Immune system levels............

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:31 am

Hi everyone,

Observation so far.............since the weather change in September, I have little or no immunity to the colds and such going around. I have already had tonsilitis, sinus problems and colds and am getting another sore throat and sinus problems since being out in the rain yesterday in and out of stores.

Suggestions for building my system???? I know that I can take V-C and have to get out and get some. Any suggestions on what kind - dosage? Anything else???

I have been through winters where I have severe problems and don't want this to be another one!

Thanks,
Mars

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:17 am

Hi

Margie

---
I cant offer any help in this department----cus I take NO supplements--just my vitamins and calcium!!!

Discussed this with GP---and he is *OK* with this----

Anyway---whenever he tries me on something(like IRON) I immediatley run to the *throne*---even the slo-ease stuff---
In my case, if it *aint broke-dont fix it*

So I just keep my veggies and fruits available!!!

How is everything else going with U???? any pics. of the banquet?

luve Barbara

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:22 am

Hi Mars Bar!

Are things going better in the stress and sleep departments? I think those two are major contributors to immune function. Much more important than supplements, IMHO.

Are you getting the flu shot?

Love,

Polly

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:28 am

Polly---yup we got the flu shot------I wouldnt pass that up---and no reactions @ all---next year tis the penumonia update---that racks my body---achy all over---

but better than AFOP!!!

Megga stress still hanging around----my Derma. sticks that to my break out of psoriasis too!!! I am getting a new prescription(topical)--

Kait a major concern----and yadda--yadda!!!

luve Barb

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:39 am

No flu shot this year - hadn't thought about it

Sleep is better than it was there for awhile - seem to sleep alot lately. Stess is a factor between family and work it seems to be a big issue with me. Can't eliminate either so................

Doc wanted to put me on Cymbalta for the seasonal depression but I went on line and it scared me so I haven't started it. Any opinions????

Love,
Mars

Post by **tex** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:55 am

Hi Mars,

I used to take a thousand or so mg of Vitamin C if I felt a cold coming on, and it seemed to help to make them milder, most of the time, but the only V-C I take on a regular basis is 60 mg in a multivitamin, which is listed as 100% Daily Value.

These days, though, I rarely get colds or similar viruses, because I go out of my way to avoid them. I stay away from sick people, (as much as possible, anyway), wash my hands regularly, (and especially after being around someone with a cold), and I keep my hands away from my eyes and nose unless I know they are clean . IOW, if I have to wipe my eyes, I use a clean tissue, or a reasonable facsimile, not my fingers. If nothing else more suitable is available, I use my sleeve. LOL.

I have it a lot easier than you, though, since I don't have to work in a closed office with sick people, (I'm the only one in my office), and I work out in the fresh air, most of the time. When in public places, or social gatherings, etc., I spend as little time as possible around anyone who looks suspicious, (suspicious as far as rhinoviruses are concerned).

Be sure you have enough zinc in your diet, since it's an important immune system ingredient.

Here is a discussion of 8 foods that boost immunity:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t042500.asp

Love,
Tex

P S I agree with Polly that stress and sleep patterns have huge influences on immune system performance.

annie oakley · Post by **annie oakley** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 3:07 pm

Hi Mars. I take pretty much what Tex does except I add a V mix called Calcium/Magnesium and Zinc, Twice a day...also V-C twice a day. I take a good Multi-V and drink alot of Green tea. If not green tea I drink White tea or Black tea. Would love some Oolong tea but in a small one horse town, that's an impossible feat. Please Santa!!!!

Bring me some!!!!!! anywayI also take Flax seed (1000mg) oil and Glucosamine (1000 Mg) twice a day. The latter is more for my Ra and Osteo arthritis.

anyway......That's my routine. Love Oma

mle_ii · Post by **mle_ii** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 4:43 pm

One other thing to remember that I learned recently. Is now that it is colder guess what happens? The heater comes on and comes on more. Well, duh Mikey the Scientist you say! ;) Well, with the furnace/heater coming on more that means drier air, drier air means less moisture/mucus in nasal passages and throat, less moisture/mucus means it gets irritated and also means that it allows bad bacteria and other nasties better chance at the skin cells lining your nasal and breathing passages. So we cough more, maybe the sinuses drain a bit more at night, and we also get sick.

So drinking teas, showers, window cracked open, humidifier, etc might help.

I also started taking a Vit C (1 g), Vit E (400 IU) and Zinc (50 mg) every morning after breakfast.

I seem to be doing a lot better, as I had a cold like thing hang on for weeks, but it never really did much other than annoy me.

Also, Oma mentioned Green Tea, well that stuff is great for a lot of things, including the inflamation due to MC.

Mike