The symptoms you are describing may benefit from consulting a Doctor or Naturopath who can perform necessary blood tests to determine any possible problems or deficiencies which may underpin your illness.
A history of repetitive infections coupled with a past history of glandular fever can suggest that your immune system is compromised. It is not uncommon to see this type of pattern when there has been a history of a virus such as glandular fever. Post viral fatigue is often seen in individuals who have had glandular fever. This fatigue coupled with the stressors of everyday life and bad diet can lead to a situation where stimulants like sugar, tea, coffee and quick energy fixes are consumed to keep the body ticking on a daily basis. This adaptation to survive leaves the body in a depleted and self compounding cycle of illness e.g more stimulants are sought which ultimately do not repair or give any real energy.
Sugar is often used by people who have nervous system challenges as a stimulant or crutch. It seems to have the effect of boosting the energy as the pure sugar converts to glucose and is used as a body fuel. The problem with this type of fuel is that it provides caloric fullness without providing the necessary nutrients and vitamins that whole foods such as fruit and vegetables and grains provide.
Processed foods like sugar also challenge the digestive and immune systems, feeding and promoting the growth of fungal and bacteria populations within the bowels which are usually kept in check. This results in the beneficial bacteria which inhabits your bowels becoming imbalanced. A healthy balance of beneficial bacteria plays a large part in the effective control and activity of the immune system. This is often why people who have a history of antibiotic use experience repetitive infections if they do not replace the bacteria with probiotics like those found in products like Inner Health or naturally fermented foods like yoghurt.
Breaking the cycle of stress, fatigue, stimulant use and immune challenges requires an approach that takes into account the larger picture. Naturopathy and similar natural therapies often are able to aid people implement the changes required.
You may wish to start supporting your nervous system and Immune system by implementing the following changes:
1. Diet: Ensure that you eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, grains and meat (or substitute). It is also important to make sure you do not skip meals. Energy from food is regulated better by regular meals. Eating foods that are considered to be complex carbohydrates rather than simple carbohydrates (sugars) will mean that the body converts the food to glucose at a slower rate. This in turn ensures there are no peaks of energy followed by slumps of fatigue. It is also useful to cut down on caffeine as this is also used by many as an energy crutch.
2. Multivitamin: Implementing a multivitamin will ensure you receive the necessary nutrients for the body to perform functions such as energy production, nervous system repair and immune support.
3. Probiotic: consider taking a quality probiotic (beneficial bacteria) supplement to aid your immune system in its repair and regulation.
4. Herbal support: There are many herbs which support the nervous and immune systems aiding them to improve their function and boosting the body's natural ability to produce energy. Discuss your individual requirements with your Naturopath.
5. Recognise stressors and triggers: Often we push ourselves hard and give our bodies little time to recoup and repair. It’s a bit like running a car without petrol but still expecting it to get you to work. You need to service and fill your car with fuel to get where you want to go. Learn to slow down, take time out and nourish yourself. This not only includes your diet but recreational time and emotional demands. Eat when relaxed and learn to laugh at yourself.