HLSG - Avoiding illness/colds.....

[lindrusso]

There's a topic on the food BB asking what people eat when they're sick to feel better.

I'd like to know what people do to AVOID getting colds in the first place. Most of what I've read seems to not exactly be founded in scientific fact, but if it can't hurt, I'm willing to give it a try. I seem to be VERY susceptible to upper respiratory viruses - seems like I get every cold that comes along. My cold seems to be almost the same every time. I start out with a slight sore throat along with fatigue and maybe a slight fever (I don't feel like doing ANYTHING). That's when I know it's coming! Lately it then settles in either my chest or in my sinuses - more often my sinuses.

This year I'm am going to try a few things to fight them as much as I can - starting with eating healthy and exercising. I also take vitamin E (along with a multi-vitamin) - I am not convinced from what I've read that supplements are effective, but again, I figure it doesn't hurt and maybe it will help. I'm making sure to drink plenty of water - I've read that not drinking enough (water, that is http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ) can lower your resistance. We have a humidifier that I am determined to keep going all winter to humidify the air which is also supposed to help.

What else do you all do to stay healthy? I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.

[Kristilyn1]

The humidifier? If it's a warm mist one--that may be contributing to your illnesses. They are breeding grounds for viruses.

My husband pooh-poohs my illness avoidance methods, but he gets every cold that comes around and I am VERY RARELY ill. My method? A saying--"the best defense is a good immune system". I rarely wear a coat, walk outside in the rain, sleep a solid 8 hours a night, eat like a horse, and exercise. Otherwise, I think what works for each person is pretty individual. I have seen little evidence that echinacea or other herbals offer much assistance--at least in my experience.

Kristi

[Laura]

I really think sleep & exercise are your best defense. But I am a believer in supplements. Perhaps it is mind over matter, but I take garlic pills on a daily basis in conjunction with a multi, E, C, calcium, and evening oil of primrose (for fibrocystic breasts). When I feel as if I am getting sick I up my ante of garlic and C and add echinacea and zinc to the mix. I usually get about 1 cold a year, and don't get the flu shot (I am allergic to one of the ingredients) but have never got flu as far as I can remember.

[This message has been edited by Laura (edited 10-07-2000).]

[lindrusso]

Yes, SLEEP - I forgot to mention that. I find that I can get away with one night of bad sleep, but if it's more than that I'm almost guaranteed to get sick. Thanks for reminding me! I'll add getting to bed earlier to the list.

Oh, and the humidifier is cool mist and has a filter to supposedly avoid all those problems. I don't think that has contributed since I haven't used it much at all!

[food girl]

During the winter I NEVER shake hands with people. I know this sounds strange, but that is where most viruses are spread. Think about how you absent-mindedly rub your nose when it is a little drippy. Shake hands and you have passed your germs on...

Yes, yes this does involve some manuevering, sticking your hands in your pockets, side-stepping the greeter at church and so on. I also make a point of explaining when I have a cold why I am not shaking people's hands. Most people appeciate your not giving them a cold http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

As far as antioxidant vitamins (Vit C, E, Zinc)go, the research is iffy. Keep in mind that your body uses oxidation as a strong defense mechanism, if you are over-antioxidating you could inhibit your own immune response.

[BeckyM]

The other thing I do (besides sleep, exercise, and healthy eating, like everyone else has mentioned) is wash my hands A LOT! This is similar to food girl's strategy of not shaking hands. You can also pick up germs from door handles, public phones, and other things you touch with your hands. I just make sure I wash my hands pretty often, so I minimize my chances of catching something.

I think besides that, SLEEP is the other thing that most significantly impacts whether or not I'll get sick. If I haven't been getting enough sleep, I am much more likely to be laid low by the latest germ going around. I typically don't get as much sleep as I should, so I try to make sure I don't let myself get run down when people around me are getting sick.

[lorilei]

I'll saunter in here and be the psycho supplements chick http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Obviously eating right, getting enough sleep and keeping your stress levels in control are all necessary to maintaining your health. But, I've found a couple of things to work well in addition.

I tend to take 1,000 mg of C during the cold season as well as echinacea (1-2 capsules daily) a couple of times a week. I've done a ton of reading regarding echinacea and it seems to work better as a "preventative" than a cure -- I've found this to be quite effective in warding off colds.

My husband, who has gotten long-term bronchitis almost every year since he was a child, also takes cayenne pepper capsules and tries to ingest as much fresh (uncooked) garlic as possible throughout the year. He has been bronchitis free for two years now... and I'm crossing my fingers again for this year. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I have a lot of confidence in eating right and making sure your body has all of the vitamins it needs to function well under stress. So, I say, try anything as long as it's safe. You have to find what works for your body.