Unfortunately, as the government in its wisdom publishes far less information on covid rates, it's no longer possible to know when cases numbers are low, so the need for precautions reduces, and when they are rising/high so you could make informed choices.

Whataretheodds · 13/12/2023 19:46

ThisIsntThe80sPat · 13/12/2023 19:05

I haven't had the flu vaccine this year actually. I have the last few. I should get on that again

Thank you for the advice. There's definitely a few points on your list where I can make improvements. Just can't do anything about the sleep sadly and I think that's causing the most issues

It's super-tough.

The other thing is stress which is also very difficult to control!

Original poster
ThisIsntThe80sPat · 13/12/2023 20:53

UnmentionedElephantDildo · 13/12/2023 19:20

When did you last have covid?

There is now a large body of evidence on how covid dysregulates the immune system and that this effect can last for many months. So if you're catching covid a couple of times a year, you could be permanently "run down"

(Other infections can do this too, but the effect is not usually do marked or of such a lasting duration)

So avoid catching it (or indeed anything else) for as long as possible. Lobby for better ventilation (and/or air filtration) in workplaces and schools. Think about masking when you have to be indoors with people whose infection status you do not know.

Unfortunately, as the government in its wisdom publishes far less information on covid rates, it's no longer possible to know when cases numbers are low, so the need for precautions reduces, and when they are rising/high so you could make informed choices.

I've had COVID once, summer 2022.
I did wonder of COVID / lockdowns had something to do with this or if it were really just unfortunate timing, small children and run down

OP posts:
Original poster
ThisIsntThe80sPat · 13/12/2023 20:54

Whataretheodds · 13/12/2023 19:46

It's super-tough.

The other thing is stress which is also very difficult to control!

Show quote history

I've been actively trying to slow down, stop feeling guilty for lazy days at home, and attempting to let more things slide
It has helped in reducing stress at least but I know I could do more.

OP posts:
Beginningless · 13/12/2023 20:59

Being on antibiotics wipes your gut flora a bit which impacts your immune system. You can also focus on feeding the gut - kefir, varied fruits and veggies, nuts, fermented things. Plenty of water. It’s grim this time of year, I sympathise!

colouringindoors · 15/12/2023 11:44

A high quality probiotic improved your gut flora which supports your immune system

eg Biokult
https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/bio-kult-advanced-multi-strain-digestive-system-formulation-capsules-60043264

I also find High dose Vit C with Zinc, and Echinacea help alongside lots of fluids fruit and veg

Original poster
ThisIsntThe80sPat · 16/12/2023 19:32

Thanks everyone. will look into the probiotic too.
The antibiotics have upset my tummy so I think it would be wise.

OP posts:
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