Chiropractic Care For A Healthy Immune System!

Strengthening the immune system is the body’s best defense against infection by cold viruses and more debilitating illnesses like influenza. As cold and flu season approaches, chiropractic adjustments can help boost general health and provide support for optimal immune system functioning. According to Dr. Dana Weissman Timmins, chiropractor and owner of Bellmore Village Chiropractic & Wellness, chiropractic treatments offer further lines of defense to add to other well-established methods for optimizing health and warding off infection. Such an integrated approach can incorporate chiropractic care, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise, low stress and good hygiene.

How Chiropractic Supports the Immune System

The immune system is regulated by the body’s nervous system. Chiropractic corrects spinal abnormalities (subluxations), which put pressure on nerves and interfere with proper nervous system functioning.

Chiropractic helps eliminate physical nerve stress, and research suggests it can have other beneficial effects on immune system processes. For instance, recent studies have shown that patients receiving chiropractic adjustments experienced an increase in disease-fighting white blood cells. Patients receiving chiropractic care are less likely to become sick and if they do the duration of the illness is shorter.

In addition to chiropractic care, there are a few simple practices that Dr. Dana recommends for boosting immunity in preparation for cold and flu season:

1.   Maintain a good diet. Eat a healthy balance of proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Reduce the amount of sugar and refined foods in your diet and decrease alcohol consumption. As the weather gets colder, warm up foods to help decrease the body’s energy load required for digestion. People who may be lacking in Vitamin D, which supports the immune system, should get their levels checked and take supplements if needed. Usual doses are 2,000-4,000 IU per day of Vitamin D3 (the active form of Vitamin D). Vitamin C (1000mg per day) and herbal teas like Echinacea can also help support the immune system.

2.   Get adequate rest; ideally, 8 hours of sleep per night. You are more likely to catch a cold or get the flu if you are sleep deprived or excessively fatigued. Studies show that a lack of sleep can cause infection-fighting T-cells to decrease, plus other detrimental effects that can impair the immune system.

3.   Relieve stress. Chiropractic care, massage therapy and acupuncture helps to relieve physical, chemical and emotional stress on the body. Meditation can also be an effective way to relax and eliminate stress, and regular exercise helps stimulate the immune system and reduce the negative effects of stress.
"It's not the stress that gets you down but your body’s inability to adapt to it," says Dr. Dana “These common sense practices will help you boost your immune system and make your body more equipped to fight off infection."

“Life is Better When You’re Well Adjusted!”

Bellmore Village Chiropractic & Wellness

Dr. Dana Weissman Timmins

110 Bedford Avenue

Bellmore, NY 11710

(516) 809-9191

www.bellmorechiropractic.com