<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> I had 26 replies to my question if anyone had more colds after going GF. My question resulted in 4 other people saying that they have a similar experience - more colds now than before. But the majority have written to say that they have significantly less colds. Some gave suggestions which I will include below. ======================= Bovine Colostrum suggested to boost immune system. ------------------------------ Questions was asked - "are you eating more junk foods - even GF foods that have empty starches in them?" (Good question - but I am eating almost none.) -------------------- One suggested that when the immune system is still keyed up as a response to celiac disease, that we may get fewer colds. Another suggested that celiacs usually have overactive immune systems. ____________ Grape Seed Extract suggested - it is a powerful antioxidant. ______________ Question asked if it could actually be allergies, rather than colds. Could be - though last year my allergies were so much better. ______________ Another suggested that perhaps our immune systems get tired - after fighting various things and require time to rejuvenate. ------------------------------ If it begins in the throat, take TheraBreath throat rinse and keep the neck covered. Also Zicam homeopathic nasal gel recommended to prevent and heal colds faster. --------------------------- Suggestion also given to be careful of dairy - can affect our immune system and cause allergy reactions _______________________ Garlic suggested as an antiviral. ________________________ One stated that her colds are very infrequent since she began working out 4 times a week. When she doesn't do this, they return. ________________________ Another suggested taking Echinacea in tincture form. ___________________ Another has been better since taking less dairy, less refined carbs, no soy and also elderberry extract. _______________________ Another in telling how they have fewer colds since GF adds that they also now have no dandruff or tooth plague. _________ Another asks if I have experienced any new environmental change which might cause allergies or cold reactions? ______________ According to another: Celiacs have an overactive immune system. You don't want to "up" it any more. What happens when you take care of one medical problem then others which were sub-clinical come to the surface. Rather than trying to short cut them, ride them out so they can get out of your system. ============= (1) My son has a problem with a very weak immune system. Going GF helped only minimally. Giving up sugar & milk, except for a little goat milk kefir has helped, too. (Cow's milk causes respiratory symptoms.) But the real icing on the cake that has enabled him to go through the winter with only minor respiratory problems is a product I found at our local health food store. It's called ImmunoLin and it's made by Schiff. This is a well known national brand. I'm sure you could have any health food store that carries Schiff products order it for you or you could probably find it on line. It contains a blend of herbs, some vitamins and bovine colostrum. (2) All the major illnesses you've experienced plus the new stress of the rigors of the GF diet have likely damaged your adrenal glands. Exhausted adrenals will make you much more vulnerable to colds & flu. You might do well with some adrenal support product designed to nurture the adrenal glands back to health. I like Stress EZE made by Pheonix Nutritionals. I'd like to recommend a very good book loaded with information you won't find anywhere else -- Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome by Dr. Wilson. I've gotten a lot of help conquering my chronic fatigue from following the principles taught in this unique book. (He has a website. Just search "adrenal fatigue.") ================= End of summary * Please carefully compose your subject lines in all posts *