Staying Well with Chiropractic Care

Bottom Line: Back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Maybe that’s how you discovered chiropractic care. The research supporting chiropractic adjustments as the top choice to reduce pain and increase function for those body signals is overwhelming. But, what’s even more exciting is the research showcasing how chiropractic adjustments may be able to do much more. Emerging research has begun to show that chiropractic care can impact your immune system, helping it function at a higher level.  In other words, chiropractic care may not only be able to help you get well, but it also may be able to help you stay well!

Why it Matters: Recent research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can reduce the production of inflammatory mediators. With less inflammatory mediators you feel better, with less pain. Why does it matter? Well, inflammation, and the creation of inflammatory mediators is part of your immune system.  The autonomic nervous system is made up of two divisions- the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The parasympathetic nervous system is in charge of rest and recovery. Your sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight or flight response. When your sympathetic nervous system is activated, your immune system isn’t able to rest and recover very well. Recently, new research indicated that chiropractic adjustments can reduce sympathetic nerve activity. When your stress response is lowered, your immune system can better fight off sickness.

- Adjustments can reduce inflammatory mediators, which can provide pain relief

- Research has shown adjustments to decrease our sympathetic nerve activity

- Relaxation of neck tension after an adjustment is common, helping you feel better

Next Steps: Many people start chiropractic care to get their life back from pain. But, preliminary research has shown that adjustments may have an impact on your immune function as well. Patients frequently tell us that since the start of their chiropractic care they get sick less often, and it looks as though the research is starting to prove it. If you have a friend or loved one who seems to get sick quite often, take this study and share it with them. It may be their first step towards a healthier immune system!

Science Source:

Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation: potential role of substance P. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. September 1991

Spinal Manipulative Therapy Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines but Not Substance P Production in Normal Subjects. January 2006

Interleukin 2-regulated in vitro antibody production following a single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects. Chiropractic & Osteopathy. September 2010

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

Move Your Way to a Better Immune System

Bottom Line: The simplest way to boost your immunity? Exercise! Fortunately, you don’t need to be a marathon runner to take advantage of the benefits of exercise. By taking a daily walk or following a simple exercise routine, you can feel better, more energized, and strengthen your immune system. If you work at a desk, it can be a little more challenging to stay active during the day. Use a standing desk or take a brisk walk during your lunch break to stay healthier and feel more energized throughout the day.

Why it Matters: Exercise and movement can increase our immunity in many different ways. First, when we exercise, blood pumps through our body at a rapid rate. This helps white blood cells be absorbed into our body tissues more rapidly. White blood cells are an essential part of our immune system that fights disease. Also, exercising can reduce our stress hormones and stimulate the release of endorphins- helping you feel great! Finally, when we exercise and break a sweat, our body temperature rises. The increase in our body temperature can help fight infection and prevent bacteria from growing, similar to how a fever works.

- Exercise helps white blood cells circulate more rapidly to fight illness

- Movement of our body slows down the release of stress hormones

- Our body temperature rises during exercise which can help prevent bacteria from growing and fight infection

Next Steps: It’s stressful to be sick. So we encourage you to be proactive. By simply taking a walk during your lunch break, you can start preventing illness while strengthening your immune system. What’s even more exciting? A recent health survey found over 60% of the participants reported fewer colds since they began their exercise routine. Now that’s what I call a smart decision for your health.

Science Source:

Medline Plus. Exercise and Immunity. 2017

American College of Sports Medicine: "Exercise and the Common Cold." 2017

Harvard Health Publishing. Exercising to Relax. February 2011

GETTING SICK IS…NORMAL?

Bottom Line: Believe it or not, getting sick is a body signal that your immune system is working! Yes, you read that correctly. Every single day you encounter bacteria that could make you sick. Fortunately, when you come into contact with these germs, your immune system kicks in and starts fighting them off without you ever knowing. On rare occasions, when your immune system isn’t functioning at 100%, your body will give you a signal- like a fever or a runny nose, that sickness may be on the way. But, what if there was research showcasing how you could make a few simple changes and not only decrease your likelihood of getting sick, but also strengthen your immune system?

Why it Matters: You probably know someone who almost never gets sick. Are they built with a superhuman immune system? Probably not. Most people who rarely get sick are taking pro-active steps to keep their immune system in tip-top shape. And when your immune system is functioning correctly- it can fight off almost anything that it comes in contact with. By making smart choices with your diet, staying active, and getting enough rest, you can ensure your immune system remains strong. Also, emerging research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can also improve our ability to stay well!

- Eat a healthy diet of vegetables and lean meats to boost your immune system

- Exercise daily to help your body (and mind) stay strong

- Stay adjusted to decrease stress and improve your overall well-being

Next Steps: February is the perfect time of year to take a few action steps and boost your immune system. A robust immune system will help you stay healthy and active, enjoying the things you love with the people you love.  And don’t forget to attend our upcoming health workshop where we will give you a custom-tailored plan to boost your immunity in 21 days!

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

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

Foods to Fight Colds

Bottom Line: Snowstorms, wind that cuts right through your coat, and a lack of available sunlight. Ah, the joys of winter! For many of us, winter means more time indoors, and a higher likelihood that we circulate germs that could cause us to become sick. When your ill, food is the last thing on your mind. Everything seems unappetizing when your nose is clogged, and you can’t taste a thing. But, by making healthy food choices, you can become stronger and speed up your recovery. Also, by maintaining a healthy diet, you can strengthen your immune system and perhaps even get sick less often.

Why it Matters: You’ve heard it before, but it’s true. Food is the fuel for your body. So give your digestive system a break and be sure to eat easily digestible, nutrition-dense foods. It will help your immune system stay strong. Here are a few ideas to get started.

- Bone broth contains minerals that can boost your immune system

- Probiotics found in yogurt can improve your sleep, digestion, and immunity

- Lean meats, especially those with omega-3 fatty acids, can reduce inflammation

Next Steps: A little planning can go a long way. Most of the time, we make poor choices when we are in a rush, or unprepared. And this often results in stopping by a restaurant or taking out food on the run.  Create a simple calendar highlighting your meals for the week. Healthy home-cooked meals will not only strengthen your immune system, but it can also help you save money!

Science Source:

Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. Chest. Oct 2000

Probiotics and immune health. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. Oct 2011

Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Dec 2002