Thank goodness for the immune system! Did you know, you encounter bacteria that could make you sick each and every day? Your immune system is fighting to keep you healthy 24/7, and when it’s not at 100%, you’ll get a signal – like a runny nose – that sickness may be on the way. No one wants to be sick, and recent research indicates that some simple changes may help strengthen your immune system and keep you from getting sick.

Most people who rarely get sick, take proactive steps to keep their immune system in tip-top shape so it can fight off what it needs to. By making smart choices like those here, you can ensure your immune system remains strong!

Nutrition: Eat this, not that!

Food fuels your body, and, especially when you’re sick, it’s important to give your digestive system a break by eating easily digestible, nutrient-dense foods. You’ll recover faster, and your immune system will become stronger. Those same healthy foods that help you recover faster can keep you feeling and functioning better all year round too. Create a simple meal calendar and emphasize healthy, home-cooked meals which will strengthen your immune system (and possibly save you money!).

Here are a few ideas to get started…

• Start with bone broth soup. It contains minerals that can help boost your immune system.
• Consider adding probiotics that can help improve your sleep, digestion, and overall immunity.
• Stick to veggies, berries and grass-fed meats (especially those with omega-3 fatty acids) which can help reduce any nagging inflammation.

Exercise: Get a daily dose to boost your immunity

A recent health survey found that 60% of participants reported fewer colds since they began their exercise routine. By carving out time to be active, you can feel better, more energized, and strengthen your immune system. Skip the stress of being sick this year by being proactive; take a brisk walk during your lunch break, use a standing desk at work and take the stairs. An active routine will allow you to stay healthier and feel more energized overall.

So just what are the added benefits of breaking a sweat? Read on…

• Exercise gets our blood pumping more rapidly, which helps white blood cells circulate more rapidly to better fend off illness.
• Increased activity levels can slow down the release of stress hormones and stimulate the release of endorphins.
• Higher body temperatures driven by exercise can help prevent bacteria from growing and aid the immune system in fighting infection.

Chiropractic Adjustments: Feel AND function better each day

The first thought many people have when suffering with back or neck pain is “better go the chiropractor,” because, as research shows, chiropractic adjustments are one of the best ways to relive that pain. However, research also shows us that those same adjustments may be able to do much MORE – namely, positively impact your immune system and help it function at a higher level.

Relaxation of neck tension after an adjustment is common, which leads many to feel less stressed overall. That matters because when your stress response is lowered, your immune system can better fight off sickness. Here’s why…

• Inflammation, the normal response of a compromised immune system, can increase sympathetic nerve activity.
• Your sympathetic nervous system is responsible for your stress (fight or flight) response.
• When your sympathetic nervous system is activated, it inhibits your immune system, meaning you aren’t able to rest and recover very well.

Make this one of your healthiest years yet! Less pain. Less stress. Better overall function. So many of our patients tell us that since the start of their care, they get sick less often. Start taking proactive steps to boost your immune system today. A robust immune system will help you stay healthy, stay active, and keep enjoying the things you love with the people you love.

If you know someone who seems to get sick quite often, share this information with them. It may be their first step towards a healthier immune system!

Science Source: Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Dec 2002 | Medline Plus. Exercise and Immunity. 2017 | American College of Sports Medicine: “Exercise and the Common Cold.” 2017 | Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017