Q&A for How to Develop a Strong Immune System

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  • Question
    What foods don't build a strong immune system?
    David Nazarian, MD
    Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
    Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California.
    Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
    Expert Answer
    Highly-processed foods with high sugar content can negatively impact your immune system and your overall health, so avoiding these is highly recommended. In addition, any health condition can have a negative effect on your immune system. For instance, if you have a condition like diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar well-controlled.
  • Question
    How can I strengthen my immune system?
    David Nazarian, MD
    Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
    Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California.
    Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
    Expert Answer
    Eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can all boost your immune system. Avoid processed foods that have a lot of sugar since they can weaken your immune system.
  • Question
    Can any lifestyle changes boost my immune system?
    David Nazarian, MD
    Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
    Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California.
    Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
    Expert Answer
    Your immune system can be affected by everyday lifestyle choices. A well-balanced diet, exercise, and adequate amounts of sleep can all help boost your immune system.
  • Question
    Can health conditions affect your immune system?
    David Nazarian, MD
    Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
    Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California.
    Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
    Expert Answer
    Any health condition can have a negative effect on your immune system, so it’s important to make sure if you have a health condition like diabetes, your working with your doctor to keep it under control.
  • Question
    Is it possible to be born with a strong immune system? I rarely do the things in the article and I don't get sick very often.
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    Yes, it is possible. There is a growing body of evidence that genetics (the traits you are born with) play a significant role in your immunity and ability to ward off diseases.  
  • Question
    What should I do if I keep getting sick?
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    Try to eat well, exercise daily, spend time outdoors, sleep 8 hours each night, take multivitamins, avoid second hand smoke, decrease alcohol and caffeine, manage stress, and spend time with family and friends.
  • Question
    Do asthma medications weaken the immune system?
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    Yes. It is well known that asthma medication such as oral steroids weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections, especially when these medications are used long-term
  • Question
    How do I treat a sinus infection?
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    Sinus infections are treated with antibiotics. However, you should also support your immune system by resting, increased hydration, vitamin C, and healthy foods.
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