trying to build up some resistance... ideas?

Since I've been back to work (beginning of October) I have had one stomach bug, a bad head cold, and now am fighting a sore throat and more sinus pain. Needless to say, the baby has also picked these up (or vice versa!). I used to rarely, rarely get ill and now I feel like it's going to be all the time.

I realize I can expect this to a certain degree with a baby, but does anyone have any suggestions for improving my resistance? I take a multivitamin and drink at least one glass of orange juice a day. But I'm the first to admit my diet isn't great these days, I'm not sleeping as well, and we're very stressed.

Help!

Until about six months ago I was getting a cold once a month, regular as clockwork.  I have totally reversed this by making sure I eat fish at least three times per week.  Oily fish is best. You can also take zinc, which will boost your immune system.

Vicky

I know you just went back to work, but can you take a bit of time off to maybe catch up on some sleep?  Easier said than done when there is so much going on in your life, I know. 

agree with mrspink.  sleep & meditation & relaxation helps get me out of a low-immunity funk.

Do they sell a product called "Zicam" in the UK? Barring that, how about a product called "Alpha CF" -- the "CF" stands for cold and flu. Both of these are homeopathic remedies for colds and flu. If I take them at the first sign of getting a cold (and it must be the absolute first sign...so I'll keep it in my purse) I won't get sick. If I wait, I will end up getting sick, but maybe not as long. These products work wonders for me. I haven't had a cold in ages. I haven't had the flu in probably 15 years. {touch wood}

Boots do cheap vitamins, I recommend Vitamin C & Zinc combined tablets, both are good for your immune system.  The Boots ones have like 8 times the amount of Vitamin C you need.  They're one-a-day, and you should do your best to take them regularly.  I often forget, and go without for weeks, then I get a cold and it hits hard.  If I've been taking them regularly (like now, cold season) my colds are much shorter and more bearable.  I had a cold last wednesday, and it was completely gone by the weekend.

Don't underestimate the effect of stress on your immune system. Avoid as much of it as you possibly can. Even moderate levels of stress result in production of the adrenocortical hormone which taxes the immune system heavily.

I've heard recently that mega-doses of vitamin-C, taken after symptoms of a cold or flu have started can have an affect on how long the illness lasts and how severe it is.

thanks all. will look into your suggestions. sadly, taking time off work is not an option.

Vitamin C
Zinc
Echinacea
B complex vitamins
Potassium
Omega 3 & 6

And yogurt - or acidophilus supplements for the good bacteria in your digestive system.

Most important - fluids, fluids, fluids.

Two other things - air cleaner in your bedroom and a humidifier.  Air cleaner gets the airborne dust and a humidifier helps keep your sinus passages moist as well as keep the dust particles down in the house.

~BEG

Completely agree with Vit C and Zinc. And there's a fizzy vitamin called Boraca that has mega doses that I take when I feel like I might be coming down with something.

Lots of fluids but not caffine which is dehydrating. And sleep as much as physically possible....

Having a poor diect will hamper your recovery and your resistance.

Improve your diet with healthy food that doesn't take time to prepare  - bananas, and all kinds of fresh fruit, peanut butter sandwiches made with wholemeal bread, baked potatoes. Muesli or some kind of porridge for breakfast. Baked beans, good quality tinned soups mixed with a tin of chick peas or kidney beans, hard boiled eggs, tinned tuna with salad, sardines or mackerel on toast. Frozen veg are extremely nutritious if you're too tired to buy or cook fresh.

Can you keep healthy snacks at work - dried fruit (especially apricots) and nuts?