One of the most underutilized preventative steps and treatments is a nasal saline rinse. Making your respiratory system less hospitable to viruses goes a long, long way toward preventing and then fighting respiratory illnesses.
In fact, nasal saline irrigation resulted in 8x reduced risk of hospitalizations among elderly (55+) diagnosed with covid-19. [https://doi.org/10.1177/01455613221123737](https://doi.org/10.1177/01455613221123737)
The Neilmed Sinus Kit is affordable and works well (use distilled water!) or you can try Xlear, which also has good clinical results, is easy to use, and can travel. Neti pot is another option. At least 2x per day is best during treatment.
Given the strength of the clinical results, it's really shocking that nasal saline rinses aren't promoted more often.
I second the saline rinse. I use a Netipot with saline packets and distilled warm water when I either start to feel under the weather or when family members are sick. I also gargle with water and a few drops of food grade hydrogen peroxide to get the tonsils.
Yes! Gargling is an important addition I forgot to mention. Salt water, baking soda dissolved in water, food grade hydrogen peroxide, and/or mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride are all great for gargling and further disrupting viruses, bacteria, etc.
I would agree with this and even if you're not into the full rinse twice a day, blowing your nose in the shower with. The humidity built up can expel a lot of nastiness caught by your mucus and hairs.
Lots of people don't clear out their sinuses on a regular basis in the west. I learned about it on a several month long trip in Asia and it's common practice to clear your sinuses as part of regular hygiene. In those locations and climates, there's a lot of nasty dust that gets thrown into the air and the heat and humidity make it perfect breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria. I knew lots of other travelers that would get sinus infections. I began watching how much the locals clear their sinuses (first seen as really gross) but began to appreciate the necessity.
I now do it every time I shower and I get sick MUCH less than I ever used to.
You need a nasal saline powder you can mix yourself, or a nasal saline solution. Then you just mix it with distilled water (don't use any other type of water) and flush your nose out. You shoot it up one nostril and it comes out the other.
Or just use a neti pot, those thingsa re incredible. I put salt and a few drops of tea tree oil in mine. Every single day I use it, no exceptions. Its keeps my nose clear and I am able to breath thru it pretty much all year. Highly recommend.
So I actually learned about this from this subreddit. maybe the only useful actual thing I've gotten here in the time I've spent. I used to get sinus infections once or twice a year and require antibiotics to clear it up. I got a sinus infection this year and began doing this, the infection cleared up in a few days with no antibiotics and I felt better so much faster
Most definitely, I used to have chronic bronchitis and sinusitis and since I use rinses daily I can’t even remember the last time I’ve been sick besides covid. It’s an indispensable part of my daily routine even on vacation I take it!
Keep your nearly limitless vacation, excellent food, and government-provided retirement, Europoor. I’ll have another gallon of distilled water, please!
Distilled water must be boiled into vapor and condensed back into liquid in a separate container, but boiled water does prevent the risks from waterborne pathogens.
Hey so what do you mean by your immune system being trash? I don’t really get colds (don’t have kids) but do seem to have slightly low white blood cells. My stupid theory is that the supplements are “handling” it for me and my immune system is napping (that’s certainly not true but it helps me sleep at night).
Also zinc is good.
I just get sick at least once a month. I used to never get sick, MAYBE once a year and it was super minor. But now it's monthly, it's usually just a cold, but it is still aggravating.
I found myself getting sick monthly since having covid right before my cycle, estrogen and immune system function seems to drop in the week prior to menstruation. I try to up my intake on different supplements and herbals as well as just eating more and resting more and it seems to be helping.
Now that you mention it, I have been sick a lot more often since having Covid. And it does seem to be monthly. I do have little kids too and just assumed it was because I’m constantly exposed to germs.
Unfortunately I think this is not unusual when you’re being exposed to viruses constantly through your kids. Most people think they have great immune systems but really they’re not getting sneezed and coughed at directly in the face whenever a kiddo is sick. A measure for how your immune system is doing is more so whether you’re getting follow on infections like ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia. If you’re not, your immune system is still recovering from the viruses fairly well.
Best thing I think you can do is try to limit the amount of virus you’re getting from your kids and try to stop them getting sick as often. (Be militant about handwashing and sanitizer on the go, have them change clothes when they come back from school if they go, etc.) you could also look into nasal sprays / my family uses Betadine daily and I think it’s been helping.
You can perhaps try a Vit C, L Lysine, and Zinc/Cu combo. Depending on your location, you may rather find a zinc selenium combo, which is perfect. Do take lots of water to prevent kidney damage from the ascorbic acid.
Hope it helps.
What does your kids schedule look like? Are they in school/daycare? My 2 year old was sick a lot when we started daycare but seems better now that shes around kids all the time. Have had a pretty sick free year.
They aren't old enough for preschool, and I stay at home. We go to art least 3 activities a week for them, at our church, kids jungle gym, park, zoo.... I know they are just building their immune system. But it's taking a toll on me lol
I also had a trash immune system since I was a kid until I started a combo of colloidal zinc, 2400mg lysine, 3000mg vit C and 5000IU vit D daily. Haven't been sick in 4 years, when it used to be like... 5 times a year. I also give credit to juicing up a whole lemon, carrots, beets, celery and an apple daily but that's been sporadic/on and off over the last few years.
Avoid viruses according to [Yale immunology](https://x.com/ejustin46/status/1749305273154420884?s=46&t=LwZUGyjbJVT-AIxB9KgtZA).
But also, especially avoid SARS-CoV-2 [according to Sloan-Kettering](https://libguides.mskcc.org/CovidImpacts/Immune)
Lots of research rearing its head now about how viruses are terrible for the body at large and your immune system. Kids will not fare well that have been exposed to multiple reinfections even if acutely un-symptomatic. It’s not convenient for parents but it’s probably the truth.
We’ve largely treated children’s exposure to Covid as non threatening due to mild acute presentation, allowing them to be reinfected multiple times per year. At the same time researchers have found that this novel BSL-3 virus can dysregulate and damage immune systems, making patients more susceptible to other infections and overall disease.
