Immunity boosting tips?

[margotb822]

I am so sick of being sick. I was sick for most of October, so I started taking Emergen-C, a daily zinc supplement, and Echinacea. I wash my hands constantly. I work out and eat (fairly) well. I'm 25 and I can't stand being sick any more!!

[Pale Blue Dot]

1. You can't "boost" your immunity. At least not in general.

Get a flu shot. Wash your hands. Everything else that you're doing is pseudoscience for which there is no scientific evidence. You're just wasting your money.

[margotb822]

2. Dang

So, do I just have a crappy immune system?

[SarahB]

7. Good nutrition and adequate sleep I'd add.

The rest I'd agree.

[redqueen]

3. Get enough sleep.

That's important, too.

[margotb822]

4. about 7 hrs

periodically interrupted by cats.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

5. I've had good luck with Wellness, Host Defense, and Oscillocosium

Host Defense is expensive. The rest are pretty cheap and you can get all of them at any decent health food store.

[Pale Blue Dot]

6. I would beg the OP to study the science on this before he or she spends her money. nt

[grasswire]

8. what about probiotic yogurt?

There have been recent studies indicating that live yogurt cultures affect immunity in positive ways.

Our regimen for the teenagers in the family who have past history of pneumonia/bronchitis every year until 2006 is flaxseed capsule, omega 3 capsule, multi-vitamin, probiotic yogurt, and an airborne every day during cold and flu season. It has made a difference, even in our distance runner (runners are more prone to respiratory trouble). Two years ago he spent a whole semester with walking pneumonia. None this year yet.

Oh, another thing. Would a flu shot help you?

[margotb822]

9. I've tried the dannon immunity shots

and I eat yogurt every day. How long do these take to take effect?

[flvegan]

10. You were sick how "for most of October"?