Dr. Roach: Do supplements boost immunity?
Key Points:
- Frequent illness in nursing students exposed to hospital environments is common despite good hygiene, and multivitamins or supplements do not effectively boost immunity; maintaining balanced immune function is crucial.
- Adequate sleep, regular exercise, and self-care are more beneficial for immune health than supplements, while repeated infections might warrant evaluation for rare immunodeficiencies.
- Premature gray hairs in the early 20s are often genetically determined and influenced by ancestry, with factors like obesity and smoking potentially causing earlier graying.
- Post-hip replacement balance issues and fear of falling are common and may improve gradually with muscle strengthening and coordination exercises; persistent problems should be assessed by specialists.
- Patients struggling with recovery or balance after surgery should consider reevaluation by neurologists or physiatrists to rule out other causes and ensure appropriate treatment.