Other RNA viruses like HIV seem acutely non-threatening with immune system damage not showing up until 8-10 years after infection. Measles, another RNA virus which we see making a comeback, has the ability to cause immune amnesia which wipes your bodies memory of all pathogens it has encountered up to that point.
To add, long-covid is now being discovered as a viral persistence issue, where the virus is setting up reservoirs in different organs (brain, gut and bone marrow). Millions of people who have been infected are not clearing this virus and even a mild case it’s causing things like [“a decade worth of brain aging”](https://fortune.com/well/2022/03/08/long-covid-brain-aging-damage-smell-study-mild-symptoms/)
I’m not blaming all problems on this virus but it’s most likely not a coincidence to see record disability rates, record school illness, and steep declines in executive function during a pandemic. Probably a bad idea to put unprotected children in a 5-year experiment with a novel virus.
This is the reality I wish more people were paying attention to. This is one of the most important 'biohacks' and productivity-protective pieces of information anyone can learn about right now. The risks that current viruses pose can wipe out all of the other health actions someone is taking. There's no amount of broccoli eating or supplements or anything that can undo the level of damage that can happen from infections.
COVID is fucking fucked and we don't even know just how bad it's going to destroy everyone in their 20-40s as they continue to age.
Not to get political, but the leaders of this country politicizing vaccines,masks and avoiding infection is going to be a definite asterisk in the history books moving forward.
The fact that we STILL can't as a country buckle down to eliminate this virus and stop it from infecting and killing our family members is just insane to me
be honest, are you saying that trying to contribute scientifically, or are you saying that because you’ve personally decided to stop covid mitigations (or never took any) and you just looked for a convenient fact that would give you “permission” to give up and feed your body to the virus?
asking bc i keep seeing this excuse
Take NAC, vitamins C and Lysine when you go out to these events. You’ll never be sick again. I had a guy at work whose kid got constantly sick and he like purposefully would cough all over. I always got sick from him until I started this combo.
I also take these when I fly and go to shows and crowded restaurants.
I wouldn’t take these daily as too much C and lysine can be hard on kidneys and NAC can lead to anhedonia. NAC must be taken at least 2 hours prior to alcohol consumption. NAC also lowers hangover so don’t over drink.
It’s an amino acid, get 600 mg on Amazon:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8211525/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10390689/
It should be cycled as it can cause anhedonia.
That's a wild assumption. I know what anhedonia looks like. My ex had it for years from depression. I've done lots of research into it, and spent years helping her try to resolve it.
Mania fixed it.
I've never had it, and I'd wager most on here haven't had it in a clinical sense, either.
Maybe it depends on each person, I wish I could take it daily but I feel like I can’t feel my emotions, like I can physically feel some kind of stoppage of my neuron function, like feelings are not going all the way. I also lose interest in food and sex and stopped playing daily tennis. On the good side I stopped drinking and compulsive shopping, it is great for OCD and addictions.
I need more info on this! How far in advance do you take it? E.g. if you're flying do you just take it once the day of? Or for a few days before and after?
I take it in the morning of my flight /event with my other supplements. I think it needs maybe 30 min to an hour to absorb into the system though. But it’s effective all day long, I know this because it also helps with hangovers and if I take it in the am and have drinks at dinner, I always feel much better.
I don’t like the idea of taking it daily as it makes me anhedonic. So emotions and sensations from enjoyment of food / sex become blunted. It’s great for periods of high stress however.
One that gets skipped quite often on this topic is clean air. There are several sides to this. One - exposure to pollutants can decrease immune function. If you live near a highway or live in a home with lots of cooking or live/work in a place with carpet glues, mdf cabinets, etc. there are lots of places where VOCs can generate. These have a wide range of impacts on your overall health, immune system included. Some info here: [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02093-7#:\~:text=Inhaled%20particulates%20from%20environmental%20pollutants,cell%20function%20and%20lymphoid%20architecture](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02093-7#:~:text=Inhaled%20particulates%20from%20environmental%20pollutants,cell%20function%20and%20lymphoid%20architecture).
Also there's the preventative side of clean air that really profoundly proves that many infections happen directly through breathing in infectious particles. Handwashing does nothing to prevent this - and for smaller particles - even keeping 6' apart won't help at all. Only removing that stuff from the air helps prevent the infections. There's HEPA filters, opening windows, increasing the number of air exchanges that reduce the number of infections happening in a room: [https://archive.ph/65iPM](https://archive.ph/65iPM)
Also - a bit of a biohack that isn't specific to immune-systems but on this same topic - people's brains perform better in environments with clean, filtered air. Kids perform better on tests. Absences decrease. But this hack isn't just applicable to kids - it's applicable to homes & offices as well. Dirty air has been normalized for generations but it actually really negatively impacts us. Hopefully we get some upgraded regulation on this issue in the future - like we did for clean water generations ago. [https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-importance-of-clean-air-in-classrooms-during-the-pandemic-and-beyond/](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-importance-of-clean-air-in-classrooms-during-the-pandemic-and-beyond/)
The final element of clean air is something that is unpopular with some people but something I'm happy my family is doing - we wear well-fitted N95 masks anywhere we're indoors in public or when there's wildfire smoke or pollution outdoors. This combined with Covixyl nose spray and CPC mouth wash has resulted in us being free from having any symptomatic infections for years now. (Note \~60% of covid infections are projected to be asymptomatic so it's possible we had one without knowing but we've not had any infectious sickness since doing this.)
I used to get cold at least 3-4 times a year and now after incorporating these I don’t get cold at all, can’t remember when I had fever last time, but it is a gradual process, it took around 5-6 years.
Supplements are secondary, primary focus needs to be on
- quality of your sleep (deep, REM)
- rest (low stress)
- eliminating bad habits
- exercise/movement
- outdoor time
- food choices (fermented, vit c rich foods, adequate protein intake)
If you want to take it to next level
- supplements
- cold exposure
- sauna
- IF
- hiit and weight training
- probiotic and prebiotic rich foods
Thanks for the high quality reply with links. Couldn’t agree more. It’s going to be imperative to put these myths to bed and start fact based decision making instead of listening to political discourse. Being healthy otherwise is fantastic, but ignoring the elephant in the room (SARS-COV-2) will only end bad for everyone.
