Sustained, long term stress, anxiety, and worry can cause your brain to release a flood of chemicals and hormones like adrenaline and cortisol into your system. If you’re in a state of frequent and repeated anxiety and stress your body never gets back to homeostasis or balance. This can weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to viral infections, frequent illnesses, and disease.
Anxiety, stress, and panic create a sympathetic (fight/flight) storm inside your body. This nervous system overload decreases your body’s ability to fight infection and creates unbalanced and unhealthy cells and organs. While washing your hands is a no-brainer, sitting next to a sick person who has washed their hands isn’t going to save you.
Seven Keys To Build A Robust Immune System Naturally
- Chiropractic adjustments (gentle and specific). The single most beneficial thing you can do for your immune system is to get adjusted. Studies show your Interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels go up immediately after an adjustment. IL-2 is what your body uses to kill viral & bad bacterial invaders. Specific scientific chiropractic adjustments reduce nerve stress and have been shown to increase white blood cells throughout your body. White blood cells are what help destroy invaders (bacteria, viruses, etc.) and remove them from your body. IL-2 and these white blood cell fighters are also what helps prevent & fight cancer.
The neuroimmune system is the connection between the brain and the immune system. “The Sympathetic Nerve – An Integrated Interface Between Two Super Systems: The Brain And The Immune System”(2) this is a landmark review of 443 studies. It was discovered that the nervous system and the immune system organs talk back and forth nonstop to make sure you can respond to any challenges brought on by the environment outside or inside your body. The health of your spine and nervous system is literally how you survive moment by moment in any circumstance. We live our lives through our nervous system. A chiropractic adjustment improves the function of your brain by removing interference in your nerve system (subluxations) to allow your body to re-balance, de-stress, and get back to optimal function.
- Fix your gut. Why do we have gut issues? Food sensitivities create abnormal production of antibodies against certain foods. Certain foods can create an immune system reaction and cause an allergy-like response called “leaky gut syndrome.” An elimination diet can help you identify your food sensitivities and eliminate them from your diet. Antibiotic & chemical exposure – antibiotics destroy the natural gut flora leading to many potential digestive and health issues. Prescribed antibiotics do this but also certain foods, both animal and plant-based food, have antibiotics and chemicals like pesticides, glyphosates, etc. Toxins also affect our gut by bombardment through our blood. Whether we inject them or absorb them, toxins will often lead to intestinal permeability (leaky gut).
- Manage inflammation. High sugar/carbs (high glycemic) foods. The typical American diet loaded with bad fats, trans fats, omega-6 fats, stress and obesity all raise inflammation in the body.
- Add adequate vitamin D, vitamin C & zinc – double or triple the amount of each you take daily. Part of a healthy diet loaded with natural foods, veggies, and fruit. Vitamin supplements will help ensure you have enough of these immune-supporting vitamins & minerals.
- 30-60 minutes of extra sleep per night. 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night is the goal.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink plenty of water. It helps your body flush toxins.
- Move your body. 30 -40 minutes of daily exercise increases lymphatic flow and provides significant immune system benefits.
Add in prayer, meditation, and a positive mindset and you will create a bullet-proof immune system that will hold up against any virus now and in the future.
Chiropractic Care and Your Immune System
As our 7 keys to a strong immune system pointed out, chiropractic adjustments will help strengthen your immune system. Call us at (914) 962-1234 to arrange an appointment with Berardis Family Chiropractic so we may help you strengthen your immune system. You can also contact us using our appointment form. If you find this article helpful, please recommend it to your friends and family.
Remember stay informed & get adjusted.