Simple ways to keep your immune system strong!

This being the dead of winter, many of you and your loved ones will be experiencing bouts of allergies, common colds, sinus problems, flu and other ailments. Many of us only blame these insects as the cause of our illnesses rather than what we do and don’t do to contribute to the weakness of our entire immune system. Many of you can run to the local pharmacy to fill a quick prescription or perhaps buy over-the-counter remedies. You may also realize that these medicines may be helping your symptoms, but they may not get down the path of the problem.

Most people think of a common cold as a viral or bacterial attack on the body. However, colds can start with something as simple as water in the lungs. Have you ever had a glass of ice cold water outside on a 90 degree day? Condensation immediately forms on the outside of the glass. As colder temperatures approach, many people experience just that: water condensation forming inside the tiny air sacs of the lungs as their body struggles to keep its core temperature around 98.6 degrees. The alveoli are small bags filled with air. Thousands of these tiny bags (alveoli) work together to create the function of the lungs. Due to this condensation, these air sacs in the lungs inevitably become dysfunctional, making breathing difficult. This extra moisture in the lungs also causes histamine levels to rise and serotonin levels to fall. These chemicals are produced by our bodies and help regulate our mood, allergies, and the power of the immune system. Reduced oxygen levels create an acidic environment that also significantly decreases the optimal effectiveness of our immune system. This whole scenario allows viral and bacterial overgrowth.

So what should be done to naturally boost your immune system function? Let’s first discuss what things to avoid, allowing our bodies to function better.

o Stop eating large meals

Excessive consumption of food puts additional pressure on the digestive system. Increased digestion consumes a lot of metabolic energy from the body, leaving very little energy for the immune system.

o Avoid processed foods and sugars

A higher intake of processed sugars allows bacteria to harbor growth. In fact, 8 tablespoons of sugar (the average amount found in a can of soda) can lower the immune system by up to 400%! These sugars include, but are not limited to, aspartame, high fructose corn syrup, and sucralose (Splenda).

Here are some healthy tips on how you can boost your immune system:

o Keep your spine healthy and aligned: The body is a complex machine made of muscles, nerves, and bones, which work together to form orchestrated movements. Unfortunately, like a home appliance, it can sometimes fail. Most people have abnormal spinal structure and a lack of proper curves in the side of the spine, which causes the discs and ligaments to wear out prematurely. These spinal misalignments are known as subluxations. By contributing to improper biomechanics, excess energy is wasted and the body is more prone to fatigue and injury. It is highly recommended to choose a chiropractor who focuses on the clinical biomechanics of posture, a technique that specializes in structural correction of the spine. This chiropractic technique of choice uses an approach to health backed by an impressive body of research. Our first priority is to relieve your pain, but our main goal is to restore your spine to as close to its normal alignment as possible, which benefits your entire body. Like a car, your body moves on its spinal “axis.” If a car’s axle is bent or damaged, your tires will spin incorrectly, further damaging the car, just as a spinal injury or misalignment can magnify your entire body. Peer-reviewed medical studies have established a strong link between the loss or lack of normal alignment of the spine and a variety of musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions. Our commitment to spinal health means we’ll go beyond relieving your symptoms to address their true causes. Pain running down the left arm may indicate a heart problem. Severe migraines can indicate a problem with blood flow or perhaps high blood pressure.

o Eat whole foods that contain magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium, and vitamin C. Excellent sources of these foods include, but are not limited to, leafy greens, lima beans, avocados, green vegetables, broccoli, and homemade soups.

o Drink non-caffeinated hot teas with lemons (herb, green, white, and ginger). These are excellent immune boosters that make it easy to reduce inflammation and swelling within the body.

o Increase your intake of lemon water. Water helps remove toxins from the body and hydrates all cells, muscles, ligaments, discs, and organs.

o Anything with lemons, papaya and pineapple. These 3 fruits are great for changing the pH environment in the mouth, throat, and digestive system, as well as helping to kill and prevent further growth of bacteria and viruses.

o Wearing a hat and coat, even when the temperature is 55 degrees or below, will help your body maintain your core temperature, which will require less energy, leaving more energy for your immune system.

By following some simple natural ways to boost the immune system, one can surely have a healthy fall and winter and avoid these pesky colds.

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