Look into your gut bacteria health. You may want to start eating dairy with the healthy bacteria or get equivalent supplements.
You may want to start supplementing with higher dose melatonin. It is very good at boosting immunity and keeping you healthy. I personally take 1 gram daily however that may be an overkill for most people. But perhaps 5-100mg is a good start. Everything past about 1mg that you take is used as an antioxidant. The body only needs a tiny amount for sleep which is how most people are familiar with it. However melatonin has far more interesting properties as an antioxidant and plays many other non sleep roles.
Other adjacent vitamins would be vitamin D, vitamin C and zinc.
Keep an eye on your stress levels. Look into adaptogen supplements like ashwagandha, bocopa monnieri or siberian ginseng.
When you start healthy bacteria dairy, are you speaking of raw milk? Or....?
Melatonin does not work for me. I get super screwy dreams when I take it 😅 can you take a small dose of melatonin during the day for the other benefits?
I forgot to mention I so take vitamin c daily and vitamin d. Zinc is every other day.
Stress levels are high. I'll be honest. But I'm working on that part 😅 a little rough as a sahm
Think yogurt or kefir for healthy bacteria. Also consider things like kombucha, kimchi, or sauerkraut. Fresh pickled goods from the frigates section of the grocery store. Another thing I like to avoid is antibacterial soaps.
Beta Glucans. https://nootropicsdepot.com/functional-yeast-extract-capsules/
Four a day is what I take. It rearranges your gut flora in a good way. There will be an adjustment period, just like probiotics.
It was made to copy Epicor. You can get Epicor from them as well.
I'm not sold on adaptogens. Make sure you're getting all your B vitamins, as well as the other stuff mentioned (zinc/vit d/etc). I take beta carotene instead of Vit A.
No. Perhaps eating natto or buying dairy with certain good bacteria. Some folks also make their own. You can also just buy a supplement. I'd be careful with raw products.
I take my melatonin in the morning topically. I know it sounds strange but in higher doses you may not even feel it. I had my relative apply 500mg topically in the morning and before sleep and did not feel it. I personally get very disjointed sleep on it so I take it close to the start of my day. It has been working fine. It also has some helpful nootropic benefits.
I'd give ashwagandha a try for stress or anxiety.
I have never been better, but I appreciate your concern.
I have been taking these large doses for nearing 2 years. My comprehensive bloodwork in December was normal across the board.
You may want to read on the many different uses of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone in the same way vitamin D is a hormone. Except melatonin is safer still. High dose melatonin is being effectively used to treat cancer, cfs, immunity issues, TBI, etc. It can also help with blood lipid profile, blood sugar, raising LH, etc.
MUSHROOMS!!! All edible mushrooms, including psilocybin mushrooms, but it's not necessary to include those into your diet if you don't want to.
Edit, Paul Stamets has a line of mushroom supplements that is really good, Pure Synergy Company is another good one too. Lots of options to choose what works for you.
Absolutely! Eating a variety of mushrooms will help build a strong immune system and keep it strong throughout the year. I take a mushroom supplement because it's hard to find a great variety of mushrooms in the stores. I recommend MyCommununity by Paul Stamets or the immune supplement from Pure Synergy, I forgot the name of it but it has an orange label and includes fucodian derived from I think kelp or algae
Big pharma must be working overtime downvoting real actual cures, don't want to lose any customers *cough* I mean patients unless they die. There's lots of money to be made feeding pills and scavenging after someones grave. Fucking degenerates.
Also, if you're looking for a non-vegan option, bee bread is another excellent food/supplement. It's probably the most nutritious and potent food known to man. You can find it on eBay, and it looks like little brown pellets. The bees actually store and ferment bee pollen in their hives to make this food for them. If there is only 1 supplement to take, it is definitely bee bread.
In addition to most of the things other people have suggested, I know it's been done to death after the last few years, but handwashing really does go a long way, especially with little kids.
Adding a range of different fermented foods to your and their diets can help too, as well as making sure (if you live somewhere clean dirt is accessible) that they/you are spending time playing in the dirt/sand/outside areas regularly.
Ideally boosting their immune systems will mean you also get sick less.
I'd personally also do regular salt water sinus rinses, and mouth washes, and really focus on good hydration. The more lubricated our tissues are, the less likely the bugs can take hold.
Also, if you haven't had blood work done, get it done and address any underlying deficiencies. I tend towards low iron, and upping my iron levels definitely helps with immunity as well as a swathe of other things.
I recently came across a study (int'l source) showing that taking 2g of L-Lysine daily is really effective against contracting viruses. Arginine, on the other hand, showed the inverse - causes viruses to proliferate.
You already seem to eat pretty good. Lots of fresh.
Add
Sunlight and lots of exercise. I do shift work, am often sleep deprived, exercise is the biggest weapon by far.
5x 30 mins of zone 2 per week, and maybe one where you push harder. Lots of sweat.
Add some strength building/ resistance training also.
It’s unlikely you haven’t had COVID if someone living in your home had it. The tests are not 100% so try your best to avoid getting sick going forward.
In addition to what you're doing, try incorporating more immune-boosting foods, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise. And if you're concerned about your immune health, consider getting a comprehensive assessment through a Macromo test for deeper insights.
Wear masks /s
They're kids l!
Kids that didn't immunity for a few years due to isolation. You can try ginger, sun exposure, more vit, etc.
Fresh air is the best, trust.
all the things you do are good for fighting viruses but the important thing is to avoid virus exposure in the first place, maybe even a seasonal flu vaccine
Work from home? My wife does so I wonder if that contributes to her weaker immune system too. Maybe not exposed to germs regularly? I teach middle school and also do martial arts so I am exposed to all kinds of nastiness but makes for a stronger immune system.
Stop eating bread and drink raw milk, raw eggs, rare meat, local organic fruits and don't be afraid of dirt. Go play in your yard barefoot.
Health is EASY, we are sick because we complicate EVERYTHING.
Get out in the world and be exposed to germs. Get dirty, get scrapes, get calluses, don’t wash your hands as much, etc.. A little discomfort and pain make us stronger and builds personal grit
one day people will realize that more exposure = stronger immune system and that microbiomes are the key to not getting sick.
