What is the immune system and how does it work?
The immune system is a collection of cells, tissues, and organs whose main job is to protect the body from disease and to heal the body when there is illness. The immune system works alongside the nervous system to keep the body healthy as it is exposed to various foreign substances and stress from its environment.
How can the symptoms of illness be beneficial?
Depending on the type of exposure, the body’s immune response usually includes fever, vomit, diarrhea, fatigue, etc. These responses are helpful! For instance, a fever brings the body’s temperature to a level that can kill off the pathogens in the body, and vomiting is the body’s way of removing poisons such as bacteria or toxins we eat. These are all natural and appropriate immune system responses necessary for the body to fight off foreign substances and to heal itself. So, taking over-the-counter medication when you are running a fever can actually increase recovery times.
The immune system is constantly working in the body to determine what is good and what is bad. The immune system becomes stronger when it is able to fight off any bacteria or virus that does not belong. Feeling sick is not always comfortable, though it is very productive for the health and strength of the immune system.
How do chiropractic adjustments benefit your immune system?
The nervous system regulates all of the body’s functions including the immune system. For the immune system to work optimally, it must be healthy. When the joints of the spine are out of alignment, they will compress the nerves and cause stress on the spine and nervous system. This will interfere with the communication between the nervous system and immune system, resulting in a less than optimal immune system. Studies on Chiropractic and immunity show an increase in immune components (white blood cells, antibodies, endorphins, etc.) in the bloodstream after an adjustment.
Your local San Diego chiropractor will examine the joints of your spine and depending on the results, your chiropractor will determine if a specific chiropractic adjustment to the spine is necessary.
How can you easily support your immune system at home?
Give your body plenty of rest and sleep, especially when you first start to feel under the weather, and drink plenty of fluids. In addition, check your vitamin D and B levels preventatively helps to support a healthy immune system. I recommend getting a blood test to check your vitamin levels. Your B levels should be in the standard excepted range, indicated on the test, and D levels should be at 60 for optimal immune function (in America the standard is 30 which is too low and will leave you with a weaker immune system).
Below is a list of strategies to support healing when you are feeling sick:
*Thieves Essential Oil – has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
*Nucleotides help to promotes protein synthesis, cellular vitality, beneficial intestinal flora and immune system health.
*Zinc plays a key role in many important physiological functions and is important for immune support.
*Vitamin C is necessary for several of the immune cells to perform their functions.
*Lemon Juice contains proteolytic enzymes that help your body to heal quicker.
*Please talk to Dr. Emily Mayo of the, local San Diego, Mayo Chiropractic Clinic for specifics and dosage recommendations*