Every person’s body comes equipped with an amazing immune system comprised of little soldiers created with the specific purpose of being vigilant against foreign invaders in the form of germs and disease. The location of an invader triggers a set of hormones to call specific white blood cell fighters to crash the scene and destroy the unwelcome presence. The process occurs without the conscious awareness of the human body. The immune system operates through a series of constant ongoing procedures that take place without thought or human instruction. The entire fascinating process of health, healing, and restoration occurs under the guidance and direction of the autonomic nervous system.

Evidence proves that Chiropractic care improves the function of the autonomic nervous system through gentle adjustments which increase movement in the spine and balance communication between the brain and nervous system. The adjustments empower the autonomic processes by reducing stress in the nervous system. The outcome leads to improved hormone balance that guides immune function and results in better health.

Research from 2010 showed that patients receiving Chiropractic adjustments increased a specific signaling molecule in the body called Interleukin-2. Interleukin-2 regulates the activities of white blood cells responsible for immunity, a key component of the body’s natural response to microbial infection. Interleukin-2 also helps the body recognize and create specific responses that neutralize foreign invaders. This protein molecule existed at higher rates in people who received a chiropractic spinal adjustment in comparison to people who did not.

The primary focus of a Chiropractic adjustment does not target the immune system or a specific symptom or condition. The increased health function from an adjustment simply serves as an example of an outcome that takes place after removing interference from the nervous system. The static in the nervous system lines decreases when the spine becomes better aligned and mobile. While other health professions attempt to change the environment to suit a weakened body, Chiropractic focuses on strengthening the body to suit all naturally occurring environments.

Four methods of improving long term immunity include:

1) Staying on track with adjustments to keep the autonomic nervous system balanced

2) Making sure to get adequate amounts of Vitamin D (a major immune booster)

3) Adding 30-60 minutes of sleep to a normal routine (inadequate sleep plummets immunity)

4) Replacing sugary drinks and snacks with more nutritious choices (sugar drains immunity)

The post CHIROPRACTIC: The Ultimate Remedy During Cold and Flu Season first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Sleep Tight

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again: Quality sleep is critical for good health! While the right amount of sleep for each person varies, aim for at least seven hours of high quality sleep each night. When you pull late nights or sleep fitfully on a regular basis, you actually weaken your immune system. In fact, studies have revealed that three nights of low quality sleep can drop your immune system function by 60 percent. Create an optimal sleeping environment: put your phone or alarm clock at least 3 feet away from your body, keep TVs and other screens out of the room and set the nighttime temperature between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Say Namaste

Or sing aloud to a blasting radio or schedule an evening out with friends—whatever you do to relieve stress! Chronic stress is just plain bad for your body—and that includes your immune system. The Mayo Clinic states that the stress hormone, cortisol, changes immune system responses, and the American Psychological Association has an entire field, psychoneuroimmunology, devoted to learning more about the link between the mind and health. Make sure you are regularly relieving stress; if you’re dealing with chronic stress, seek out further recommendations from a wellness care provider.

Move Your Body

The cold and cozy months of the year might inspire you to curl up and hibernate, but studies show that remaining active can prevent you from being under the weather. In 2006, The American Journal of Medicine published a study that found that moderate-intensity exercise on a regular basis resulted in fewer upper respiratory tract infections and other infections in participants. Take a brisk walk in the evening, hit the gym in the morning or find a regimen of at-home exercises to do. The extra time and effort now will help prevent time wasted on the couch with a pile of tissues!

Dose of D

We don’t want to be a broken record, but please pay attention to your Vitamin D intake! Research has shown a link between weakened immune response and Vitamin D deficiencies. While it can be harder to get vitamin D in the fall and winter (its natural source is the sun), you can get your dose of D from egg yolks, beef, Swiss cheese, fatty fish and shiitake mushrooms, full-spectrum light therapy and trusted supplements.

Ditch the sugar

Sugar has been catching a lot of flak lately, but there’s good cause for concern and one of them is immune suppression—and this isn’t new. Four decades ago, a study was published by researchers from Loma Linda University, which demonstrated a change in the white blood cells’ ability to kill germs after participants consumed a large amount of sugar. In addition, further research links sugar to inflammation, and this includes white breads and pastas which quickly break down into sugar in the body.

If you follow these basic guidelines above along with regular chiropractic adjustments to increase the function of your nervous system that drive immune system function and staying hydrated, you will give your body a fighting chance to stave off the cold/flu naturally.  More and more people are moving away from the “traditional” treatment for the flu and colds and opting for a more natural approach to health and wellness.  If you have any questions, please give us a call at 918-940-4630 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ring.

The post How Can I Prevent the Flu and Colds From Getting Me Down? first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.