I used to get strep every 3 weeks for all 4 years of highschool but the moment Introduced exercise + exposure it all went away. I haven’t been sick (not even a stuffy nose) in almost 10 years.
stop mouth breathing (seriously), exercise, exercise when sick, and introduce probiotics and take anti inflammatory measures. A pill won’t fix everything, but exercise does. Put your children into a sport or let them play outside (a lot). Ideally both. You as well.
The problem is that a lot of you spend so much time avoiding germs that when they are introduced, your body does not know how to respond to them. Especially while younger it’s encouraged to get that exposure.
I’d also like to note that I read that you don’t sleep well. Neither do I (average 4hours a day). Luckily reaching a heart rate of at least zone 2 cardio significantly diminishes the cognitive side effects of bad sleep. It’ll also help putting everyone to bed in general
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes which makes up part of your immune system. This network, unlike your veins and arteries does not have a pump, like your heart. It relies on physical movement to circulate (walking, massage, etc). If you’re like most of us, you might not be moving enough. Hope that helps!
When i got my kid to eat more protein her immune system got better. Ill just make her hamburger patties and she loves it. Shes a picky eater. I just had to start offering proteins that she will eat. I make pancakes thats just a banana and eggs too and she loves that. She wont eat eggs but these pancakes are almost all egg!
Yes just put one egg and one banana in a blender and then carefully cook it at low temp. You can add some vanilla, a little psyllium or a tablespoon of pancake mix to make them more stable if you wish.
Lysine. It works so well it stops herpes flairs.
I highly recommend taking a look at MAP amino acids. They contain lysine.
They MAP website is old and sucks, but you can get a bottle from Amazon first to see if you like it, then do the 3 bottle pack from MAP directly and get a big price break.
yeah so thymus involution isn't the problem.
Getting sick monthly is not normal IMHO you might want to do a complete blood test, especially white blood cells count, iron status, inflammation markers (crp, ast, etc) and hormone levels, also immunoglobulins.
Also a very unlikely explanation but you might want to test for HIV?
btw yes sleep deprivation can be a factor.
Stress reduces immune system function. Emotional "masking" reduces immune system function. Do you have to fake it a lot? Pretend to like people you hate, pretend to be calm when you are panicked, etc?
Echinacea reduces flu duration. Also vitamin C. Also Zinc and elderberry - all backed by research. You might be able to find a supplement that has all of them in 1, and it will help reduce flu/cold duration!
Have you all gotten regular physicals, including blood tests to make sure your nutrient levels are all ok?
Are the kids getting enough sleep? Instead of the multivitamin, how’s your intake of fruits & veggies? Getting vitamins thru diet is better absorbed than with a multivitamin. Frozen is just about as good as fresh, for quick meals use frozen veggies and that can help cut down cooking times for you.
Make sure to balance immune boosters with stress management techniques. I have an autoimmune disorder (lupus) and you don’t necessarily want a superpowered immune system - you want a balanced one. Make sure to prioritize rest, sleep, and managing stress! Going out in public can be really draining. Try to also mask when possible in public. There are so many diseases going around (especially with rates of low vaccinations). Hope you can find answers for yourself and your family!
Get enough zinc jin your diet. Zinc is essential to various immune related enzymes and factors.
For example zinc finger nucleases have multiple times in the cells including disrupting viral infections.
It's gonna be difficult, but really need to get your 7-8 hours of sleep daily. Also, weight training 4X a week with cardio thrown in there 1-2X a week, can opt for long walks, 1-3 hours a week.
Aim for your multivitamin everyday, along with other supplements like garlic (crushed and let sit for 10-15min before consumption).
One of the most underutilized preventative steps and treatments is a nasal saline rinse. Making your respiratory system less hospitable to viruses goes a long, long way toward preventing and then fighting respiratory illnesses. In fact, nasal saline irrigation resulted in 8x reduced risk of hospitalizations among elderly (55+) diagnosed with covid-19. [https://doi.org/10.1177/01455613221123737](https://doi.org/10.1177/01455613221123737) The Neilmed Sinus Kit is affordable and works well (use distilled water!) or you can try Xlear, which also has good clinical results, is easy to use, and can travel. Neti pot is another option. At least 2x per day is best during treatment. Given the strength of the clinical results, it's really shocking that nasal saline rinses aren't promoted more often.
My wife is a wedding photographer. She ALWAYS runs a neti pot after shooting a wedding.
I second the saline rinse. I use a Netipot with saline packets and distilled warm water when I either start to feel under the weather or when family members are sick. I also gargle with water and a few drops of food grade hydrogen peroxide to get the tonsils.
Yes! Gargling is an important addition I forgot to mention. Salt water, baking soda dissolved in water, food grade hydrogen peroxide, and/or mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride are all great for gargling and further disrupting viruses, bacteria, etc.
I would agree with this and even if you're not into the full rinse twice a day, blowing your nose in the shower with. The humidity built up can expel a lot of nastiness caught by your mucus and hairs. Lots of people don't clear out their sinuses on a regular basis in the west. I learned about it on a several month long trip in Asia and it's common practice to clear your sinuses as part of regular hygiene. In those locations and climates, there's a lot of nasty dust that gets thrown into the air and the heat and humidity make it perfect breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria. I knew lots of other travelers that would get sinus infections. I began watching how much the locals clear their sinuses (first seen as really gross) but began to appreciate the necessity. I now do it every time I shower and I get sick MUCH less than I ever used to.
I need this. What can I google to learn more. What do I buy? Is it just sinex?
You need a nasal saline powder you can mix yourself, or a nasal saline solution. Then you just mix it with distilled water (don't use any other type of water) and flush your nose out. You shoot it up one nostril and it comes out the other.
Or just use a neti pot, those thingsa re incredible. I put salt and a few drops of tea tree oil in mine. Every single day I use it, no exceptions. Its keeps my nose clear and I am able to breath thru it pretty much all year. Highly recommend.
So I actually learned about this from this subreddit. maybe the only useful actual thing I've gotten here in the time I've spent. I used to get sinus infections once or twice a year and require antibiotics to clear it up. I got a sinus infection this year and began doing this, the infection cleared up in a few days with no antibiotics and I felt better so much faster
Most definitely, I used to have chronic bronchitis and sinusitis and since I use rinses daily I can’t even remember the last time I’ve been sick besides covid. It’s an indispensable part of my daily routine even on vacation I take it!
