Healthcare Complete - Chiropractor In Newburyport, MA USA :: Are you ready for Cold & Flu Season?

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Posted on 2011-10-07 12:42:19

Are you ready for Cold & Flu Season?
by Dr. Jennah Dieter

Is your immune system primed and ready for the cold New England

fall and winter that is quickly approaching? It seems that every other commercial is for a cold medicine, flu remedy, or the flu shot. Keep in mind that there are always risks and side effects associated with cold medicines and flu shots. Prevention is the safest and best way to stay healthy. As an old chiropractor used to say, "When it's going around, let it go around YOU!" Really...you don't have to be sick just because everyone else is. The key to having a fighting chance and staying well this season is to strengthen your immune system.

There are a few simple ways to do this, but it’s important to be consistent.

1. Drink sufficient water each day.
If you’re not drinking enough water, your internal environment is toxic. This will, of course, make you a prime candidate for hosting unfriendly germs and viruses. A good standard is 1/2 your body weight in ounces each day. If you’re not drinking much now, start with two or three glasses per day, building up to your goal amount over the next 4 weeks.

2. Eat as close to nature as possible!
Your diet should consist mainly of local/organic meats, vegetables and fruit with a focus on more "warming foods" during the colder months. Hearty soups, crock pot meals, and root vegetables help warm the body to prepare for the colder weather. Nuts are also a good source of protein with the healthiest nuts being shelled pecans, almonds and walnuts. Reducing sugar intake in the diet is also key; this means reducing refined breads, packaged foods, fruit juices, soda, cookies, cakes and ice cream! Sugar weakens the immune system and feeds pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungus, and even cancer cells!

3. Get enough rest.
Not getting enough sleep will tend to weaken your immune response. Sleep on your side or your back with your neck supported and spine in proper alignment. 7-9 hours per night is optimum and going to sleep prior to 10:30 PM helps reduce stress on the adrenal glands; an important immune organ.

4. Exercise regularly
Exercise at least 30 min, 4-5 times per week. Exercise causes your body to produce endorphins, which promote a sensation of well-being. Additionally, many peer-reviewed scientific studies have demonstrated that exercise strengthens the immune response. Empiric observations suggest that those people who exercise consistently get sick a lot less than those who don’t. Pilates is wonderful to support the core and spine, while yoga combines relaxation to decrease stress related immune challenges and reduce nerve stress.

5. Wash your hands several times a day.
Use a natural hand soap to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. Do your best to avoid touching your face, eyes, and lips with your hands. The FDA recognizes hand washing as superior to using hand sanitizers, and therefore should not take the place of proper hand washing with soap and water.

6. Visit your chiropractor.
Chiropractic health care is one of the best treatment methods available for maintaining optimal levels of health and well-being. Visit your chiropractor regularly and make sure you’re performing at your peak! If you do happen to have the beginning signs of cold/flu, head straight to your chiropractor! Adjustments and nutritional therapy can help boost your body's immune potential for faster recovery and prevention of secondary infections.

Chiropractic care is not only effective for improving back and neck pain, but it also helps normalize activities of the nervous system such as the free flow of information between your brain and body.

Chiropractic adjustments balance the nerve system and helps all body systems work better, including the immune system. The cells of the immune system need to be able to immediately recognize foreign invaders - germs and other microbes - and mount an instantaneous response. A sluggish nerve system slows down the immune response, and as a result, you're more susceptible to illness.

So particularly in winter, when there's more to deal with in terms of germs and disease, a strong immune system is very important. Chiropractic care helps ensure the optimal functioning of your immune system and its disease-fighting cells.

Dr. Jennah Dieter offers Complimentary
Nutritional and Health Consultations ($45 value)

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