Getting sick way too much-please recommend your favorite immune enhancer!

[coloradomama1]

I've been getting sick way more than I ever have and I know it's because since having 2 LO's I don't take very good care of myself anymore. I used to be very health conscious and I've let it slide and want to get back to feeling great.

I'm sick of getting sick and feeling tired. I keep passing everything on to my babes and am looking for a really good immunity enhancer to help us all. Right now I'm only taking my RL PN's (still nursing).

FWIW-I used to take a lot of supplements and I can't really do that right now since we are mostly on one income and our $ is limited. Any suggestions are appreciated
TIA!

[allnaturalmom]

Generally speaking, I think probiotics are by far one of the best immune builders for the body. And not just for you, but for your dc, too. (Remember, if you're using a supplement to get an infant-specific one as predominant strains are different for children than for adults.) I think CLO would be good, too, but if I absolutely *had* to only choose one, it would be the probiotics - hands down. JMO

gl
hth

[coloradomama1]

Originally Posted by allnaturalmom

Generally speaking, I think probiotics are by far one of the best immune builders for the body. And not just for you, but for your dc, too. (Remember, if you're using a supplement to get an infant-specific one as predominant strains are different for children than for adults.) I think CLO would be good, too, but if I absolutely *had* to only choose one, it would be the probiotics - hands down. JMO

gl
hth

thank you. i guess this would be the logical answer since your gut is where all health/disease stems from right? it would make sense to heal that first and foremost.
so what's your favorite way to get them? kefir? supp? i had a natures way powdered probiotic a while back that i mixed 1 tbs of udi's oil into. was great for the kiddos and i and easy to take. should i go back to doing that and being really diligent about taking it? is that enough?

[pianojazzgirl]

Probiotics
Vit D
Elderberry (one I like is New Chapter Immunity Take Care)
Zinc lozenges (if I'm getting a sore throat)
Nettle infusion
Fish oil

[alireb]

I agree with what's posted above especially the vitamin D, cod liver oil, and probiotics. I love elderberry and echinacea when you feel something coming on.

Also, try cutting out sugar, it helps a ton!

[JaneS]

Vitamin D3 absolutely.

It can be had cheap but you need at least 4,000 IU per day year round unless you get a lot of sun in a tiny bathing suit at noontime nearer the equator see www.vitamindcouncil.org

[coloradomama1]

i hear you all on the vitamin d thing but haven't supp'ed with it because we live in colorado where it is very sunny all year, and we are outisde ALL THE TIME. was worried about supp'ing and getting too much. i have some that i keep on hand for snowy weeks in the middle of winter but for the most part, i feel it's unnecessary. am i wrong on this?
also-i know all the new research on vit d is amazing but i'm always hesitant about the newest greatest thing that turns out to be toxic and cause cancer 2 years later, KWIM?

[catinthehat]

I am going to be annoying here, but the most important immune enhancer you can use is a healthy diet. Try to eliminate sugars(like pp said), highly processed foods, caffeine, alcohol. Eat lots of soups(made from real chicken beef or veggie stock), eat lots of veggies, some seasonal fruits, whole grains, organic dairy if possible, yogurt and other cultured foods, and enough protein for your bodies needs. If you do all that and still are getting sick, you could try Astragalus(they sell it on vitacost.com as a tincture. I would also recommend vitamin d and enough sleep!

[subtlycrunchy]

Lots of suggestions in this Women to Women article: Foods and herbs for boosting immunity and respiratory health Good health to you!!