How can I improve my immune system???

[JESW]

Does anyone know what i can do to better my immune system?? There has been a lot going on in my life these last few months (years) and I seem to get through things fine at the time and then get real sick after. I see my dr. more than I like even tho he is a good guy.

I was in the er over labor day weekend with a sinus infection, I was at my dr's office a week and a half ago with reflux and now I have a head cold! Argh! I tried to start walking again and I am ready to go back to Curves, but it seems that whenever "I" am ready to get healthier my body decides to get sick. Frustrating!

Any ideas on how I can get better??

Thanks!

Jill

 

[Christine]

Does anyone know what i can do to better my immune system?? There has been a lot going on in my life these last few months (years) and I seem to get through things fine at the time and then get real sick after. I see my dr. more than I like even tho he is a good guy.

I was in the er over labor day weekend with a sinus infection, I was at my dr's office a week and a half ago with reflux and now I have a head cold! Argh! I tried to start walking again and I am ready to go back to Curves, but it seems that whenever "I" am ready to get healthier my body decides to get sick. Frustrating!

Any ideas on how I can get better??

Thanks!

Jill

Jill,
Unfortunately, there is no magic pill for this.

To strengthen your immune system you need to get enough sleep, exercise moderately, and eat healthy food. Stress is a HUGE factor is weakening your response to viruses and bacteria so if you can get that under control with relaxation that would help.

I know how you feel though--especially this time of year--it seems whenever I try to start an exercise regimen or a diet, some health issue always comes up to thwart my efforts!!

By the way, acid reflux is not a result of a poor functioning immune system. It is either a structural problem or it is caused by stress.

 

[Mkaz]

JESW,

Have you ever been to a chiropractor? I swore that I would never go. Well, hubby convinced me to go last year. I am so glad that he did. I have never felt better. I had a big sleeping issue. I would only sleep about three hours every night. After my first few adjustments, sleeping was no longer an issue. I just wished I knew about chiropractic sooner in life. I hope that you start feeling better.

 

[minkydog]

Everything Christine says...good sleep, proper diet, exercise. As a caretaker, i have learned that when I don't take care of those things, my body speaks up. I've been reading your posts and I sympathize greatly. After my DHs near-fatal illness last year I suffered from all kinds of minor illnesses and injuries.

One of the things I do is take some time for myself. Usually that means having my hair professionally maintained or having a pedicure done. It can be just buying a good book. I try to get outside at least once a week and walk in a beautiful setting. I listen to Broadway musicals or Josh Groban--nobody can lift my spirits like Josh and Andrew. I don't take supplements or vitamins because I don't believe they really work.( I could be wrong and I'm sure someone will come along to set me straight )

The worst part of the crisis is over and now you have the time to "fall apart"--that's normal. You may want to think about using an anti-depressant for a while to help you cope with all the changes in your life. Talk to your doctor about it.

 

[JESW]

Thanks for all the replies as I do appreciate them.

It has been a VERY tough year for everyone around here.. And then on wednesday we had to put our beloved Allie, our pet cat of 17 years, to sleep. That was such a tough emotional thing to do but the poor baby had been suffering for a while.

I WANT to get better and I don't feel depressed and I have talked with my dr. about this before. He suggested that I speak with a psychologist and I hope to find someone as soon as I feel better.

Last week my ds10 had impetigo (sp?) Who the heck gets impetigo??? The school nurse had left a message on our machine and I had to look it up on-line to see what it was before I called her back. He is now on antibiotics and doing great.

I keep trying to talk DH into a last minute Disney trip in November as we could ALL use a break and some sunshine (this weather in MA lately is the pits..) but so far he isn't getting the hint.

I stopped at Dunkin Donuts this morning for a coffee and a honey-glazed donut. I know, not the healthiest of foods, BUT, the amazing thing is that I feel quite a bit better after having them!

Thanks again for your help!

Jill

 

[aprincessmom]

I have to say, I have found sleep to be the key to it. Make sure you get enough sleep so that your body feels rested...all at the same time, not just cat naps here and there to get you through. That and making sure we are getting our vitamins from foods rather than just pills has made both DD and I once a year visitors at our doctor's office.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Any ideas on how I can get better??

Thanks!

Jill

Do you eat out?

I have found that since I do not eat out at fast food I have vastly improved. I am not kidding either.

Also reduce your FAT intake. I am telling you it made the biggest difference in me.

My next step is too reduce sugar. Ummmm having a hard time there.

 

[daddydisneyworld]

begin drinking heavily. germs hate a hostile environemnt. as we all know, alcohol kills germs, so if you ply yourself with liquor, logically, the germs would be killed & you;d be healthy! works for me!

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Besides the above:

Stop using hand sanitizer
Stop using anti-bacterial anything when you can help it
Don't wash your hands every 5 minutes

You may get sicker to start with but exposure to germs builds your immune system.

 

[Rozzie]

Besides the above:

Stop using hand sanitizer
Stop using anti-bacterial anything when you can help it
Don't wash your hands every 5 minutes

You may get sicker to start with but exposure to germs builds your immune system.

good points. I scrub myself at work, my hands crack from washing so much (nurse ) But at home, we use no anti-bacterial's. Just keep the house good and clean, and we do take a daily vitamin, and do take cat naps on our days off. Also a walk in sunshine makes me feel so healthy for some reason.

Good luck! hope things get better for you!