What can genuinely help immune systems

[myladyjane]

Both dd and dh have been ill on and off since the autumn. Just minor bits like coughs, sore throats, sinus issues, bad tummy, poor sleep, drained. Other dd and I have had bits and bobs, especially dd but these 2 have really had a rough ride.

poorly dd has been on a long term course of anti biotics and steroids to help a deep seated eye issue - hospital prescription and thankfully finished now but she was on them for 3/4 months (eye amazingly better so that’s good at least). She’s 16 and has GCSEs coming up. She’s also highly anxious and so gets stressed easily. Does a few sports sessions a week so does get a reasonable amount of exercise although is a bit of a vampire. Diet is ok but not amazing.

Dh usually goes to the gym but has been feeling too tired. His diet is shocking but that won’t change.

frankly I’m a bit bored of it all now! I am worried about dd as she’s a bit low and gets stressed easily anyway so feeling run down doesn’t help.

what can I get them to try? Hit me with anything you can think off pls….

Try Immunace Extra supplements. I work with small children and have been taking it for years. It really helps.

Sleep
Healthy diet
Vitamin D is really important for the immune system and is the only universally recommended supplement by the NHS because some many people are deficient (recommended for everyone over 5 to take over winter, under 5 take all year round).

Honestly all the boring stuff you already know:
Fresh air
Diet with 5 a day
Being a healthy weight
Exercise
Handwashing

And specific to your situation - not having or working with children. Sorry. But they are just germ factories and the amount of coughs and colds that is normal for a child per year is a lot.

Listen to the what’s up docs podcast on immune systems. As they rightly point out we have many immune systems, each of us with different strengths and weaknesses across a range. Some people who never get ill are just lucky, others have built immunity through earlier exposure. For kids and the elderly remember how many died of infections before antibiotics came along.

Get all the vaccinations you can get e.g. flu, covid, shingles, and so on before the Winter hits.
Vitamin D
Sleep (take magnesium glycinate to get the zzzs if you don't sleep well)
Fresh air and some exercise. You don't need to train for a marathon or go to the gym 7 days a week either).
Rest
Cut out most (not chocolate 😊) of the crap food. You know what the decent stuff is.

As pps said, it's basic stuff. But adhere to it, it's not that onerous and worth a try if you're not doing all that already that is. If you are, well maybe some blood tests might show deficiencies somewhere that can be acted upon?

Antibiotics can screw up your digestive system which is linked to your immune system. Get her some probiotics or at the very least something easy like swigging one actimel a day for a month.

Otherwise a good multivitamin. I swear by the effervescent vit c with zinc whenever I feel a bit rough and it never goes into a full blown illness. And sleep, it's very underrated.

Thanks everyone - you are right, all the things I know! I do try and make sure she has some kefir or kimchi most days (both of which she loves) as I did wonder if her gut has taken a beating with the anti biotics. She has a vit d supplement and I’ve just got her some sambucol. Issue is she’s 16 and so whilst I can provide and encourage, I can’t make. Honestly I think it’s her anxiety which means her stress levels are constantly high but helping her manage that is an ongoing issue. Reassuring to know there isn’t anything I’ve overlooked. I may remind her re hand washing actually (and treat her like a toddler and let her pick the soap next time!)