Help! Need Immune System Advice

Porcelaine22

I have been using Skinnymetea tea detox for 2 weeks as of yesterday but was diagnosed with Shingles nearly a week ago when a painful rash appeared all across my stomach and back on one side. I had been feeling tingling pains in the area for 4 or 5 days before the diagnosis on Saturday of last week.

Having now seen 2 Doctors and read countless pieces of info on the internet about Shingles I have come to the conclusion that the cause of my Shingles, suggested to be due to low immune system caused by tiredness or stress is probably more likely caused by the detox.

Can anyone shed any light on this or more importantly any methods on how to increase my immune system best with any supplements or particular foods they can recommend? I would be extremely grateful.

Also, I know this will sound ridiculous to some of you, but despite my illness I would still like to complete the last 2 weeks of my detox....so if any of you have similar experiences and would be able to offer advice I will owe you big time! xxx thanks xxx

JustJennie1

How come you didn't ask your doctor these questions when you were diagnosed?

angiewf

echinacea is meant to be good for the immune system. If your detox is causing you to miss out on vital nutrients it's probably not a good idea to continue. Shingles is caused by the herpes virus which also causes chickenpox and cold sores, and low vitality/immune system are likely to make you more susceptible.

Porcelaine22

How come you didn't ask your doctor these questions when you were diagnosed?

The Doctor just gave me a course of anti-viral drugs and told me that the best thing was to rest. They didnt at any point question if i was stressed/tired etc etc.

I have just been trying to work out what could possibly have caused it to appear because I don't really get ill (touch wood) and I havn't felt particularly tired or stressed in any way lately.

I might still not have hit the nail on the head but I am curious if this is the actual problem as I was unsure of using a detox that had a laxitive element in the first place and it looks like I was right to be unsure.....

Porcelaine22

echinacea is meant to be good for the immune system. If your detox is causing you to miss out on vital nutrients it's probably not a good idea to continue. Shingles is caused by the herpes virus which also causes chickenpox and cold sores, and low vitality/immune system are likely to make you more susceptible.

Thank you, I will look into getting some echinacea. I think you are right... I think the detox will have to stop unfortunately.

Rosplosion

Pretty sure some people will think I'm insane, but try rubbing the affected area with coconut oil. My ex MIL had shingles and that worked for her. There's lots of info about it online.

Pinkranger626

Honestly, I don't believe in detox. Most of those products haven't been fully tested and sometimes have been found to cause adverse affects later on. Your body is really very good at detoxifying itself as long as you have a fully functioning liver, kidneys, and stomach. If you're really looking to build your immunity the best way to do it is to eat healthfully (increase fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins etc.), get ample sleep (7-8 hours on average), and increase your activity level. Unfortunately there's no quick fix, but if you think that this detox thing is what caused your shingles I wouldn't continue (IMO). Doing anything extreme that will shock your body like that will drop your immune system's function, and things like shingles are oportunistic diseases, they sneak in when the immune system is trying to deal with the other problem.

spade117

Help! Need Immune System Advice

Don't get the hiv.

misskerouac

I just wanted to peek in and add that Vitamin C is very important for your immune system and Vitamin C is not one that you need to worry about taking too much (although it is suggested to keep it under 2000mg) because it is water soluble your body will only use what it needs and the rest is excreted through your urine. I have Auto-Immune Chronic Hives, I take 1000mg a day plus eat my fruits and veg.

allshebe

If the detox is laxative in nature, you may have to replace and feed the "good" bugs in your GI tract - "real" yogurt, other fermented foods with live organisms, probiotics. Prebiotics to feed what's still there (oatmeal?)

conniedj

A good probioitc, good enzymes, good sources of all trace minerals. I second fermented foods too! Cutting sugar (refined), and processed foods can help as well--when trying to increase immune system function through establishing a good flora in the gut. I also second rubbing coconut oil--it has natural anti-viral properties, and is very soothing for the skin. You could also eat coconut oil for these same properties! I also like to drink liquid chlorophyll in my water a few times a week--I get the mint variety.

Our bodies are so bombarded by an array of chemicals--both internally and environmentally on a daily basis. It is no wonder that chronic disease is so predominant in our society! HTH! I have heard how extremely painful shingles are, and I hope that you heal quickly!

nursespark

IMHO Unfortunately most doctors are clueless about nutrition.

conniedj

IMHO Unfortunately most doctors are clueless about nutrition.

A sad truth for sure! I know of a few that actually take an active interest in healthy eating and more holistic approaches ( I.E. Preventative Medicine), but sadly (or maybe this is the wave of the future)they don't accept insurance--are cash only.