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Any Supplements Or Food To Boost The Immune System?

Discussion in 'Health & Wellness' started by gknew, Nov 15, 2019.

  1. gknew

    gknew Gold IL'ite

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    Hi,
    I am down with sinus infection and throat pain. I went to the doctor and they gave me antibiotics. I always get sick often. Mostly will be down with strep throat and end up in antibiotics. Doctor said that, my immune system is so weak and that's the reason for frequent illness. So, they told me to take some vitamin C and zinc supplements.
    I am deficient in vitamin D(very low),B12 and iron(very low). I am taking the prescribed supplements for those. Along with that, I am planning to take some zinc and vitamin c. Anyone have any recommendations for the brands?
    What are you all taking or eating to boost up your immunity levels? What do we add in our diet to boost up the immunity system?
    Any input is appreciated. Thank you.
     
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  2. DDream

    DDream Finest Post Winner

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    I have also gone through this phase. I think you need a life style change. I believe you are on right path. Else it can lead to severe issues including autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D is very important for good immunity/gut health and it should be 50-70 atleast to maintain good health . Iron tablet can create constipation in some people . If so use ' slow release iron' (check here). I also use cod liver oil, multi vitamins, B12 etc. (I think any brand is fine). Hope you dont have any thyroid issue. May be you need to focus on nutrient rich food (omega 3 fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc, reduce stress (it can influence immunity) through yoga/mediation and also try exercise. Pomegranate and dates are useful to elevate iron levels naturally. Whenever I get sinus like symptoms, I take stream bath, and drink ginger (anti inflammatory) tea. For throat pain, gargling with salt water plus a pinch of baking soda helps. For strep throat or severe sinus infection, antibiotics is the only way, I believe. Hope you feel better. Take care.
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2019
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  3. vidhyalakshmid

    vidhyalakshmid IL Hall of Fame

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    Amla is the best to strengthen your immune system. Not only it has rich vitamin c, but has iron and other nutrients also. I always have frozen amla.
    You can cut into small pieces ,blend in the mixie with little water. With this juice add some salt and cardamom powder and drink it as first one in the morning. It will do wonders.If you have sinus, don`t do it daily.
    Try to include more fruits to boost up the immunity.
     
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  4. gknew

    gknew Gold IL'ite

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    Thank you so much @DDream. Appreciate it.
    My vitamin D is 19.9 now. It has improved this year. Last year it was 12. I will get some multi vitamins along with D and B12.
    And do you take any probiotics? I have heard that probiotics will improve the immunity levels. Haven't tried one yet.
     
  5. gknew

    gknew Gold IL'ite

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    Thank you!!
    I usually avoid amla because of this sinus and cold issues. I don't know where will I get frozen amla. Do we get these in Indian stores? I used to do some chutney with fresh amla when I was in India. I don't see any fresh amla here in US. Do we get fresh amlas here?
     
  6. DDream

    DDream Finest Post Winner

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    Mine was 9 now 65. I am taking prescription vitamin D 50000IU once per week. Minimum is around 30 I think. Yes, I am taking probiotics. You can also try fermented(24h) home made yogurt . Try cod liver oil . That helps vitamin D levels.
     
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  7. gknew

    gknew Gold IL'ite

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    I am taking vitamin D3 50000iu per week too. Yeah, the minimum value is 30. Mine was 9 two years back. It increases to 19.9 this month.
    Is cod liver oil a separate supplement? Any brands recommendations?
    And recommendations for probiotics? I sometimes take probiotics Greek yogurt. Is there any probiotics supplements?
    Sorry for many questions @DDream. Just trying to make things right.
     
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  8. Vaikuntha

    Vaikuntha Platinum IL'ite

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    Amla, indian gooseberry is very good. If you take it with your iron supplement, more iron will be absorbed.
     
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  9. Laks09

    Laks09 Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    @gknew - A weakened immune system due to some underlying condition is only one reason for recurrent strep infections. Did you take your complete antibiotic prescription at the same time everyday? If not, strep can continue to reside in your throat and flare again. Do you throw away your tooth brush after day 3 on the antibiotic? Do you disinfect your tooth brush holder etc? Residual strep from any of these areas can reinfect you. Also, there are silent strep carriers among us. If you constantly are in contact with someone who carries the strep bacteria without showing any outwardly symptoms, you may be more susceptible to strep over and over again. If you do have more than 6/7 incidents of strep a year, the doctor will suggest other measures for sure. I've been on antibiotic injections for recurrent strep despite all other measures. Hope you are able to stave off your next strep infection but if you do get it again, talk to your dr and come up with a plan on eliminating it for good.
     
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  10. gknew

    gknew Gold IL'ite

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    Thank you so much @Laks09. Appreciate it.
    Yeah, I always throw the tooth brush after the strep. I usually take antibiotics for 10 days as given. I won't stop in between even if I feel better.
    I will check with my PCP next time. I usually end up in urgent care for my strep visits and they gave me antibiotics. I won't get appointment to my PCP and end up in the urgent Care. I used to go to the same urgent care. So there is an FNP from the urgent Care whoo treated me all the time. She told me that my immune system is so weak to get infected often and told me to take vitamin C and zinc.
    I haven't thought about antibiotics injections. So, your strep occurrence reduced after the injections? I will ask about it in my next PCP visit.
     
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