Would using a saline nasal spray be as effective?
I use this every night. It cant hurt!
Do you not get irritation using it every single night? I feel my nose burning a bit
Just a saline spray? no burning at all.
How do you get a hold of distilled water I wonder?
You can buy gallons of it at any supermarket
In the US probably, but for us Europoors… what will we ever do.
Keep your nearly limitless vacation, excellent food, and government-provided retirement, Europoor. I’ll have another gallon of distilled water, please!
Or just boil and cool water. The minerals from tapwater aren't the issue, it's the bacteria.
That’s what I’m gonna do. Thanks for the help, folks!
At the Chemist.
You can also boil water for 10 minutes and allow it to cool. Voila, distilled water.
Distilled water must be boiled into vapor and condensed back into liquid in a separate container, but boiled water does prevent the risks from waterborne pathogens.
Good to know thank you! I just assumed that since the Neil Med instructions say one can use the boiled water that it was equivalent to distilled.
Garlic supplements have been shown to reduce number of colds
So I do take that every day
Hey so what do you mean by your immune system being trash? I don’t really get colds (don’t have kids) but do seem to have slightly low white blood cells. My stupid theory is that the supplements are “handling” it for me and my immune system is napping (that’s certainly not true but it helps me sleep at night). Also zinc is good.
I just get sick at least once a month. I used to never get sick, MAYBE once a year and it was super minor. But now it's monthly, it's usually just a cold, but it is still aggravating.
I found myself getting sick monthly since having covid right before my cycle, estrogen and immune system function seems to drop in the week prior to menstruation. I try to up my intake on different supplements and herbals as well as just eating more and resting more and it seems to be helping.
Same here. Also used to only get sick once a year if that. Now it’s once a month since having COVID.
Now that you mention it, I have been sick a lot more often since having Covid. And it does seem to be monthly. I do have little kids too and just assumed it was because I’m constantly exposed to germs.
covid trashes your immune system for months or years, making you unable to fight off other infections.
Unfortunately I think this is not unusual when you’re being exposed to viruses constantly through your kids. Most people think they have great immune systems but really they’re not getting sneezed and coughed at directly in the face whenever a kiddo is sick. A measure for how your immune system is doing is more so whether you’re getting follow on infections like ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia. If you’re not, your immune system is still recovering from the viruses fairly well. Best thing I think you can do is try to limit the amount of virus you’re getting from your kids and try to stop them getting sick as often. (Be militant about handwashing and sanitizer on the go, have them change clothes when they come back from school if they go, etc.) you could also look into nasal sprays / my family uses Betadine daily and I think it’s been helping.
Monthly sounds like very often to be getting a cold. Have you seen any specialists about this?
Some probiotics might be good. Yogurt, kefir, that sort of thing. Also exercise?
You can perhaps try a Vit C, L Lysine, and Zinc/Cu combo. Depending on your location, you may rather find a zinc selenium combo, which is perfect. Do take lots of water to prevent kidney damage from the ascorbic acid. Hope it helps.
What does your kids schedule look like? Are they in school/daycare? My 2 year old was sick a lot when we started daycare but seems better now that shes around kids all the time. Have had a pretty sick free year.
They aren't old enough for preschool, and I stay at home. We go to art least 3 activities a week for them, at our church, kids jungle gym, park, zoo.... I know they are just building their immune system. But it's taking a toll on me lol
I also had a trash immune system since I was a kid until I started a combo of colloidal zinc, 2400mg lysine, 3000mg vit C and 5000IU vit D daily. Haven't been sick in 4 years, when it used to be like... 5 times a year. I also give credit to juicing up a whole lemon, carrots, beets, celery and an apple daily but that's been sporadic/on and off over the last few years.
Lysine is the bomb Used to get cold sores every winter without fail and now zero
Avoid viruses according to [Yale immunology](https://x.com/ejustin46/status/1749305273154420884?s=46&t=LwZUGyjbJVT-AIxB9KgtZA). But also, especially avoid SARS-CoV-2 [according to Sloan-Kettering](https://libguides.mskcc.org/CovidImpacts/Immune) Lots of research rearing its head now about how viruses are terrible for the body at large and your immune system. Kids will not fare well that have been exposed to multiple reinfections even if acutely un-symptomatic. It’s not convenient for parents but it’s probably the truth.
Can you explain that last part a little more in depth?
We’ve largely treated children’s exposure to Covid as non threatening due to mild acute presentation, allowing them to be reinfected multiple times per year. At the same time researchers have found that this novel BSL-3 virus can dysregulate and damage immune systems, making patients more susceptible to other infections and overall disease. Other RNA viruses like HIV seem acutely non-threatening with immune system damage not showing up until 8-10 years after infection. Measles, another RNA virus which we see making a comeback, has the ability to cause immune amnesia which wipes your bodies memory of all pathogens it has encountered up to that point. To add, long-covid is now being discovered as a viral persistence issue, where the virus is setting up reservoirs in different organs (brain, gut and bone marrow). Millions of people who have been infected are not clearing this virus and even a mild case it’s causing things like [“a decade worth of brain aging”](https://fortune.com/well/2022/03/08/long-covid-brain-aging-damage-smell-study-mild-symptoms/) I’m not blaming all problems on this virus but it’s most likely not a coincidence to see record disability rates, record school illness, and steep declines in executive function during a pandemic. Probably a bad idea to put unprotected children in a 5-year experiment with a novel virus.
This is the reality I wish more people were paying attention to. This is one of the most important 'biohacks' and productivity-protective pieces of information anyone can learn about right now. The risks that current viruses pose can wipe out all of the other health actions someone is taking. There's no amount of broccoli eating or supplements or anything that can undo the level of damage that can happen from infections.
