how can I boost my immune system?

[lumpsdumps]

I really could do with boosting my immune system but I'm sure where to start, I've had too long off from work and they are moaning about it so I'm wanting to boost my health and possibly not take any time off work this coming year. Any suggestions for me?

Lots of water
Some good hard exercise
Lots of fresh air
During the winter i used to take evervesent vitamin C with iron sachets in water.
Before I was pregnant I took something called Goldenseal which was good for helping my sinus trouble and general immune boosting (you can buy from health shops)

Maybe go to see the gp and have an MOT if not had one recently, check you are ok in terms of iron levels etc?

and astragulus, another natural remedy, forgot about that one.

These 3, are similar and can be taken together, although Echinacea should only be used in moderation.

'This formula is made up of three herbs, each one known for its immune boosting qualities. It contains Echinacea, Goldenseal and Astragalus.

Echinacea
Echinacea increases the levels of a chemical called properdin in the body which activates part of the immune system responsible for increasing the defence mechanisms against bacteria and viruses.

Goldenseal
It has proven very effective against parasites and in stimulating the immune system and for mouth ulcers. It reportedly increases the blood supply to various digestive parts.

Astragalus
This Chinese herb is often regarded as Asia's answer to America's echinacea. Studies have shown it to have certain potent anti-viral properties and helps boost white blood cell fighting properties.

Excercise is number 1.

Plenty of fruit and veg.

Decent sleep (ha, ha!)

oh sorry, one more thing. Sound daft but the power of positive thinking does wonders...
I went through a long long time of constant sinus and throat infections that just would not clear up, my immune system was awful. I did as mentioned already, and also, I used to lie in bed when i felt bad, or when i was quiet, and imagine my blood full of millions of little white people/blobs (white blood cells) with flags and swords on horses attacking the ever decreasing little green (snotty viral) people/blobs

I am in the process of trying to do the same thing as I have been ill on and off for over a year. I'm afraid it is a whole lifesyle choice and I think that the basics such as eating healthily and trying to do some exercise really help. I used to do all of that religiously and used to feel fantastic and never had so much as a sniffle. Sleep is also so important my dd still wakes at least once or twice in the night so doesn't help but am just trying to get to bed earlier than usual.

I am taking multi vits and have been recommended floradix which I have just started taking so not sure if it works yet.

Hope it helps!!

Goodluck

Have just started on iron and vitamin c tablets, plus am taking some vitamin b tablets. I walk to work 5 days a week which is a 45 minute walk, but usually get a lift home, during the spring - summer months I will obviously be walking to and from work. Have been in bed for the last 4 nights at 8.30pm. Am fed up with work thinking I like being ill.

i know how you feel, i actually recieved a 'notice to improve' at work, looking at my ill health as an issue, and something to improve, like I chose to be constantly unwell! Luckily, i became pregnant which cured it completely, then, i suffered from a whole host of pg related things instead (or rather one major one - vomitting!)

The problem is, we are unfortunately not designed to be in 'good health' all the time. But in modern society we are expected to act like we are. And we are aften fooled into expecting it. And of course our employers expect us to be fully functioning at all times. Like bloody robots. (not that I am bitter!)

All you can do is take care of yourself as best you can. For me, exercise and a decent diet help big time a as does decent sleep. I've never found supplements any good, but some people swear by them and if you can afford it and it is not contraindicated, then it won't do you any harm, other than pissing you off if they don't work, like in my case.

Cut out all processed sugar, it's very damaging to a weakened immune system. I have chronic fatigue, after glandular fever two years ago, and sugar is the main culprit for making me feel ill, and getting into a cycle of virus after virus. When I stop eating sugar, my oily blackheady skin totally clears up too, added bonus.

I go through phases though, it's hard to stop eating sweet stuff completely, but my health benefits from it so much.

I'd suggest the following

• Supplements are great as a safety net but the vitamins and minerals present in whole foods are far superior to synthetic ones. Try to make sure you're getting lots of good nourishment from a wide range of vegetables, fresh fruit, wholegrains, meat/fish and other 'clean' foods. Pay particular attention to iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin B-rich foods.
• Avoid obvious nasties like cigarettes, alcohol, too much sugar and very caffeinated drinks that tend to sap your energy.
• Your walks to and from work should help a lot. If it's raining or cold, wrap up well and go outside every day. Being closeted in warm, dry, centrally-heated houses & workplaces is not good for the immune system.
• Keep getting plenty of good quality sleep
• Find ways to relax, slow life down, take time to smell the roses.

Finally... keep talking to your doctor. If you're catching every virus going then there could be something more fundamentally wrong either physically or mentally.