Cold and flu season is upon us and now is the time to focus on our nutrition, supplement intake, quality sleep, reducing stress, exercising… and getting regular chiropractic adjustments! There is a direct link between the immune system, endocrine system, and central nervous system. Chiropractic manipulations play a significant role in aligning the spine, which creates a natural, decompressed, and open pathway for the nervous system to communicate with the rest of the body. If our nerve pathways are compressed or blocked,
then our immune system becomes weakened, causing a decrease in the body’s ability to prevent illness and release antibodies to ward off foreign invaders.
Additionally, when the nervous system experiences a complication, nutrients, blood, and lymph cannot flow freely. This blockage results in compromised function and performance within the body that leads to poor immune response. During an adjustment, nerves are stimulated that signal the brain, called proprioception; this healthy nerve stimulation initiates a healing response. When our immune system is healthy, our body can recover quicker from illness and injury, fight off foreign invaders (think virus, bacteria and even cancer), and prevent frequent illnesses.
According to Path of Life Chiropractic Center in New Hampshire, the blog author states, “let’s not forget that the endocrine system is the third leg in the stool of neuro-endocrine immunology. The endocrine system’s main players are epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), nor-epinephrine, and cortisol. These molecules are produced in the adrenal glands, endocrine glands which have direct connections with the nervous system by way of a division called the sympathetic nervous system. Cortisol in particular is a stress hormone that inhibits the immune system (which is why stress really can make you sick!) So if the sympathetic nervous system is too “turned on” due to stress and subluxation, it may increase the adrenal glands’ synthesis of cortisol, in turn affecting the immune system.” Regular adjustments should be treated like other preventative healthcare visits to keep the body healthy.
Massage therapy also offers immune boosting benefits by reducing stress, which is a known immunosuppressive. Massage promotes increased circulation and lymphatic flow, which aids in the body filtering out metabolic waste. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, pain has a negative impact on immunity and increased pain is linked to higher rates of illness.
In conclusion, chiropractic and massage therapy are two non-invasive, stress-relieving, and immune boosting treatments that can be easily implemented in your self/health-care routine. Take care of your body, it’s the only place you’ll ever live.
Immune Boosting Herbs
Echinacea
This herb is promoted as a dietary supplement for the common cold and other infections, per the NCCIH. It’s believed that echinacea contains active compounds that stimulate the immune system, helping shorten cold and flu duration and easing symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fever, notes Mount Sinai. Source: https://www.everydayhealth.
Ginger
The compounds in ginger — primarily gingerol and shogaol — have exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. These properties help strengthen the body’s defenses, which may protect against many chronic diseases. Source: https://www.everydayhealth.
Astragalus
Astragalus is also used as part of an herbal combination to prevent or treat colds, according to Mount Sinai. It’s thought that astragalus strengthens and regulates the immune system, notes the NCCIH. Source: https://www.everydayhealth.
