Most of us are well aware of some of the natural ways in which we can help boost our Immune system to fend off viruses, bacteria and parasites. The idea is to strengthen the Host (you) rather than weaken the agent (the virus, bacteria etc…) giving your body a better fighting edge.
Here are various familiar natural and healthy ways to super charge and strengthen your immune system from within.
1. Vitamin C – A powerful antioxidant has strong immune properties (Vitamins A and E also).
2. Echinacea – Non toxic plant source which boosts the production of certain white blood cells.
3. A healthy diet – Primarily fruits and vegetables which are full of antioxidants, with nuts, seeds and grains (high fiber); reduce high fats, meats and sugar which suppress immunity.
4. Garlic – Immune enhancer
5. Regular Exercise – Reduces stress and elevates mood thus increasing immunity
6. Regular Chiropractic Care – An optimal functioning spine and nerve system = a powerful immune booster.
So, how does Chiropractic improve the Immune response?
Chiropractic works on improving Spinal Function and in doing so frees up your Nervous System from interference. A well balanced, well adjusted spine functions better and more optimally. As a result our Nervous System which is encased within the Spine works better.
Your Nervous System is directly linked to your Immune and Hormonal (endocrine) systems. Biological links between the immune system and the central nervous system exist at several levels. One well-known pathway involves the adrenal glands, which, in response to stress messages from the brain, release corticosteroid hormones into the blood. In addition to helping a person respond to emergencies by mobilizing the body's energy reserves, these "stress hormones" decrease antibodies and reduce lymphocytes in both number and strength. In addition, the brain may directly influence the immune system by sending messages down nerve cells. Networks of nerve fibers have been found that connect to the thymus gland, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.
By adjusting your spine your Chiropractor is stimulating your body’s natural ability to heal and regulate itself. This can also help reduce your level of stress allowing better function in the body. Chiropractors are very much aware of that effect and encourage their patients to take up other healthy habits such as improving their nutrition (whether it is via their diet and/or via supplementation) and increasing their level of exercise.

In a recent research, Dr. Candace Pert Ph.D, a prominent neuro-immunologist, explains that these immune centers are found in the spinal cord within the spinal column. Knowing this, we are now beginning to understand how and why specific chiropractic spinal adjustments work to remove nerve interference and greatly enhance our immune response.

Dr. Pat Brennan Ph.D., conducted a research study to look at the impact of chiropractic adjustment on specific immune cells of our body called Polymorphonuclear neutophils or PMNs. She found that PMN levels increased significantly when measured 15 minutes after a specific chiropractic adjustment. This correlated to a major boost in immune status. Other studies have shown this to be maintained over time for patients under chiropractic wellness care.

You don’t get colds, flu or pneumonia because of the bacteria and viruses that constantly surround us, you get a cold and the flu because your body’s natural immunity to these viruses is weakened or impaired thus affecting your health.
Supercharge your immune system naturally and your immune system will be good
Chiropractic care was first linked to improved immunity during the deadly flu epidemic of 1917 and 1918. The funny thing was: Chiropractic patients fared better than the general population. This observation spurred a study of the field. The data reported that flu victims under chiropractic care had an estimated .25 percent death rate, a lot less than the normal rate of 5 percent among flu victims who did not receive chiropractic care.
In the years since, studies are finding that chiropractic care is a way to improve immunity. One study, from the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, Illinois, found that disease-fighting white blood cell counts were higher just 15 minutes after chiropractic manipulation was applied to the back. A similar study investigated the immune system response in HIV-positive patients under chiropractic care. After six months of treating spinal misalignment, the group receiving the chiropractic treatment showed a 48 percent increase in white blood cell counts. Conversely, the group that did not receive chiropractic manipulation experienced a 7.96 percent decrease in immunity cells.
Psychology Today Online, 24 August 2006
Last Reviewed 11 Oct 2007
Article ID: 4142

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