Boosting the Immune system?

[lilouisianagal]

I would really like to start running again, but I can't stop getting sick. I did great running through pregnancy and started back 2 months after baby was born in April, but once we started school at 4.5 months postpartum (baby to day care, me to vet school, hubby to high school as a teacher), I have been sick an average of once per week. Flu, colds, stomach bugs/food poisoning, more colds, strep/mono?, flu again or something like it, and more colds. Baby and hubby have shared a few (baby skipped the stomach stuff--thank goodness!). I stopped running completely around Thanksgiving, took a few weeks off, but as soon as I started running, I started getting sick again (not sure there was any correlation). Any ideas for boosting my immune system so I can run again (and lose the baby weight!)? We eat lots of fruits and veggies, take vitamins (plus extra C, iron, and now D), wash hands with soap frequently, and I keep lysol wipes and hand sanitizer on my desk (and use them at home as soon as we get sick and just for cleaning. Help!

 

[amyy]

I don't know about boosting for running but I have tried harder this year to stay healthy. I was really, really sick last winter. My doctor recommended I take monolaurin (supplement) which I now take Sept-May. This year I also starting dabbing On Guard (essential oil from DoTerra) on the soles of my feet every night. So far the healthiest I have been in a long time. My coworker takes oil of oregano when she is sick and swears by it but you need to read up on it. I have also really tried to cut out white flour, white sugar etc and keep my hands away from my face which isn't easy. Plus lots of sleep which I am sure is hard for you to get.

You said you think you had mono. I had something similar, Epstein Barr Virus which sucks. If you had mono it takes time. Last year I was so tired I sometimes didn't even have the energy to wash my hair in the morning and walking a mile was a huge feat. good luck & take care

 

[ptlohmysoul]

I agree about cutting out the white sugar, white flour, and table salt (use sea salt instead) - the 3 bad whites. White sugar reduces your immune system for 4 hours after consumption.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

If you had Mono during that span, it probably caused you to be more susceptible to the rest. It really destroys your immune system for a while.

As for the rest - just get past this wave and let your body work for you. Believe it or not, just going through this will do more for your immune system than anything a doctor could recommend.

This, too, shall pass. Before you know it you will be running agan. But don't be afraid to run while sick. Exercise is great for the body and mind. Just get out the front door and do what you can.

 

[lilouisianagal]

We've been cooking using the Fresh20 cookbook, so mostly cutting out whites.

I was tested for strep (positive) but it didn't run the course like strep normally would (I've never had strep before but I quite could not swallow and my lymph nodes were tender tender plus it lasted over 6 days then I was put on prednisone and that knocked back the symptoms). I was tested for mono about 7 days after first symptoms and the day after finishing the prednisone. It tested negative.

I'll look into those supplements/EOs Amyy, thanks!

I got out for a jog/walk today and oh my lungs. It's been like a month since I went running (I've walked and strength trained in the meantime) and apparently I lost some of my running fitness ugh. But I got new shoes, and there's nothing quite as motivating as a new pair of running shoes (except, of course, signing up for a Disney race!).

 

[FireDancer]

The best way to boost the immune system is to get at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Supplements like vitamin D and echinacea, hand washing, and eating well all are important but sleep is the most important in my opinion.

 

[wiigirl]

The best way to boost the immune system is to get at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Supplements like vitamin D and echinacea, hand washing, and eating well all are important but sleep is the most important in my opinion.