I Keep On Getting Colds

DEAR ASK THE DOCTOR: I seem to get colds quite often, sometimes only minor colds but they keep coming back. Could this be something to do with my diet or daily routine? I work long hours from 10am until 9pm and usually eat dinner around 9pm. Are there any foods which I should be avoiding, or could I be anaemic? Thanks for your time.

DEAR WILL: Thank you for your enquiry. It is certainly true that people who are generally run down will find themselves more open to coughs, colds and simple viral infections. Your working pattern and dietary habits suggest this may be true in your case, and although I realise there is often little that can be done practically to alter this - your job is your job - you might want to consider some simple supplementary changes to help here.

These include taking high dose Vitamin C (1g) daily as well as using courses of echinacea - a natural supplement that does seem very effective at boosting the immune system if taken in short bursts (for four to six weeks at a time only). If you smoke, stop and do not drink too much alcohol - however tempting at the end of a long day!

These tips alone are probably enough to help you here - good luck.