How strong Is your Immune system?

Introduction

  • A strong immune system is the key to good health. When the immune system is weakened, we are more susceptible to colds, flus, and other issues.
  • Building a strong immune system can be one of the best defenses against infectious diseases such as the flu and other viruses.

Tips for Building a Strong Immune System

  • The immune system’s main role is to protect and fight against infection, disease, viruses, and other harmful organisms.
  • The strength of your immune system depends on the lifestyle choices you make.
  • Changes you can make immediately to enhance your immune system include:
    • Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (while avoiding processed non-nutritious foods). Foods high in antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Carotenes, and Zinc have been shown to boost immune strength
    • A daily exercise routine, preferably one that combines cardio and strength training
    • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, drinking plenty of fluids, etc.
    • Limiting stress – (especially TV news and social media stress)
    • Getting enough sleep
  • These changes can make a major difference but be sure to consult a physician before changing your diet and adding an exercise regimen to your daily routine. 

Chiropractic Care Can Boost Immunity

  • One major tenet of chiropractic is that there is a link between alignment of the spine and the body’s ability to function to its utmost potential, and this includes the immune system.
  • When the vertebrae are out of alignment, they can impinge on the ability of the nerves branching out from the spinal column to properly communicate with the brain, potentially leading to an increased risk of injury or illness.
  • By correcting the spinal misalignments that cause neural dysfunction, chiropractic care ensures that the connection between your brain and your immune systems is at its best.

Research

There has been some interesting research showing a link between spinal manipulation and the human immune system.

One study (1) published in the Chiropractic Journal of Australia reviewed all the available literature on this link, and found that chiropractic manipulation positively influenced T and B lymphocyte numbers, NK cell numbers, antibody levels, phagocytic activity, and plasma beta-endorphin levels, all of which play a role in the body’s immune response.

Another study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy (2) took a closer look at this relationship between the central nervous system and the body’s immune response by measuring immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M before and after spinal manipulation. As both of these markers are thought to play a role in immune response, higher levels could indicate a connection between a spinal adjustment and a positive effect on the body’s immune response. The researchers looked at 74 healthy subjects who were randomly assigned to receive spinal manipulation with cavitation, spinal manipulation without cavitation, or a control group. The levels of both antibodies were significantly increased in both groups of subjects who received spinal manipulation.

The researchers concluded that spinal manipulation positively increased the body’s immune response.

References

(1) Allen JM. (1993). The effects of chiropractic on the immune system: A review of the literature. Chiropractic Journal of Australia, 23(4), 132-135.

(2) Teodorczyk-Injeyan JA, McGregor M, Ruegg R, Injeyan HS. (2010). Interleukin 2-regulated in vitro antibody production following a single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects. Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 18, 26.

Regular chiropractic adjustments can keep the immune system strong and healthy. By supporting your body’s own natural ability to defend itself against viruses and other pathogens, you can increase your resistance to colds, flus, and other infectious illnesses that cross your path.