Boosting Your Immune System

**Libby** · 10-26-2009, 12:07 PM

With the lovely threat of H1N1 looming, mixed up weather constantly flipping from heat wave to cold wintery conditions over night and stress at this time of year - for whatever reasons, how is one supposed to take care of themselves so they don't catch a cold or get sick?

Just from a a quick surf of the web and I've commonly found that daily intake of: beef, mushrooms, yoghurt, orange fruits and veggies, fibre, both green and black teas and keeping well hydrated and rested are recommended for this time of year.

I also wash my hands frequently (either soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizers), cough into my elbow so I don't spread any germs and try to limit or avoid the intake of processed/sugary foods along with stress.

What are some of the things you do and/or eat to boost your immune system?

**Contrary Housewife** · 10-26-2009, 01:19 PM

Lay off the sugar. There is research going back 100 years that shows that more than a modest amount of sugar depresses your immune system.

Take a daily vitamin.

Wash your hands. Keep your hands off your face, away from your mouth and out of your nose and eyes.

Dress appropriately for the weather. You may be "okay" in winter without a coat, but cold stresses your body and makes you more susceptible to infections.

Eat right, drink enough water. You need proper nutrition every day. Without it your body gets run down and it is more difficult to fight off viruses.

Stay away from sick people. Send a card with your sympathies, and if you must visit avoid physical contact. In fact, I would stop at the door and hand over the tub of chicken soup and leave within a minute.

**ktsmama** · 10-26-2009, 01:24 PM

I would say that along with all of the above mentioned ways, sleep is also very important for your body.

**Daisygirl** · 10-26-2009, 01:37 PM

We have begun taking a multivitamin, chugging back the green tea, and taking echinacea. My oldest has been sick so much lately we are doing everythnig we can to boost our health

**shoiji** · 10-26-2009, 04:06 PM

I have been taking yogurt, honey, vitamins, orange juice, mushroom tea, and washing my hands everytime I come home. I also try not to breath right away if I am stuck next to someone coughing.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 10-26-2009, 05:04 PM

We get proper sleep, take vitamins, drink tea (green, black, etc.), dress for the weather, and have the occasional chocolate (stress relief

).

**Libby** · 10-26-2009, 05:44 PM

Great ideas so far....let's hear s'more

I too have an issue....as soon as I get home, coat off - sometimes not, I am COMPELLED to wash my hands ASAP. After grocery shopping I use a Wet One antibacterial wipe to wipe down my hands (sometimes purse too) before driving off.

Karen - I don't know if this will complicate any meds your daughter may be on but besides trying to do the right things - eat right, sleep plenty and keep hydrated, I take one Cold Fx (or store brand b/c its cheaper) capsule a day or every other day as a prevention - for this time of year right up until spring. Not sure if that's something you guys would be into?