Strategies to Strengthen your Immune System

As we head into cold and flu season, with a pandemic to worry about on top of that, we should be doing everything we can to make sure our immune systems are as strong as possible. Did you know that the two major systems that control your immune system are, your nervous system and the good, friendly bacteria (probiotics) in your gut?  While taking a good quality probiotic daily is certainly recommended… how can you make your nervous system work more optimally?

Regular chiropractic check ups

Just like you service your car with oil changes and tire rotation every ~ 5,000 miles… it is wise to keep your spine and nerves ‘tuned up’ so that your nervous system functions better and communicated with you immune system organs.

Acupuncture

Per a recent Study – “favorable effects of acupuncture on the immune functions appear 72 hours after the single session and persist one month after the end of the complete treatment. Impaired immune functions in anxious women (chemotaxis, phagocytosis, lymphoproliferation and NK activity) were significantly improved by acupuncture, and augmented immune parameters (superoxide anion levels and lymphoproliferation of the patient subgroup whose values had been too high) were significantly diminished. Acupuncture brought the above mentioned parameters to values closer to those of healthy controls, exerting a modulatory effect on the immune system.”

We hear patients telling us all the time, that since getting treated by Dr. Wards – they do not get sick as often and when they do, their bodies are able to handle and fight off the infection better & quickly!

Supplements

In my opinion, and according to many medical researchers, there may be better alternatives to the flu shot.

Natural remedies for the flu include vitamins C and D, herbal supplements, probiotics and eating healthy.  As a flu preventative we are combining two products:

• Winter Balance II
• Winter Tonic Plus

These are to be taken at the same time one time per week from September to May.  If you do experience flu or cold symptoms we have the homeopathic remedy Cold & Flu with Echinacea.  Upon symptoms take 1-6 sprays orally, four times daily.  Can be taken every 15 minutes for the first 3-6 hours the first day

Helpful tips to strengthen you immune system:

• Regular Chiropractic and Acupuncture check ups.
• Eat plenty of organic veggies and fruits.
• Use homeopathic remedies to ward off colds and the flu! We like Vinco’s Cold, Flu and Echinacea, and Cell Tech’s Winter Balance and Winter Tonic.
• All Immunity starts in the tummy.  Take a good Probiotics – Gut Microbial Balance is also SO important!
• Avoid sugar (sugar is found in most processed foods).
• Avoid processed foods.  Avoid flour, and carbs,
• Exercise & walk routinely.
• Reduce stress.
• Get in sun at least 20-30 minutes per day for vitamin D3 production or take a supplement.
• Take a fish oil supplement.  90% of ones found in stores are bad (processed and come from bad fish).
• Rest.  We can not expect to go a 100mph all the time without our bodies failing eventually.  Get enough sleep, and on a good bed!

Extra tips for the kiddos:

• Elderberry syrup – It’s easy to make at home but can also be bought at a health food store.  Elderberries contain high levels of A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system
• Boost sleep time. Their little brains are working so hard, and putting out so much energy, so make sure they are getting good restful sleep.
• Washing their hands – often.
• Theives oil (by young living) on the soles of their feet daily.  We can order this inour office.
• Summer is over so their Vitamin D exposure may decrease, add 400-600 IU’s as a supplement.
• 85 % of our immune system is in the gut.  Follow a diet free of perservative, dyes, and refined sugar.  Give them more fruits and veggies!
• Probiotics – Gut Microbial Balance is also SO important! For kiddos look for Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria strains, between 5 and 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day depending on age.
• Did I metion get regular Chiropractic Adjustments?