Immune system and weight loss

Getitoffmenow

I have been told by my doctor that my immune system is very bad. I have a kind of skin condition that should have gone away with treatment but it keeps coming back. He says it is probably stress/anxiety that are affecting my immune system (I have an anxiety disorder that I monitor closely and treat with a psychiatrist's care). I also have experience two complete collapses of my immune system each requiring 6 weeks treatment in a hospital in isolation. I am not The Boy in the Bubble, but I do seem to have more troubles than other people. He said under no circumstances am I to attempt to lose weight as it will further compromise my immune system.

I am 49 years old and really tired of being 50 pounds overweight. I can't help but think I would feel better and BE better if I even lost half the weight, or even a fourth of it.

So far I have cut out all snacking on cookies and chocolate. In the last three months I have lost 5 kilos.

What I am looking for is a eating system that will give me the best chance of boosting my immune system and losing weight slowly.

Thanks,

Kate

Givemewings

I think the best way for you is probably just to try to eat more healthily and not over the recommended calorie intake for your weight/height/gender etc. Also exercise. This could just be walking. I have found brisk walking great. I have had problems with a low immune system over the last few years. Nothing like as serious as your problem but I just keep coming down with viruses and I have had enough. I am sure that it is partly due to the fact that I am overweight and was not eating very healthily. So I decided to make a change. I am only part way there, but the healthier eating and the exercise are making me feel fantastic. I know that my body is benefitting. You can see it in my skin and my body, and I haven't been ill since I started a month ago. MFP has been a revelation for me. Everyone here is so supportive.
I am not a doctor of course, but I fail to see how eating more healthily and doing some exercise could compromise your health further. Feel free to friend me if you would like some support. Good luck!

pinksherbert

I am no expert, but the raw food diets claim to help get your body back into balance - can reverse diabetes, etc.

Personally, I find that kind of regime too restrictive and prefer to eat clean when I am focussing on my health, but it sounds like you are in a position where only change will help, so maybe this could work for you.

Just eat 3 healthy, good meals a day, cut out snacks and focus on your health. The weight will come off, but you should remember to prioritise your health over weight loss. (They also say that having this attitude is the first step to keeping the weight off, rather than losing it and putting it back on again).

Good luck and get well.

kcampisi

Consider a anti-oxidants/phytonutrients rich diet- AKA anti-inflammatory. Get the processed food out and the whole food in. Cooked foods are best to avoid contamination/illness or infection. You will feel better and the skin condition will improve. Always consult you doctor before staring any dietary regimen and ask to see a dietitian who can help you work though the process.
Good luck :0):smile:

Deeders

I found the book "Super Immunity: The Essential Nutrition Guide" by Joel Fuhrman - I read an article in the magazine "First" dated 11/21/11 stating you could loose 43 pounds by Christmas... so it intriged me, but this diet is used to HELP prevent and possibly shrink CANCER, they found that people on the diet did just that PLUS THEY LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT.... My Mom was diagnosed with stage 3C Ovarian cancer 4-1/2 years ago and her prognosis is not good, just maintenance Chemo until she passes.... her chances to make it more then 5 years is only 5% and they have now given her the quality of life speech....so my brother, sister and myself went on the diet to encourage her to fight longer and see if this helps. I have been on it for only 5 days and down 7 pounds, love the food.... I got her to finally start 2 days ago and she is feeling better already, even while taking Chemo treatments...... The only thing is I wish we would have known about this diet 4-1/2 years ago!!! One of the woman that worked with the auther has Ovairian stage 4 and was told that she had a zero chance to make it 10 years and she was diagnosed 15 years ago....

Roni_M

I have two auto-immune diseases. It's kind of the opposite of your issue though. My immune system is overactive and attacks my own cells. With any chronic illness you should keep your doctor advised of changes in your diet. I wonder if your doctor meant you were not to attempt a "diet" such as some of the really restrictive diets out there that completely eliminate one thing or another? I would imagine he would encourage you to eat healthy and if side effects are weight lose that would be fine. Perhaps he would be willing to refer you to a nutritionist? They can be very helpful and let you know specific foods that help with certain conditions.

I hope you are able to find a solution!

Deeders

Actually this diet has no restrictions but on refine carb and sugars, and limit amounts of animal protien and keep fats to healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, flax seed and olive oils, you are to eat lots of veggies and fruit, whole grains and plant and fish based protiens