Chiropractic Care and the Immune System

Cold and flu season is upon us once again. In addition to eating right, exercising, and getting a flu shot, what else can you do to prevent ailments this season? Get adjusted!

The reason? Adjustments affect your autonomic nervous system which, among other things, controls your lymphoid organs such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus. These organs in turn, control your immune response. Specific adjustments have been shown to increase the number of white blood cells (neutrophils) which combat diseases.  Other effects of autonomic regulation via spinal adjustments include lowering blood pressure, relieving anxiety, and reducing inflammatory cytokines and pain. Chiropractic adjustments do not treat these conditions directly; they address and remove spinal dysfunctions that are interfering with your nervous system and encourages a cascade of reactions that allow your body to defend itself and heal.

Once you have had an adjustment, it is important to make sure your diet is up to par so that you give your body the nutrients it needs. If you don't have the proper building blocks, or if your are eating foods that are immune compromising (sugar), you will not be able to defend from illness nearly as well.

Eating refined sugar essentially "turns off" your immune system, or at least impairs its function for up to 3 hours after you eat it. So while it is ok every once in awhile, make sure you're not eating refined sugar regularly, and especially don't eat it if you are already sick or feeling down as it will further weaken your immune system.

Aim to get at least 7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Get a variety of fruit and veggies including citrus fruits, berries, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, and others that are good sources of vitamins and nutrients including vitamin C and E, beta carotene, and zinc.

Of course, make sure you get at least 30 minutes of movement a day and adequate sleep to keep you feeling healthy and happy now and all year long.