How can I improve my immune system?

[Azxster]

I remember seeing a commercial for DanActive by Danone, but I cannot find it at my local supermarkets (NoFrills, Loblaws, Sobeys). I would like to improve my immune system such that I can avoid common illness like the cold/flu.

Would frequent washing of hand with soap be a bad idea? All the health posters around the washrooms says to wash your hands often.

[AmberMoon]

Nutrition Tips for a Strong Immune System

• Fuel your workouts appropriately
• Eat regularly timed meals with emphasis on antioxidant rich foods.
• Eat a low fat diet, but make sure your get in your omega 3 fatty acids
• Don’t skimp on the protein
• Get on board with a one-a-day multivitamin and mineral preparation
• Ironman training increases oxidative stress on the body producing free radicals
• Include some of these immune boosting foods during your day: Blueberries, Beans/Legumes (Soy), Almond Butter, Canola Oil, Flaxseed, Lean Beef, Low fat Dairy, Salmon, Walnuts, Whole grains.
• Consuming sufficient levels of nutrients and preventing deficiencies in vitamins and minerals

Source Here


RISK FACTORS & WELLNESS TIPS: IMMUNE SYSTEM

• Get enough sleep
• Wash your hands
• Eat nutritious foods
• Avoid "unhealthy" foods
• Stay as stress-free as possible
• Get enough exercise
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
• Avoid excessive sun exposure
• Avoid exposure to pollutants and toxic chemicals
• Take Immune Fx

Source Here

[ephemera]

#1, stay far away from people that are always sick.

I have been sick one day in the last 2 years. I rarely get sick. Maybe the sniffles or whatever in the winter time.

My diet sucks and I don't work out. But I think being sick often as a child my body built up a strong defense against many many bugs.

[dougi3000]

mind over matter. (as posted above, you know you dont get sick, therefore you dont get sick.)
I don't feel sick because I don't let it bother me.
Even if I do get some sort of sickness, it goes away fast because my mind helps defeat the infection. With all the infections you accumulate, you will build up immunities fast.


If you keep thinking you are sick, you will get sicker than you really need to be.

[gordholio]

mind over matter. (as posted above, you know you dont get sick, therefore you dont get sick.)
I don't feel sick because I don't let it bother me.
Even if I do get some sort of sickness, it goes away fast because my mind helps defeat the infection. With all the infections you accumulate, you will build up immunities fast.


If you keep thinking you are sick, you will get sicker than you really need to be.

Nice in theory, but it won't always work. I take Selenium.
Eat a balanced diet (not low fat).

[gh05t]

There is no full proof way of preventing getting sick plus getting sick helps you to build up immunity towards the causative agent.

Proper and regular hand washing and being out of reach of germs spread into the air by or preventing contact with an infected person does go a long way though.

Building the immune system can include making sure you had all the childhood diseases, immunization and booster shots later in life and healthy diets and exercise and positive mindset.

Antibiotics and interferon can be used in cases of weakened immune systems or against strong infectious agents.

[CYP3A4]

...don't forget adequate water intake and rest.

[Mulder and Scully]

As others have said, there's no one cure-all answer but just at its most basic:

- Know how to handle stress. This is easier said than done but stress in any case will destroy you emotionally, mentally and physically.
- Be active and exercise. Other than keeping your body in good shape, working out also greatly helps in dealing with stress.
- Get adequate sleep and rest. This is when your body is healing.
- Stop masturbating. This will give you hairy palms.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. You don't need to give up all your favourite junk foods, only cut back on them and ensure you're getting the proper nutrients and vitamins a healthy body needs.
- Recognize that there are some things you might not be able to avoid like the cold or flu, but how your body handles them will make a difference.

[just_For_ipod]

To build up your immune system, try and get sick as much as possible, and introduce as many bacteria into your body (Not at once or you'll probably kill yourself)

Its kinda like when you take vacinations, except vacinations are in a form where it doesn't hurt you but your body still develops immunity to it.

Thats why sometimes if you ever go into a third world country(from a developed contry) and accidentally eat something that is contaminated, you get sick while the people there don't because they have already developed immunity to it.

Just don't get a virus, because you can't be immune to that.

[yyz2hkg]

"COLD-fX is a scientifically formulated product that naturally strengthens your immune system, so cold and flu viruses don't take hold."

Each capsule contains 200 mg of dried extract, CVT-E002, which has been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to strengthen our immune system and has demonstrated efficacy and safety in the prevention and relief of cold and flu infections.

SOURCE

[DaVibe]

Orange Juice.

[aimfox]

I usually eat a vitamin C and wash my hands daily. My immune system is strong

[sockhead]

Interferon.

[purple_rabbit]

To build up your immune system, try and get sick as much as possible, and introduce as many bacteria into your body (Not at once or you'll probably kill yourself)

Its kinda like when you take vacinations, except vacinations are in a form where it doesn't hurt you but your body still develops immunity to it.

Thats why sometimes if you ever go into a third world country(from a developed contry) and accidentally eat something that is contaminated, you get sick while the people there don't because they have already developed immunity to it.

Just don't get a virus, because you can't be immune to that.

+1 You pretty much nailed it

[Oni-kun]

Garlic.