Is it really possible to "build up your immune system"

I don’t have a car and I don’t have central heating I do think we coddle up too much and rush to take too many tablets (I don’t mean people with real illnesses who need script drugs) so far I haven’t had any colds this year and usually throw them off quickly if I do get one

I agree with ethel. There is evidence that Vitamin D boosts the immune system & as it's very difficult to make enough in the winter months, taking a supplement seems a good idea.
Hope you’re better soon biker.

so maybe there is some truth that yes we can help ourselves... I suppose its taking action through the year rather than a small window in winter...food for thought.

biker, my (good) GP recommended I take a combined vitamin c and zinc tablet to support my challenged immune system. It may be luck but I've avoided awful bugs this past couple of years. I've had the colds and 48 hour bugs people get but non of those debilitating illnesses that go on and on.

GrannyKnot I totally agree with you...I have friends who are in their 80s and late 80s they go swimming at least 3/4 times a week , one has never had a car therefore walks miles and miles each week, goes Linedancing twice a week and they are wonderful.

Alex natural way sounds good..........but would find the last sentence difficult to achieve but can see where your coming from

I have found since i started taking vitamin d. I have got rid of colds quicker. I have a cold at the minute but it has not yet turned into a chest infecton as usual in the winter.

To build up your immune system in a natural general way ie. not artifically by injections or living in a bubble:

Rest and exercise in the proper amounts.

Good general diet including enough water.

Feel good enough about yourself . Freedom from guilt and excessive remorse.

Biker I know this won't work for you, but I have a friend who is well in his 80s, and he swims every morning summer and winter. He claims that the cold water shock makes his immune system strong. I do believe that cold water aids circulation, which in turn perhaps has other good effects.

I do think you can build your strength up. Whether by vitamins, I'm not sure...

I did buy some high strength cod liver oil...spent most of the bext day on the loo hmmm....may have been coincidence. not tried garlic.

garlic pearls are great for stopping colds etc ,you have to take them every day though ,not just when you feel run down