BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Will mom's chicken soup really help that cold? Well maybe not but dont tell her I told you that. As the cold weather approaches, so does the cold and flu season and while cold weather does not cause colds and flu it is the time when schools are back in session and people are inside for more of their day sharing their germs with their friends, family and co-workers. People don't necessarily get sick because they were exposed to a germ. For example, I am sure you have gone somewhere, been exposed to something and gotten sick yet your friend who was in the same room did not get sick. Why?

               

There are 3 main factors that determine susceptibility to disease:

1. Impaired defense system
2. Genetic Factors
3. Age

Impaired Defense System - Many people have ongoing system impairment due to things like diabetes, hypertension, depression, a cut in you skin, or 'just' the stresses of daily life. What you need to understand is that as physical, mental and emotional stressors are piled on, you body's resources attempt to handle these stressors and this leaves your body weaker more susceptible to catching these diseases.

Genetic Factors - some people were born with a stronger immune system.

Age - infants and seniors have less effective immune systems.

How Does the Body Fight Off Disease?

The body has 2 types of defenses against disease:

1. Innate (Nonspecific) Immunity.

2. Adaptive (Specific) Immunity.

Innate Immunity (as an aside, please talk to me about Innate, it goes much deeper and does much more than just immunity). Innate immunity provides four Barriers to Disease:

1. Mechanical - skin, mucus, fluids (tears, &)

2. Chemical - antiviral substances, low pH, &

3. Phagocytic Cells - Natural Killer Cells & Macrophages Major component of white blood cells that guard against invading pathogens)

4. Normal Flora - normal bacteria in your gut (competes for food with invading pathogens)

Adaptive Immunity - 2 parts

1. Cell Mediated - T Cells

2. Antibody Mediated - B Cells (B cells produce antibodies)

Adaptive immunity requires 1 previous exposure before it starts. The body forms an immunological memory then responds with specific weapons to specific invaders (whereas the Innate system is a generalized response to any invading organism).

Both systems work hand-in-hand to protect you from disease with one system activating the other.

                

What Can I Do to Increase My Immunity?

1. Get Adjusted Regularly - not only does this provide a temporary (48 hr.) boost to your immune system (release of monocytes from bone marrow) but it also helps to free up your bodies resources that were being used to compensate for nervous system and joint dysfunction.

2. Having Your Meridians Balanced - this also frees up your bodies resources (Qi - Life Force) to allow the body to protect and heal itself.

3. Eat a Good Healthy Diet - give your body the nutrients and energy it needs to heal and be healthy.

4. Supplementation as needed to make sure you have a full spectrum of nutrients for your body (i.e. Vitamins A,C,E, B6, and Folic Acid as well as minerals such as Zinc support much of the body's innate immune response).

5. Exercise Regularly to maintain health, decrease weight and alleviate stress

6. Happy Home Life - your family is the greatest support to your daily healing (you know this inherently every time you look into the eyes of your spouse, children and/or loved ones).

7. Stress Reduction Activities such as meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga, Exercise, &

8. Eliminate the things that are slowly killing you i.e. smoking, etc&

The bottom line is that outside of being blessed with a strong immune system good healthy living, getting adjusted, and acupuncture help you stay healthy.

Flu Shots

Flu shots are only recommended for seniors and immuno-compromised people because these people risk more serious complications when they contract the flu. If you do not fall into these categories, you do not need the shot and you risk getting flu-like symptoms from the shot.

Healthy Tips

  

Skip the Math; Get Rid of the Finger; Invest in a Heart Rate Monitor:

To get the most out of your workouts, you need to reach 80% of your heart rate training zone. There are three ways to measure your heart rate. Stop your exercise, hold your index finger to the pulse in your neck and count the beats per minute. The second way is to measure your pulse rate. The third is to use a high tech device called a Heart Rate Monitor. It consists of a chest strap and a wristwatch type band that automatically measures your beats. You can pre-set it to beep when you reach your desired training zone. If you don't want to bother with mathematical equations to figure your proper heart rate training zone, buy a Heart Rate Monitor. It may set you back upwards of $100 but it will guarantee to measure your heart rate. Most Sports Specialty stores have them. Bicycle shops usually carry them and they can be ordered through fitness catalogues and magazines.