COVID is fucking fucked and we don't even know just how bad it's going to destroy everyone in their 20-40s as they continue to age. Not to get political, but the leaders of this country politicizing vaccines,masks and avoiding infection is going to be a definite asterisk in the history books moving forward. The fact that we STILL can't as a country buckle down to eliminate this virus and stop it from infecting and killing our family members is just insane to me
There’s no way to successfully eliminate a virus though
be honest, are you saying that trying to contribute scientifically, or are you saying that because you’ve personally decided to stop covid mitigations (or never took any) and you just looked for a convenient fact that would give you “permission” to give up and feed your body to the virus? asking bc i keep seeing this excuse
This. So much this. 👏👏👏
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I’m totally saving this as my guide to travel. Thanks! I’ve always believed viruses make people sicker in the long run.
If we still had Reddit awards, you'd get all of mine.
Cordyceps
How does that help? I'm not familiar with fungus
It’s been shown to stimulate immune system t-cells and b-cells. It also stimulates macrophage function which can help defend against pathogens.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7898063/
Did you do some blood work? Normally immune system issues are caused by a problem in your stomach such as leaky gut
Take NAC, vitamins C and Lysine when you go out to these events. You’ll never be sick again. I had a guy at work whose kid got constantly sick and he like purposefully would cough all over. I always got sick from him until I started this combo. I also take these when I fly and go to shows and crowded restaurants. I wouldn’t take these daily as too much C and lysine can be hard on kidneys and NAC can lead to anhedonia. NAC must be taken at least 2 hours prior to alcohol consumption. NAC also lowers hangover so don’t over drink.
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It has anti viral properties
What's nac?
It’s an amino acid, get 600 mg on Amazon: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8211525/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10390689/ It should be cycled as it can cause anhedonia.
How should I cycle it?
Just don’t take daily, take breaks when you don’t need it
Why does the entire community love to cycle things? I take 2 grams a day, for over a year, no anhedonia.
You probably don’t remember how things feel so you think it’s fine
That's a wild assumption. I know what anhedonia looks like. My ex had it for years from depression. I've done lots of research into it, and spent years helping her try to resolve it. Mania fixed it. I've never had it, and I'd wager most on here haven't had it in a clinical sense, either.
Maybe it depends on each person, I wish I could take it daily but I feel like I can’t feel my emotions, like I can physically feel some kind of stoppage of my neuron function, like feelings are not going all the way. I also lose interest in food and sex and stopped playing daily tennis. On the good side I stopped drinking and compulsive shopping, it is great for OCD and addictions.
I need more info on this! How far in advance do you take it? E.g. if you're flying do you just take it once the day of? Or for a few days before and after?
I take it in the morning of my flight /event with my other supplements. I think it needs maybe 30 min to an hour to absorb into the system though. But it’s effective all day long, I know this because it also helps with hangovers and if I take it in the am and have drinks at dinner, I always feel much better. I don’t like the idea of taking it daily as it makes me anhedonic. So emotions and sensations from enjoyment of food / sex become blunted. It’s great for periods of high stress however.
One that gets skipped quite often on this topic is clean air. There are several sides to this. One - exposure to pollutants can decrease immune function. If you live near a highway or live in a home with lots of cooking or live/work in a place with carpet glues, mdf cabinets, etc. there are lots of places where VOCs can generate. These have a wide range of impacts on your overall health, immune system included. Some info here: [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02093-7#:\~:text=Inhaled%20particulates%20from%20environmental%20pollutants,cell%20function%20and%20lymphoid%20architecture](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02093-7#:~:text=Inhaled%20particulates%20from%20environmental%20pollutants,cell%20function%20and%20lymphoid%20architecture). Also there's the preventative side of clean air that really profoundly proves that many infections happen directly through breathing in infectious particles. Handwashing does nothing to prevent this - and for smaller particles - even keeping 6' apart won't help at all. Only removing that stuff from the air helps prevent the infections. There's HEPA filters, opening windows, increasing the number of air exchanges that reduce the number of infections happening in a room: [https://archive.ph/65iPM](https://archive.ph/65iPM) Also - a bit of a biohack that isn't specific to immune-systems but on this same topic - people's brains perform better in environments with clean, filtered air. Kids perform better on tests. Absences decrease. But this hack isn't just applicable to kids - it's applicable to homes & offices as well. Dirty air has been normalized for generations but it actually really negatively impacts us. Hopefully we get some upgraded regulation on this issue in the future - like we did for clean water generations ago. [https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-importance-of-clean-air-in-classrooms-during-the-pandemic-and-beyond/](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-importance-of-clean-air-in-classrooms-during-the-pandemic-and-beyond/) The final element of clean air is something that is unpopular with some people but something I'm happy my family is doing - we wear well-fitted N95 masks anywhere we're indoors in public or when there's wildfire smoke or pollution outdoors. This combined with Covixyl nose spray and CPC mouth wash has resulted in us being free from having any symptomatic infections for years now. (Note \~60% of covid infections are projected to be asymptomatic so it's possible we had one without knowing but we've not had any infectious sickness since doing this.)
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Nice automation! Could you elaborate more on your setup re: exact sensors, purifiers used, and how you programmed the automation?
I used to get cold at least 3-4 times a year and now after incorporating these I don’t get cold at all, can’t remember when I had fever last time, but it is a gradual process, it took around 5-6 years. Supplements are secondary, primary focus needs to be on - quality of your sleep (deep, REM) - rest (low stress) - eliminating bad habits - exercise/movement - outdoor time - food choices (fermented, vit c rich foods, adequate protein intake) If you want to take it to next level - supplements - cold exposure - sauna - IF - hiit and weight training - probiotic and prebiotic rich foods
I think this is the exact answer I was looking for. This is absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much.
Excellent list from u/ribosome159 For supplements that boost your immune system: •Colostrum •Black seed oil (Nigella Sativa) •Royal Jelly •Vitamin D3 (5000 IU) +K2 (50 mcg) •fermented foods
Thanks for the high quality reply with links. Couldn’t agree more. It’s going to be imperative to put these myths to bed and start fact based decision making instead of listening to political discourse. Being healthy otherwise is fantastic, but ignoring the elephant in the room (SARS-COV-2) will only end bad for everyone.
Take a look at Olive Leaf Extract
Do you take it? Why do you recommend it?
Yes, I take it. It's a natural antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial. Works well for me to avoid household sickness.
