It happens every year… the COLD and FLU season is here again! The kids bring it home from school, you’ve been working long hours and not getting enough sleep, the temperature has dropped down significantly, the stress of the holidays caught up with you and now you are sick.
Lifestyle factors can sometimes depress your immune system, making you more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.
For example:
Eating too much sugar and grains.
Vitamin D deficiency, as a result of insufficient sun exposure
Not getting enough rest
Insufficient exercise
Using ineffective strategies to address emotional stress
So you get sick because your immune system is compromised. When your body’s natural defenses are not functioning the way they should be, viruses and bacteria can get in and attack. One thing people ask me frequently is, “Can chiropractic care ward off colds and flu?”
Luckily, the answer is a resounding “yes” when part of an overall healthy lifestyle. According to a recent study in the Journal of Chiropractic and Manual Therapies, Chiropractic adjustments have a measurably positive impact on the immune system function. In fact, just a single adjustment has been shown to enhance the production of white blood cells. Since the white blood cells exist to fight off invading diseases like the cold and flu, more efficient production of these cells ensures that your body is better prepared when you are exposed to whatever is going around. You are less likely to get sick in the first place and will be able to fight the disease faster if you are infected. That is why you may want to consider seeing a Chiropractor when you get sick.
If you find yourself sick, here are a few things you should be doing or taking:
Vitamin C (1000 mg 3-4X/day): Vitamin C helps with immune system function and boosts white blood cells.
Eat whole fruits & vegetables.
Vitamin D (minimum 2000IU daily): Recent research shows that low vitamin D levels are linked to higher rates of cold, flu and respiratory infections.
Elderberry (10ml daily): It is believed that this herb can deactivate the flu virus and naturally boost immunity. The flowers and berries of elderberry are said to boost the immune system, treat flu and relieve sinus pain.
Oregano Oil (500 mg twice daily):
Oregano oil has a powerful antiviral effect.
Zinc (50-100 mg daily): Zinc supports immune function and has an antiviral effect. It works best when taken at the first sign of illness. It may lessen the symptoms of the cold virus but excessive amounts aren’t good for you. Zinc pills and sprays do not seem to be effective.
Essential oils for Flu:
Rubbing peppermint & frankincense essential oil into the neck and bottoms of the feet can naturally support the immune system. Also, clove oil can protect the body against infection and can speed recovery from the flu. Some companies have very good blends. Ex: DoTerra, Young Living, etc.
Drink bone broth: Bone broth is rich in minerals that support the immune system and contains healing compounds like collagen, glutamine, glycine and proline. The collagen in bone broth heals your gut lining and reduces intestinal inflammation.
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water
Wash your hands: It is one of the best ways to stop the spread of the cold and flu.
Get Chiropractic adjustments
When you are starting to feel better and want to maintain your optimal health, aside from Chiropractic adjustments, here a few other suggestions:
Exercise
Reduce stress
Take Vitamin D supplements
Eat a balanced diet consisting of whole foods and free of processed
foods and refined sugar
Get quality sleep
Wash your hands
This cold and flu season, you should do everything you can to avoid becoming infected. Remember to use Chiropractic treatments to ward off the cold and flu and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle all season long.
Dr. Veronique LaRocco is with The Joint in Holly Springs. They also have a location in Apex at Publix Pointe. Dr. LaRocco received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree (D.C.) from the U.Q.T.R. Chiropractic School in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec in May 2002.
