As
winter time approaches, it becomes important to think about protecting
ourselves and our kids from colds and flus. While challenges are
necessary to improve the function of the immune system, being run down
all winter is something we all want to avoid.
When people come in to
the office under the weather I often ask them which of the 3 S's has
influenced their immune system. These include too much sugar, lack of
sleep and excess stress. Typically, one or a combination of the 3
decreases the normal function of the immune system and makes us more
prone to colds and flus. Aside from managing these 3 things
successfully, here are a few simple tips that will keep your family
healthy through the winter months.
Vitamin D was one of the biggest
things that we promoted through our clinic in the winter months last
year. As Canadians we do not get nearly enough sun exposure in the
winter months to allow our body to manufacture the active form of
vitamin D that is so vital to our health. New research came out last
year that recommended adults consume 2,000 IU's of vitamin D in the
winter and children 1,000 IU's (both daily). Vitamin D plays a huge
role in allowing the immune system to function properly and has a
particularly important function when fighting viruses. We noticed a
significant positive change with our patients who added Vitamin D to
their regime last winter.
It has been estimated that approximately
70% of your immune system resides in your GI system where specialized
cells play an important role as first line of defense against certain
environmental and bacterial threats. This is partly why what you eat
can have such an impact on how your immune system functions and also
why it's important to have healthy bacteria in your GI system.
A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics revealed a reduction in days missed from daycare, decreased fever, coughing, runny nose and most interestingly an 82% reduction in antibiotic use (in 3-5 year olds) when probiotics were used 2 times a day for 6 months compared with a placebo. (This study was done on a particular strain and combination so it does not necessarily apply to all probiotics). I will be using this formula diligently for my family which now includes our 2 boys (age 1 and 3).
Herbal formulas also have their place when it comes to boosting immune function. Things that typically work well include Echinacea, Ginseng (and formulas such as Cold Fx) and Reishi mushroom extract. The unique make up of each person will determine who responds well to what particular formula. Oil of oregano is also something we carry at the clinic due to its powerful anti-viral, anti-biotic and and anti-fungal properties. It is strong tasting so some people have to use the capsules (remember long standing use of oil of oregano should also be coupled with probiotic supplementation as it can get rid of the healthy bacteria as well).
There is a growing body of research studies showing the effects of chiropractic care on the immune system. Most studies are looking at the relationship between the nervous system and different functions of the immune system. Anecdotally, chiropractors have been seeing changes with immune function for over 100 years. We often encourage people to keep their visits when they do not feel well because it will often help the body get rid of whatever they are fighting off.
First we recommend you manage the 3 S's properly and make sure you watch your sugar intake, get enough rest and watch your stress levels. This winter our family will use Vit D and probiotics routinely. I will then use oil of oregano if I feel a scratchy throat or the onset of being rundown. This advice has prevented me from missing a day of work in the last 6 years!!
A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics revealed a reduction in days missed from daycare, decreased fever, coughing, runny nose and most interestingly an 82% reduction in antibiotic use (in 3-5 year olds) when probiotics were used 2 times a day for 6 months compared with a placebo. (This study was done on a particular strain and combination so it does not necessarily apply to all probiotics). I will be using this formula diligently for my family which now includes our 2 boys (age 1 and 3).
Herbal formulas also have their place when it comes to boosting immune function. Things that typically work well include Echinacea, Ginseng (and formulas such as Cold Fx) and Reishi mushroom extract. The unique make up of each person will determine who responds well to what particular formula. Oil of oregano is also something we carry at the clinic due to its powerful anti-viral, anti-biotic and and anti-fungal properties. It is strong tasting so some people have to use the capsules (remember long standing use of oil of oregano should also be coupled with probiotic supplementation as it can get rid of the healthy bacteria as well).
There is a growing body of research studies showing the effects of chiropractic care on the immune system. Most studies are looking at the relationship between the nervous system and different functions of the immune system. Anecdotally, chiropractors have been seeing changes with immune function for over 100 years. We often encourage people to keep their visits when they do not feel well because it will often help the body get rid of whatever they are fighting off.
First we recommend you manage the 3 S's properly and make sure you watch your sugar intake, get enough rest and watch your stress levels. This winter our family will use Vit D and probiotics routinely. I will then use oil of oregano if I feel a scratchy throat or the onset of being rundown. This advice has prevented me from missing a day of work in the last 6 years!!