The calendar welcomes the time of the year when coughs, fevers, stuffy noses, and tummy aches become the norm for both kids and adults. Some people wonder why certain individuals remain unscathed and seemingly untouched by the microbes that cause sickness, even among family members living under the same roof.
Some people get labeled as simply having a stronger immune system than others. The powerful truth actually shows that every person’s body design comes equipped with an amazing immune system comprised of little soldiers with a specific purpose to be on constant lookout for foreign invaders. The location of an invader causes a set of hormones to signal a need for more specific white blood cell fighters to crash the scene and get to work destroying and eliminating the culprits. This process occurs without the conscious awareness of the host/person. The protective procedure occurs automatically under the control of a part of the brain and spinal cord called the autonomic nervous system.
Chiropractic adjustments improve the function of the autonomic nervous system through gentle adjustments that increase movement in the spine. Better alignment and movement in the spine creates better pathways of communication between the nervous system and immune system. The adjustment balances the autonomic processes by reducing stress in the nervous system. Improved nervous system function leads to better hormone balance needed guide optimal immune function. Improved immunity results.
Research conducted in 2010 showed that patients who received chiropractic adjustments increased a specific signaling molecule in the body called Interleukin-2. This molecule regulates the activities of white blood cells responsible for immunity. Interleukin-2 represents part of the body’s natural response to microbial infection and helps the body recognize and create specific responses that neutralize foreign invaders. Evidence of this protein molecule shows to be present in higher quantity in people who received a chiropractic spinal adjustment compared to people who did not.
The primary focus of a chiropractic adjustment does not focus on increasing immunity or treating a symptom or condition. The increased body function from an adjustment serves as an example of a healthy outcome resulting from removing interference from the nervous system. While other professions focus more on changing the environment to minimize microbes in and around the body, chiropractic focuses on strengthening the body from the inside-out.
Four ways to improve immunity:
- Stay on track with chiropractic adjustments to keep the autonomic nervous system balanced.
- Get adequate amounts of Vitamin D (a major immune booster).
- Go to bed 30-60 minutes earlier (inadequate sleep weakens immunity).
- Substitute water and healthy snacks in place of sugary foods/drinks (sugar drains the immune system).
—
Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010
“Interleukin 2-regulated in vitro antibody production following a single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects.” Julita A Teodorczyk-Injeyan,Marion McGregor,Richard Ruegg,and H Stephen Injeyan