Hiya… I’ve just finished mx/node clearance/chemo/rads and am about to go back to work. In an infectious environment. Any tips on building up the immune system? Echinacea? Bee propolis? Vitamins? Jane
Hi Jane
I have just started back at work too, and also recently had a blood test which showed my white blood cell count was quite low. This is just the aftermath of chemo/rads and my GP is keeping an eye on it. She did not suggest anything to help boost it but I have started taking Echinacea and increased my fresh fruit & veg intake which I hope will help. Having further blood test at the end of the month to see how I am doing. I have also just had a flu jab which should also to help fend off the germs!
DaisyGirl xx
Selenium ACE - Tesco.
For immunity. I suffer alot of chest infections as asthma…but seems to be helping
Blessing
Jane, I think you have to be careful with echinacea, but I can’t remember why, it rings alarm bells with me although I could be wrong. I’ve been back at work 3 weeks now and commuting during peak hours so crammed in a train with lots of snotty people about. I’ve been trying to eat a really healthy diet, well most of the time and have had a flu jab(although that has mad me feel like a bag of s**t this week). I think I will start some sort of supplement but not sure which yet. Might start with the manuka honey again too.
Hi all
You may find the BCC ‘Complementary therapies’ publication helpful to read regarding some of your queries about supplements, you can order/download a copy here:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/health-wellbeing/complementary-therapies-bcc55
Best wishes
Lucy
Zinc is a good one to take with the selinium ace tesco supplement. They r on 3 for 2 at the moment. Echinacea is best taken for a few weeks at a time rather than continually. Something called Sambucol available from health food shops or some Boots is a good immune booster. It’s basically elder berry extract, a bit like elder rob if u.ve ever had that. U can make ur own if ur so inclined and can get hold of some elder berries. A good laugh is also supposed to boost ur immunity,
Hope this helps,
Herbi
Hi herbidacious is right you should only take Echinacea for a 3/4 weeks because although it does give your immune system a boost if you take it for too long it can increase your white blood count. However as a boost it is very good.
Redoxin (or own brand equivalent) Vitamin C and Zinc is also very good to help fend off colds and flu. The week before my op my hubby went down with a really bad cold I took Redoxin in the morning and a teaspoon of Manuka honey in warm water before bed and managed to ward it off.
The thing is it is all trial and error as we all react differently to these things.
Jean x
Hi all
The Sloane Kettering Memorial Cancer Centre website is really good on all this stuff. It tells you about the research on things and its interaction with drugs and possible side effects.
This is a link to echinacea:
mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69209.cfm
This is a really good article generally on the immune system and what can boost it etc from Harvard Medical School
health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/how-to-boost-your-immune-system.htm
Elinda x
Probably stating the obvious here so apologies in advance - a lot of germs are transmitted by the hands too so keep things like an alco-gel or antiseptic wipes to hand in case you need to clean your hands but don’t have access to a bathroom. Elinda x
Thaat’s all helpful folks. Good reminder about the gel! And laughter… I made me remember that there is also evidence that feeling loved boots the immune system… so if we are aware of being loved, that helps, and if we don’t feel loved at the moment, to remember ourselves, imagine ourselves back in a place where we DID feel loved and safe… Mind and body are amazing things… Thanks again… Jane