Everywhere you turn people are concerned about germs and “catching” something from someone else. The reality is that our immune system is designed for the challenge of every kind of germ when it is functioning properly.
It is not about the germ. It is about the state of the immune system when we encounter the germ. Otherwise, we would all be sick all of the time, because germs are everywhere. We would not expect to throw a handful of tomato seeds on our tile kitchen floor and expect them to grow into tomato plants. Why not? Because everyone knows that seeds need soil, water and sunlight to grow into plants. Likewise, you cannot throw a handful of germs at someone and expect them to get sick. Unless their immune system is not functioning as it was intended and provides the necessary conditions for the germs to grow into sickness.
The truth is that the best tool that we have against any germ/virus/bacteria is the strength of our own immune system. And we do have control over helping to ensure its optimal functioning. Our control comes in the form of our lifestyle choices regarding nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, etc. So the question is, “How do we keep our immune system in prime condition to react to any germ/virus/bacteria that comes along?” Following is a list of some of the lifestyle factors that affect the immune system:
STRESS ~ Everyone has some stress, but consistent feelings of fear, worry, anxiety and depression decrease immune function. This includes the fear of the flu that is hard for most people to escape. Stress is not just a mental and emotional feeling. Stress has far reaching consequences on the biochemistry and functioning of the physical body. Some reports show that up to 90 percent of illness and disease are stress-related.
SUGAR ~ Eating the amount of sugar in a can of soda pop depresses the immune system for up to 5 hours. Sugar assaults the immune system in at least two ways. First, sugar competes with Vitamin C for entry into cells and wins. Vitamin C is needed for white blood cells to combat viruses and bacteria. Second, sugar raises insulin levels, which inhibits the release of growth hormones, which in turn inhibits the immune system.
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS ~ Studies do show that people who get adjusted regularly have improved immune system function. In May 2008 one of these studies was published in the journal, Chiropractic & Osteopathy. This study used biochemistry to show the body’s enhanced immune response following a chiropractic adjustment.
SLEEP ~ During our nightly sleep our bodies repair the everyday wear and tear damage that occurs throughout the day. When the body doesn’t get enough sleep and becomes over fatigued it is more difficult to fend off colds, flu and other illnesses.
WATER ~ Drinking plenty of water each day is important to immune function. Virtually all body processes, including eliminating toxins from cells, require water.
EXERCISE ~ Exercise helps the immune system by improving circulation throughout the body. When the components of the immune system circulate properly, it is better equipped to detect an illness before it gets a chance to spread. Exercise also helps counteract the effects of stress and leads to better sleep.
VITAMIN D AND PROBIOTICS ~ More and more research is pointing to these two components as critical players in a properly functioning immune system. Vitamin D is supposed to be manufactured in our skin as a result of exposure to sunshine. Those of us living in northern climates are almost guaranteed to have low levels of Vitamin D, which can be checked by a primary care physician. Probiotics are the “good” bacteria in the digestive system. The intestinal tract is a major component of overall immune function and ensuring that enough probiotics are present can help the immune system function optimally. Both of these can be taken as a supplement, as food sources are not likely to provide what is necessary for optimal functioning.
It is clear that there are many more variables involved in health and disease than whether or not a person is exposed to a germ. We would be well served by putting our efforts into making lifestyle choices that strengthen our immune systems against any and all illness and disease.
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©2009 Carrie A. Mayes All Rights Reserved. Feel free to use this article if full attribution is given to Carrie A. Mayes with the following description: Carrie Mayes D.C. is a Traverse City, MI chiropractor working with people to attain higher levels of health, feel better and enjoy life more. You can find more information at www.mayeschiropractic.com.
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