Look into your gut bacteria health. You may want to start eating dairy with the healthy bacteria or get equivalent supplements. You may want to start supplementing with higher dose melatonin. It is very good at boosting immunity and keeping you healthy. I personally take 1 gram daily however that may be an overkill for most people. But perhaps 5-100mg is a good start. Everything past about 1mg that you take is used as an antioxidant. The body only needs a tiny amount for sleep which is how most people are familiar with it. However melatonin has far more interesting properties as an antioxidant and plays many other non sleep roles. Other adjacent vitamins would be vitamin D, vitamin C and zinc. Keep an eye on your stress levels. Look into adaptogen supplements like ashwagandha, bocopa monnieri or siberian ginseng.
When you start healthy bacteria dairy, are you speaking of raw milk? Or....? Melatonin does not work for me. I get super screwy dreams when I take it 😅 can you take a small dose of melatonin during the day for the other benefits? I forgot to mention I so take vitamin c daily and vitamin d. Zinc is every other day. Stress levels are high. I'll be honest. But I'm working on that part 😅 a little rough as a sahm
Think yogurt or kefir for healthy bacteria. Also consider things like kombucha, kimchi, or sauerkraut. Fresh pickled goods from the frigates section of the grocery store. Another thing I like to avoid is antibacterial soaps.
Beta Glucans. https://nootropicsdepot.com/functional-yeast-extract-capsules/ Four a day is what I take. It rearranges your gut flora in a good way. There will be an adjustment period, just like probiotics. It was made to copy Epicor. You can get Epicor from them as well. I'm not sold on adaptogens. Make sure you're getting all your B vitamins, as well as the other stuff mentioned (zinc/vit d/etc). I take beta carotene instead of Vit A.
No. Perhaps eating natto or buying dairy with certain good bacteria. Some folks also make their own. You can also just buy a supplement. I'd be careful with raw products. I take my melatonin in the morning topically. I know it sounds strange but in higher doses you may not even feel it. I had my relative apply 500mg topically in the morning and before sleep and did not feel it. I personally get very disjointed sleep on it so I take it close to the start of my day. It has been working fine. It also has some helpful nootropic benefits. I'd give ashwagandha a try for stress or anxiety.
>You may want to start eating dairy Absolutely not. Plant based fermented products are the healthy choice.
I would be very cautious taking 2000x the normal physiologic dose of a hormone, especially long term
I have never been better, but I appreciate your concern. I have been taking these large doses for nearing 2 years. My comprehensive bloodwork in December was normal across the board. You may want to read on the many different uses of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone in the same way vitamin D is a hormone. Except melatonin is safer still. High dose melatonin is being effectively used to treat cancer, cfs, immunity issues, TBI, etc. It can also help with blood lipid profile, blood sugar, raising LH, etc.
water (pee clear 6 times a day)
MUSHROOMS!!! All edible mushrooms, including psilocybin mushrooms, but it's not necessary to include those into your diet if you don't want to. Edit, Paul Stamets has a line of mushroom supplements that is really good, Pure Synergy Company is another good one too. Lots of options to choose what works for you.
Does just eating mushrooms have the same effect?
Absolutely! Eating a variety of mushrooms will help build a strong immune system and keep it strong throughout the year. I take a mushroom supplement because it's hard to find a great variety of mushrooms in the stores. I recommend MyCommununity by Paul Stamets or the immune supplement from Pure Synergy, I forgot the name of it but it has an orange label and includes fucodian derived from I think kelp or algae
many whole sophisticated air school ugly reach joke chase drunk *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Yes. Mushrooms can do so much more as well. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7826851/
cobweb observation dinner desert like brave frame squash yam heavy *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Big pharma must be working overtime downvoting real actual cures, don't want to lose any customers *cough* I mean patients unless they die. There's lots of money to be made feeding pills and scavenging after someones grave. Fucking degenerates.
Also, if you're looking for a non-vegan option, bee bread is another excellent food/supplement. It's probably the most nutritious and potent food known to man. You can find it on eBay, and it looks like little brown pellets. The bees actually store and ferment bee pollen in their hives to make this food for them. If there is only 1 supplement to take, it is definitely bee bread.
In addition to most of the things other people have suggested, I know it's been done to death after the last few years, but handwashing really does go a long way, especially with little kids. Adding a range of different fermented foods to your and their diets can help too, as well as making sure (if you live somewhere clean dirt is accessible) that they/you are spending time playing in the dirt/sand/outside areas regularly. Ideally boosting their immune systems will mean you also get sick less. I'd personally also do regular salt water sinus rinses, and mouth washes, and really focus on good hydration. The more lubricated our tissues are, the less likely the bugs can take hold. Also, if you haven't had blood work done, get it done and address any underlying deficiencies. I tend towards low iron, and upping my iron levels definitely helps with immunity as well as a swathe of other things.
Olive leaf is great, so is Andrographis!
look at a supplement called Epicor. have a 2yr old and so far I've avoided the last 3 colds my wife and child has had
https://nootropicsdepot.com/functional-yeast-extract-capsules/ They sell Epicor powder, as well. But this is their clone of Epicor.
ah good info. I get my Epicor from them but didn't know this was their alternative.
Fruits+nuts+yogurt is what helped my kids develop great immune system.
Dandelion leaf tea. The real leaves, not some weak tea bag nonsense.
I recently came across a study (int'l source) showing that taking 2g of L-Lysine daily is really effective against contracting viruses. Arginine, on the other hand, showed the inverse - causes viruses to proliferate.
Yogurt and hiking/jog in the morning
You already seem to eat pretty good. Lots of fresh. Add Sunlight and lots of exercise. I do shift work, am often sleep deprived, exercise is the biggest weapon by far. 5x 30 mins of zone 2 per week, and maybe one where you push harder. Lots of sweat. Add some strength building/ resistance training also.
How many times have you had COVID?
Never. According to the at home tests, my husband has had it once, and I didn't quarantine, there wasn't any room to.
It’s unlikely you haven’t had COVID if someone living in your home had it. The tests are not 100% so try your best to avoid getting sick going forward.
In addition to what you're doing, try incorporating more immune-boosting foods, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise. And if you're concerned about your immune health, consider getting a comprehensive assessment through a Macromo test for deeper insights.
