How can I try to prevent myself getting colds?

[SMH13]

I'm just fed up ! Full of cold again and determined to try and do something about it!! Can anyone recommend anything to boost my immune system or prevent colds?Thought recommedations are the best advise if youve been there and done it. Thank You .... sniff sniff

[Prangy]

Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is the best defence, however, your body cannot store this for long so it is important to top up all day.

Fresh orange in the morning, eat alot of fruit throughout the day this should keep up your vitamin levels.

Having a regular sleeping pattern will also help immensely. fatigue is a major starting point for colds to attack.

[SMH13]

Thank You Prangy - will invest in some oranges .

[puddicat]

plenty of vitamin c, and echinea is great, do you smoke?cos that can deplete your vitamin c levels!!!

[SMH13]

thanks puddicat - i dont smoke.
echinea, think i took that before (it tasted horrible!)

[terambulan]

Do you eat enough protein? It's necessary for the UK climate. Build yourself up on cheese, eggs, fish & tomato juice.

[puddicat]

smh i found excercise helped to abate a cold, when i stopped doing fitness thats when i got the colds and alike!!!

[terambulan]

AND keep away from crowds in confined spaces and dont kiss anyone you don't know well......to avoid cross infections.

[bevs]

vitamin c to prevent colds

[SMH13]

Thank you for that, all really helpful - I should do more exercise! Has anyone heard of T tree as an antibacterial?

[rabbitygirl]

Wash your hands regularly. Don't touch your eyes too much. There is evidence that the cold virus is passed very easily this way.

Every home should have a bottle of good tea tree oil. First sign of a cold, be it the beginnings of a sore throat or whatever is the first sign for you, carefully inhale steam from a bowl of boiling water with a couple of drops of tea tree oil added. The cold virus hates heat (steam), and tea tree oil is antiviral. I've also added a drop of a reputable brand of the oil to a cup of coffee.

I've stopped colds developing this way. But timing is very important.

[chazza]

Echinacea helps as well, as well as shortening the length of colds you do get:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6231190.stm

Boots and Tesco both sell it, also garlic capsules and zinc can help boost your immune system

[SMH13]

thanks rabbitygirl and chazza, its really useful info.

[terambulan]

Boots sell a treackly molasses which is full of vitamins. A tablespoon twice a day will help build you up. 'tis often recommended to preggy mums.

[hibeeslass]

Echinacia is great (tincture) should start taking this month onwards for full benefit

[yesiam]

I swear by Manuka Honey. It has fantastic healing properties. Buy at least a 10+ rather than the weaker 5+. It is quite pricey, but buy from supermarket rather than health food store where it is even more expensive.
If you want any more info try googling it & you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[SMH13]

Manuka honey - have'nt heard of that , will see if I can get hold of some. Would take Echinacea, however, I could'nt stomach the liquid form (even in juice!). Thanks all for your advice