Chiropractic Can Boost Your Immune System During Cold & Flu Season
No matter how frequently you wash your hands or how much you bundle up, you’re still susceptible to the plague of cold and flu season. In fact, unexpected factors like late nights and general holiday stress also increase your chance of illness during the winter months. Fortunately, chiropractic care may help get your immune system into fighting shape this year.
The Connection Between the Spine and the Immune System
As you may know, your nervous system, in connection with your brain, is the driving force for every cell, tissue and organ in your body. This system acts as the main catalyst for both endocrine system (hormones) and immune system which work in tandem to quickly resolve inflammation and illness.
To ensure peak function throughout the body, the nervous system carries messages to and from the brain when something has gone awry and sends signals to initiate the appropriate response. However, misalignments in the spine, or subluxations, negatively impact the ability of the nerves to communicate with the brain. In turn, you may experience trouble fighting off infection due to the decreased capability of the nervous system.
Chiropractic Adjustments for Immune Health
Through chiropractic care, we aim to boost your immune system and overall wellness by properly aligning your spine and restoring function throughout your body. When your nerves are uninhibited, your immune system can effectively communicate with your brain at the first sign of illness and send back-up in the form of lymphocytes, phagocytes, antibodies and more.
Preliminary studies show that spinal manipulation may increase bodily levels of immune system components as soon as 15 minutes after adjustment. Research also supports that chiropractic care improves blood circulation, which enhances your body’s ability to heal itself from sickness or injury.
Other Steps for Fighting Off Illness
Aside from the general precautions taken during cold and flu season, changing your everyday habits may also protect you from illness this year. Here’s how you can keep your body in top form when you’re not on the chiropractic table.
- Get enough sleep – Your body uses your time at rest to fight off infection that may be building in the body. More than that, lack of sleep can influence illness on its own.
- Lower your stress – High levels of stress suppress your immune system and make you more likely to fall ill after exposure to common germs. Finding time to reduce stress through massage therapy or meditation may benefit you more than you know this winter.
- Eat healthier – The vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables, like vitamin C for instance, support your immune system against disease and heightens your potential to fight back should you start to feel under the weather.
Taking steps to boost your immune system through chiropractic care may reduce the number of sick days your family takes this year. We want you to live a healthier life through all seasons, starting with your physical health. Before we enter the thick of cold and flu season, stop into Total Body Chiropractic & Massage for a visit and an extra immune system boost.