Chiropractic Adjustments and Immunity
Did you know that getting a single chiropractic adjustment can boost your immune system function by up to 300%? We may not be able to completely prevent sickness as these cold winter months approach, but we can certainly help decrease the chances and lessen the severity of illness.
Our bony spine protects our spinal cord, which is like a highway our brain uses to communicate with the rest of our body. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the body is innervated by nerves that branch off of the spinal cord. When a segment of your spine is misaligned, it can cause nervous system stress and dysfunction, and depending on where the misalignment is, different parts of the body can be affected, including those that influence our immunity.
Getting your spine checked to make sure your vital immune organs are getting proper nerve supply is an especially good idea as cold and flu season approaches. However, getting adjusted isn’t the only way you can help keep yourself healthy this flu season!
Other ways to stay healthy include…
Making sure your diet is high in fruits and vegetables is another great way to make sure your immune system is functioning at its maximum potential. Citrus fruits, turmeric, garlic, and leafy greens all contain vital nutrients that help keep us healthy. Getting enough sleep (7+ hours a night) is also essential to keep your immune system functioning at its highest. Exercise is also a great immunity booster, as it causes immune boosting substances to be released in the body.
Getting enough vitamin D is also a key component to staying healthy. While getting outside and being in the sun is a great source of this key vitamin, even those who spend time outside are often still deficient. Other good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like tuna and salmon, whole eggs, and a cod liver oil supplement. Vitamin D can also be found in the supplement aisle of most grocery stores (look for a label that says cholecalciferol or D3).
Listening to your body, and giving it what it needs are the best things you can do for yourself to maintain your health and keep immunity high. Getting proper chiropractic care, proper sleep, good nutrition, exercise and getting outside are all great things for both children and adults to do to stay healthy this season!