The snow is back. And unfortunately, colds and sickness are making a strong comeback too. How many of your coworkers and peers have been sniffling and coughing over the last few weeks? If you’re lucky, you too haven’t fallen ill yet. But if you’re feeling drained lately, you may find yourself surrounded by Kleenexes too! In addition to handwashing, there is an immunity health formula you can follow to increase your immune health this holiday season. It consists of exercise, hydration, sleep, and chiropractic care!
The Immunity Health Formula: Exercise
Regular physical exercise is one of the pillars of healthy living. It improves cardiovascular health and lowers blood pressure. Regular exercise also helps control body weight and protects against a variety of diseases. But does it help to boost your immune system naturally and keep it healthy?
Just like a healthy diet, exercise can contribute to the general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation. This of which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently.
Hydration Helps
How often do you hear the advice to drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water throughout your day? The importance of drinking water cannot be emphasized enough given its endless benefits to your immunity. You can start by simply drinking enough water. Especially if you feel like you might be getting sick. Water helps to carry oxygen to your body cells, which results in properly functioning systems. It also works in removing toxins from the body. Drinking more of it could help prevent toxins from building up and having a negative impact on your immune system.
You can also take a cold glass of water to the next level by adding lemon. The health benefits of lemon water are plentiful. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which is known to boost the immune system, prevent disease, fight the common cold and protect cells. Water with lemon juice squeezed in may also help digestion and aid in detoxification.
The Sleep Component
It’s not exactly hard to prove the importance of sleep. If you’ve ever pulled an all-nighter, you can attest to that! Every single one of us should be getting an appropriate amount of sleep each night. It’s crucial to our health, as we need it to retain information and learn the skills necessary to thrive. A lack of sleep can even affect your immune system. Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. And lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.
During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you’re under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease the production of these protective cytokines. In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don’t get enough sleep.
Chiropractic Care and Boosting Your Immune System
Most people are aware of the benefits of chiropractic care for back and neck care. However, there are many other advantages of adding it to your wellness routine. Our immune system is the body’s line of defense to fight viral and bacterial infections. The immune system relies on many factors in order to maintain optimal health including nutrition, exercise, posture, being well-rested, and having a healthy spine.
Our nervous system runs through the spine. And it works with the immune system in order for the body to adapt to various conditions and heal appropriately when required. Spinal misalignments can cause neural dysfunctions. These are stressful to the body and can lead to a weak immune response. Chiropractic adjustments have shown to boost the immune system as it affects stress and hormone levels. It also increases lymphocytes and natural killer cells. And last but not least, it prevents inflammation.
Let Zock Chiropractic Help This Sick Season!
A single adjustment could help to start boosting your immune system. And could help you cope better with stress. Not to mention you’ll feel better too! Chiropractic care may be a great addition to your wellness routine. Just like proper nutrition and regular exercise can keep your muscles strong and mind sharp, regular adjustments can keep your immune system heightened. Contact us to schedule an introductory session and get your immune system in tip-top shape!
* This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.