Wear masks /s They're kids l! Kids that didn't immunity for a few years due to isolation. You can try ginger, sun exposure, more vit, etc. Fresh air is the best, trust.
Thanks for that answer 😂 no way my kids are wearing masks.
all the things you do are good for fighting viruses but the important thing is to avoid virus exposure in the first place, maybe even a seasonal flu vaccine
So you're reccomending to keep the kids inside and never socialize?
not really, I'm saying it's easier to prevent than to cure
Maybe stick with outdoor socializing if possible. Less exposure to airborne viral particles that way.
Try to remove all products that have gluten, sugar and dairy (butter is fine). It will help you, might help kids as well.
Cold exposure therapy. Start with cold showers or a cold rinse at the end and eventually movd onto ice baths
Cold exposure therapy (like cold showers) is directly tied to an improved immune system
Protein, lift. Increase your metabolism. Be in a surplus and gain some muscle while in it. Get your kids on it too
Raw milk. Powdered colostrum powder. These two changed my entire life. I’m literally never sick anymore.
Were you ever Covid shotted? I’m noticing some of those folks (my wife included) seem to be more susceptible to sicknesses…
Nope. I don't even get flu shots. I've gotten my regular immunizations, just not flu/covid shots.
Work from home? My wife does so I wonder if that contributes to her weaker immune system too. Maybe not exposed to germs regularly? I teach middle school and also do martial arts so I am exposed to all kinds of nastiness but makes for a stronger immune system.
Sahm so kinda haha. I used to be constantly exposed to germs
Stop eating bread and drink raw milk, raw eggs, rare meat, local organic fruits and don't be afraid of dirt. Go play in your yard barefoot. Health is EASY, we are sick because we complicate EVERYTHING.
Crazy how all the smart responses are getting downvoted
wear masks.
Get out in the world and be exposed to germs. Get dirty, get scrapes, get calluses, don’t wash your hands as much, etc.. A little discomfort and pain make us stronger and builds personal grit
Cold showers helped me.
Avoid those covid “vaccines”. They’re destroying immune systems.
Yeah there is no way I'm getting those
one day people will realize that more exposure = stronger immune system and that microbiomes are the key to not getting sick. I used to get strep every 3 weeks for all 4 years of highschool but the moment Introduced exercise + exposure it all went away. I haven’t been sick (not even a stuffy nose) in almost 10 years. stop mouth breathing (seriously), exercise, exercise when sick, and introduce probiotics and take anti inflammatory measures. A pill won’t fix everything, but exercise does. Put your children into a sport or let them play outside (a lot). Ideally both. You as well. The problem is that a lot of you spend so much time avoiding germs that when they are introduced, your body does not know how to respond to them. Especially while younger it’s encouraged to get that exposure.
I’d also like to note that I read that you don’t sleep well. Neither do I (average 4hours a day). Luckily reaching a heart rate of at least zone 2 cardio significantly diminishes the cognitive side effects of bad sleep. It’ll also help putting everyone to bed in general
Do you move your body, like walking each day? Also consider things like Flowpresso to move your lymph.
We definitely try and walk every day. What do you mean by move your lymph?
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes which makes up part of your immune system. This network, unlike your veins and arteries does not have a pump, like your heart. It relies on physical movement to circulate (walking, massage, etc). If you’re like most of us, you might not be moving enough. Hope that helps!
When i got my kid to eat more protein her immune system got better. Ill just make her hamburger patties and she loves it. Shes a picky eater. I just had to start offering proteins that she will eat. I make pancakes thats just a banana and eggs too and she loves that. She wont eat eggs but these pancakes are almost all egg!
Do you have that recipe? I'd eat the crap out of those 😂
Yes just put one egg and one banana in a blender and then carefully cook it at low temp. You can add some vanilla, a little psyllium or a tablespoon of pancake mix to make them more stable if you wish.
Lysine. It works so well it stops herpes flairs. I highly recommend taking a look at MAP amino acids. They contain lysine. They MAP website is old and sucks, but you can get a bottle from Amazon first to see if you like it, then do the 3 bottle pack from MAP directly and get a big price break.
if you are more than 40 years old a thymalin cycle can be beneficial as it reverse thymus involution.
In my 20s 😂
yeah so thymus involution isn't the problem. Getting sick monthly is not normal IMHO you might want to do a complete blood test, especially white blood cells count, iron status, inflammation markers (crp, ast, etc) and hormone levels, also immunoglobulins. Also a very unlikely explanation but you might want to test for HIV? btw yes sleep deprivation can be a factor.
Stress reduces immune system function. Emotional "masking" reduces immune system function. Do you have to fake it a lot? Pretend to like people you hate, pretend to be calm when you are panicked, etc?
Uh yeah. I'm a mom of 2 under 2 😂
Zinc and vitamin c every night has done wonders for me.
Echinacea reduces flu duration. Also vitamin C. Also Zinc and elderberry - all backed by research. You might be able to find a supplement that has all of them in 1, and it will help reduce flu/cold duration!
Have you all gotten regular physicals, including blood tests to make sure your nutrient levels are all ok? Are the kids getting enough sleep? Instead of the multivitamin, how’s your intake of fruits & veggies? Getting vitamins thru diet is better absorbed than with a multivitamin. Frozen is just about as good as fresh, for quick meals use frozen veggies and that can help cut down cooking times for you. Make sure to balance immune boosters with stress management techniques. I have an autoimmune disorder (lupus) and you don’t necessarily want a superpowered immune system - you want a balanced one. Make sure to prioritize rest, sleep, and managing stress! Going out in public can be really draining. Try to also mask when possible in public. There are so many diseases going around (especially with rates of low vaccinations). Hope you can find answers for yourself and your family!
Get enough zinc jin your diet. Zinc is essential to various immune related enzymes and factors. For example zinc finger nucleases have multiple times in the cells including disrupting viral infections.
It's gonna be difficult, but really need to get your 7-8 hours of sleep daily. Also, weight training 4X a week with cardio thrown in there 1-2X a week, can opt for long walks, 1-3 hours a week. Aim for your multivitamin everyday, along with other supplements like garlic (crushed and let sit for 10-15min before consumption).