Hello all, I have not been doing that well lately and just recently got sick with what looks to be a common cold. I have tried a few things already to help but so far not many improvements. Wondering if anyone can recommend something to overall just help with a healthier immune system.
Also I for those wondering I would consider myself “physically” healthy for the most part, being a good weight, I work out a few times a week and eat pretty healthy
First; Nutrition. Consistently take in foods that have naturally occurring essentials. Particularly vitamin c and citric acid if you are wanting to boost the immune system. Also, get natural light on your skin, or otherwise get some source of vitamin D as that affects absorption of the other nutrients.
Reduce your intake of heavily processed foods like white sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, processed cheeses, pure white breads, and the like. You don't need to stop, but all of these things take more work from your system to process and separate what it wants from what it wants to get rid of. The more of it you consume, the more effort your system has to dedicate to it and away from other things.
Echinacea is handy if used correctly, and sparingly as a booster when it is needed. But if done improperly it will have the opposite effect and shut your immune system down.
You can't go wrong with garlic. It is full of antioxidants and immune boosters. The pungent aroma can also be a roundabout protector as it'll help keep people outside of smelling range, and so outside of sneezing range too!
Maintain appropriate rest, ideally with a consistent sleep schedule. Lack of sleep or constantly changing sleep patterns (like from shift-work) is incredibly strenuous on the limbic system. Let alone circadian rhythms which manage hormones, digestion, energy production/storage, and a host of other systems. Pretty much all of them, actually.
Similarly, manage stress. Particularly stress from anger and anxiety. Long-lasting, consistent bodily tension wears out the adrenals and plays havoc with blood pressure/heart rate, mental function, decision-making, and even white blood cell counts. I don't think anyone could ever stress enough just how important stress is as a causal factor of ill health. (Irony intended)
The trick to curing illness, though, is to realise once you have a cold, or other virus, then you've missed your window to head it off. It all starts with prevention- Beginning to boost your system and doing it for a day or three will do little to lessen or shorten symptoms. It is best to try and boost your system for 3-5 days at the very first signs of an illness. Or. As best practice, effect a continuous lifestyle change, within reason.
All of that said, also bear in mind that no matter what you do, or how perfectly you live, illness happens. Accept it when it happens, and get your rest. Many diseases only require exposure, especially because most times the body does not identify a disease as a problem until it causes, well, problems. Antibodies only exist for a disease after it has been fought off at least once. It doesn't matter how strong or numerous your internal army is, if it doesn't know it is supposed to be taking up arms.
Getting sick isn't some sign of a failure or weakness. Don't let yourself become a fearful health zealot. That kind of 'extreme health', ironically just like the once wonder-herb echinacea, becomes more cause than cure, and can be outright dangerous. Always keep to mind the golden means.
