Improvement of Immune system....

[reevsmia]

I have been living with a condition which makes me weak and get sick from even walking, I'm really annoyed by taking so much medicine and I just need to know how the immune system works, are there any ways to improve the immune system? If so, please share this info with me. Thank You

[freebirdmac]

Eat as healthy as you can. If you have to, supplement with a multi-vitamin, but it's better if you can get your vitamins and minerals from food. Basically your diet should be very colorful, full of veggies and fruits with the deep reds, blues, greens, orange, and yellow. Plus good sources of fiber, whole grains, lean meats, and fatty fish. You also need good essential fats found in olive oil, avocado, nuts, and flaxseed.

One vitamin that should be watched closely is vitamin D. We don't get as much via the sun as we think (unless we live at the equator) and we can only get it in fortified foods. That's one vitamin I do supplement.

I love this site for suggestions. You can even search foods by condition. http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php

Lately I've been reading a lot about pomegranate, blueberries, ginger, turmeric, garlic, cabbage, etc. But it seems like there is a group of foods for each week :) It does all seem to come down to getting away from processed food, eating as close to from the earth as possible, and eating a variety of foods.

Sorry you have such a condition. I can't imagine getting sick by just taking short walks.

[javyn]

As far as supplements go, Vitamin C, L-Lysine, and Zinc help the immune system.

[bambifox]

Maca works wonders for increasing blood flow and purports immune system benefits. I donno, but it has helped me out immensly with better overall health. Also...I just ordered some biobeads from Natrol. It's a probiotic which is also purported to help your immune system.

My suggestion is that you research some natural alternatives...not foresaking your doctor's advice of course...but many doctors are unaware of all the natural cures/remedies that are available and have already helped many. And yes...proper diet is also equally..if not more important...so try to get as many of your vitamins as possible through REAL foods:)

[Amanda76]

It would probably be best to run some ideas past your doctor since we don't know what's wrong and...well, aren't doctors. ;) For example, if your liver or kidneys are strongly effected, my suggestion might not be the greatest idea. Also, remember even natural remedies do interact with each other just like synthetic drugs can so read a little bit about whatever you may decide to try to make sure you're not going to have a bad reaction between them or between any natural remedy and drug you are currently taking.

One of protein's many jobs within the body is strengthening the immune system...you won't produce enough white blood cells if you're lacking. When I had asthma as a child, and especially when I caught pneumonia, my doctor wanted my mom to be sure to "feed me eggs" (lotsa good stuff in the yolk) and had me on a protein supplement...wish I could remember the brand because I LOVED it in apple juice. I consider that doc a very smart guy since I am such a meat eater. :D Anyway, make sure you're eating enough protein.

Consume foods that provide Omega-3's as they reduce inflammation and are considered useful against auto-immune diseases (cold water fish, walnuts and flax are good sources outside of supplementation).

Totally agreed with making sure to get a wide variety of anti-oxidant containing fruits and veggies (and green tea!), and then ensure you're getting the nutrition you need by adding a good multi. Also, be sure you're consuming enough calories overall. ;)

[Tishalicious]

Also...

Listen to your body.

If you have a sick day, just let it happen and get back on track when you are able.

You can waste a lot of opportunities just being frustrated that your body seems to work against you.

It's hard to keep pressing in and be as healthy as you can for you - but it can happen and you can do it.

I've just had two months 'down the drain' because of yet another addition to my list of medical problems, but I stuck through it, worked out when I could, eat healthy as I could... and the fat is falling off again.

Spent Saturday stuck on the couch unable to move, and the next day felt able to exercise - so I did. And you need that killer attitude to keep going.

Sure others might be able to exercise and eat well all the time, but us with conditions need to focus on doing well when we can and moving slowly forwards. We'll get to some sort of 'healthy' despite our genetics and medical conditions.

Don't give up, darlin', keep fighting!

[sandracool13]

Hi Mia,

At least follow 3-4 steps to improve your immune system...

1. Drink your lemons.
2. Give your body an herbal boost.
3. Get a full night's sleep.
4. Eat plenty of protein.
5. Drink plenty of water.
6. Stop drinking coffee.
7. If you do only one thing to boost your immune system, eliminating sugar will do the trick.
8. Stock up on raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre and enzymes.
9. Spend some time out in the cold.
10. Nurture yourself.

Source(s):
http://www.healthgenesis.com , http://www.sourcenaturalscatalog.com

[Sarah Gold]

it completely depends on your medical situation. normal doctors dont really know anything about nutrition because its not really taught in med school (damn shame). i would definately suggest going to an alternative health place like an aryuveda clinic. or if you dont trust stuff like that and still want an MD there is a field called integrative medicine, they deal with nutrition and exercise and mind/body connection but also went to medical schoool. since you are on medication you HAVE to ask a professional because of drug-drug interactions

other than that, eat as healthy as possible, like freebirdmac suggests. but i wouldnt take any supplements without approval.

ALSO, dont know how much you are exercising but while exercise is generally a good thing for your immune system, when you get below a certain BMI or body fat, your immune system starts to get repressed.

good luck!