Back from Flu-cation: How to Boost Immunity

I took a break from publishing Y-rd in order to combat the flu (in the middle of July, how cruel!). What better way to jump back into things than to talk about immunity? For those of us with faulty immune systems, it can be detrimental to our pockets and our careers; it can really set you back from accomplishing what you want to accomplish if you are sick all of the time.

For the brief time I spent on Facebook while ill, I collected some immunity tips from friends. Here’s what they suggested:

Get the flu shot: I tried this and it didn’t work, but maybe others will have more luck. (Also, note that they haven't found a flu shot for the infamous swine flu yet.)

Eating probiotics: After a couple people suggested it, a little Googling taught me that including probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus (often found in yogurts) in your diet can help your immune system. I knew it was recommended for digestive problems, but apparently it might benefit overall health as well; though an article by the Mayo Clinic last year notes that research doesn’t fully support the broader benefits of probiotics. However, just yesterday HealthNews published the results of a study by the journal Pediatrics that found probiotics lowered symptoms of flu in a sample of children.

Zinc lozenges: A deficiency of Zinc, like some other vitamins and minerals, can cause immunity problems. Some also claim that high doses of Zinc can help lessen the duration of a cold. One time I thought zinc lozenges helped me get over a cold faster, but I’m not sold on whether it can actually magically do this; it looks like studies are split as well. The lozenges are nasty, but it’s worth a try to beat the common cold.

Garlic: I know this can get rid of vampires bothering me and make my potatoes magically taste better, but I had barely scratched the surface of its health attributes. Apparently people swear by it for everything from repelling mosquitoes to lowering blood pressure. It has also been known to have natural antibiotic properties that help heal or prevent the common cold. A recent Reuters article notes that those health benefits have not been scientifically proven. Well, whatever, I love garlic, so why not?

Sleeping right, eating right, exercising, yada, yada … : I know the regular old “eat right, sleep right” method might just be the most important way to prevent sickness. Yet for some reason I’m trained to stay up late looking for other concoctions to help me rather than sleeping! In the past, humans got way more sleep on average, and now we don’t, thanks to electricity. My gut tells me that lack of sleep is the number one reason for sickness in me and in everyone.

Thanks to everyone who shared tips, and please feel free to add more! And of course, remember that I have absolutely no medical authority.