Any truth to DP's theory. . .

[willow5]

'Healthy people get sicker when they get sick' . . .Really? WDYT?

So I've been knocked flat with a NASTY virus for the past week. I'm only just starting to feel better now on about day 8, but still not 100%

I had to see the doc to get a certificate she asked if DS3 had had it too. I told her he had the cough and cold but didn't seem to have the full on general feeling of misery and pain. She commented he probably wasn't as sick because he's still BFing.


So yesterday DP says he isn't BFing so why has he only got a bit of a sniffle? Then said it must be because I'm too healthy, compared to him who really doesn't watch what he eats, eg: loads of sugar, fat and junk all the time, smokes and is generally unhealthy.

Has anyone ever heard of this theory or is DP trying to make me feel ridiculous for trying to be healthy?

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

I suppose that healthier people wouldn't normally get sick, because of a healthier immune system. So it takes something bigger than normal to get through, y'know?

[Astrid]

DH disproves that statement. When he gets sick it is never just a cold, it becomes a chest infection etc. The rest of us, just have a cold. He is not the healthiest man around.

[Phteven]

I think the reverse is true - healthy people recover faster and are less likely get complications from a minor illness.
It is possible that your DH has contracted the virus before so his immune system already has some resistance to it.

[LionsandBears]

Absolute nonsense. Healthy eating, exercise etc all act to improve your immune system.
Things to take into account why one person gets sick and another doesnt include:
1) basic constitution. Some people are born with a strong constitution and it takes a lot to knock them out
2) sleep. Sleep is one of the best healers. If your DH is getting more sleep than you then he is less likely to get sick. That has to be good quality sleep too
3) stress. Number one killer of your immune system. Increases with sleep deprivation. Mental health plays a part too
4) the definition of "healthy" is often wrong. Low-fat, low-sugar is not necessarily good for you. Good fats including butter are healthy and depriving the body of these essential nutrients can lower the immune system
5) pregnancy & breast-feeding takes an enormous about of essential nutrients from a woman's body and it takes a while to rebuild the stores. Whilst BF can be protective, the nutrient drain can deplete you. When they say a pregnant woman needs to eat for two, it means consume the nutrients for 2 not the volume. That keeps going whilst nursing
6) underlying issues can affect health. Gut health is something I'm learning about, as the effect of gut flora on overall health is extraordinary, from dental health to feet ailments

Keep your fluids up, eat lots of meat soups, preferably made from bone stock, get some early nights, have baths with epson salts and take a probiotic. These will all help boost your system while it's fighting infection.

[trishalishous]

I agree that it takes more to get through to a healthy person. Im rarely sick, but if I am, its nasty.

[krysalyss]

I think he is probably just trying to justify his own choices.