My immune system seems to have gone down the crapper in past months

[Red Squirrel]

I normally get a max of 1 cold per year, if that. In the past few months I've had at least 3 colds. I think something is going on with my immune system. What are things I should be doing to keep it strong? I have a half decent diet I suppose, it's not super, but I do eat fruit everyday, and I have greatly cut down on fast food compared to last year. Last year I used to eat out almost every day, now I only do it once or twice a week.

Would working out help? I'm planning on joining the gym again, since I had quit for a while to give me more time to prep for my house. Now that I'm moved in I have more time.

Actually come to think of it, the first time I got sick was right before I moved in. Could there be something in the house making me sick? One thing I do badly need to do is get the furnace ducts cleaned (no funds) as they are quite nasty. Also the house is still a little dusty from the construction work.

 

[brikis98]

Are you getting colds or allergies? Irritants like dust and mold can build up in a house if you don't clean it well and could easily lead to symptoms that appear cold-like: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, etc.

If your immune system needs a boost, the typical healthy advice applies: eat lots of whole/unprocessed/raw food (especially fruits & veggies), get exercise (yes, this boosts your immune system), and get plenty of sleep.

 

[Pantlegz]

I've been getting sick more too, feel like I'm getting the flu for the second time this year. A few colds this year too and normally I don't get sick at all. However I've been very active, they seems to come up out of the blue and last last ~ 24-48 hours.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Are you getting colds or allergies? Irritants like dust and mold can build up in a house if you don't clean it well and could easily lead to symptoms that appear cold-like: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, etc.

If your immune system needs a boost, the typical healthy advice applies: eat lots of whole/unprocessed/raw food (especially fruits & veggies), get exercise (yes, this boosts your immune system), and get plenty of sleep.

The first thing people can do to boost their immune system is clean up their diet. Having all the nutrients your body needs makes it less susceptible to disease. Exercise in general does boost your immune system. However, lifting heavy will actually suppress it for a little bit, so it's a bad idea if you feel something just coming on. I just wanted to mention that.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I've been getting sick more too, feel like I'm getting the flu for the second time this year. A few colds this year too and normally I don't get sick at all. However I've been very active, they seems to come up out of the blue and last last ~ 24-48 hours.

That's how it seems to happen with me. In the blink of an eye my nose will start to get stuffed and then I get a cold. I don't really cough or sneeze that much, it's mostly just the nose, and overall crappyness feeling kinda like a fever. Right now it's just the nose. The left nostril feels like there's glue in it, I can't even blow it as it's so thick and just blocks my ears if I try to blow my nose.

I also work in a hospital so I could be catching all sorts of stuff but still my immune system would normally fight it.

 

[Pantlegz]

that kinda sounds like a sinus infection to me, but I'm no doctor...

 

[saechaka]

that kinda sounds like a sinus infection to me, but I'm no doctor...

Besides what was mentioned earlier. Try the neti pot and gargling w/salt water every time you feel something coming on. I've done this and have not had a cold or flu for almost 1.5 years. This was unusual for me as I usually get 1 or 2 colds a year. I usually go buy iodine free salt and add about 1.5 teaspoon to each neti pot. I find that getting the water to a hot as temperature as possible works better than using warm water, but that may be psychological.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

I'm actually working on my second cold since October. The last few years I've been catching 3-4 colds per season (Nov-Apr). Ironically I started catching more colds when I started lifting more regularly. Maybe because of fatigue, like SC was saying, or maybe because people have a tendency to go the gym even when sick and spread their germs.

As for boosting the immune system, Vitamin D3 seems to be a popular choice.

 

[Red Squirrel]

that kinda sounds like a sinus infection to me, but I'm no doctor...

It usually does turn into a sinus infection with me, at least I think. I even had brain fluid coming out my nose at one point (that was quite a while back). Earlier today I blew my nose and it looked kinda Christmasy. Lot of green and red, a bit of yellow. Feels like I have some elmers glue right up my nose, it's really thick and sticky.

It's getting a bit better right now, and when I'm in bed I find if I alternate sides it unblocks.

Think I'll have to try some D3. Is this something my body will become dependent of though? I don't want to eventually stop taking it then suddenly get sick again.