By: Dr. Kelly (472.7000) & Dr. Jay (238.4505)
Are germs to blame for cold and flu season OR are weakened immune systems?!
It's flu season. Did you ever wonder why there is a season for the flu? Where does the flu go in the summer? Do we suddenly see a rise in germs and bugs during this time leading to more exposure? Why is it that some people are always sick, and others are never sick?
The following - all weaken our immune system hence increasing our risk of getting sick:
1. The issue of Vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in immune system related illnesses ranging from seasonal cold and flu, to heart disease, to cancer, etc. has received a lot of attention in the last few years. Industrialized humans are severely deficient in Vitamin D and that this deficiency is a major contributing factor to illness and lack of health and vitality. There are literally thousands of peer-reviewed scientific articles establishing vitamin D deficiency as a significant causal factor in serious illnesses. At this point we can confidently state that having sufficient levels of vitamin D is essential for both wellness and prevention.
North Americans are deficient in Vitamin D due to shorter sunlight exposure and weak UV index during the fall, winter and spring months. Vitamin D seems to play a large role when it comes to many body functions, including the immune system performance. Daily dosage should be between 1,000 - 6,000 IU during those 'D deficient' months, depending on your age, body weight, etc; note that this is much more than the 400 IU once thought to be adequate.
We must consider all nutrient deficiencies that directly affect the ability of our immune system to work properly to fight off common "germs". We should all consume a wide variety of vegetables and fruit to ensure we are not deficient in any genetically essential nutrients.
2. Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, Other Holidays = over eating, too much sugar and alcohol. What you eat will have a direct impact on your health. You ARE what you eat! Tis the season for all the "good stuff". Our toxic bodies now must deal with our overindulgence, weakening our immune systems - making us more likely to get sick.
3. Moods are down, energy is low, exercise decreases! Our mental health and physical health play a major role in our body's ability to function and regulate normally. This negatively impacts our immune system defence! Participate in winter activities (indoors and outdoors) that you enjoy, this will give you the boost you need!
4. Physical, chemical and emotional stressors will directly impact our nervous systems causing disturbances in the messages that are being sent back and forth from the brain and body (Subluxations). Subluxations directly affect the way our body functions and if left uncorrected, will lead to decreased health. Regular Chiropractic care has been researched to boost immune function (amongst other benefits) up to 400%! How? Because the nervous system directly controls the immune system!
So do germs cause sickness? NO! Weak immune systems do!
The way I see it, you can target specific symptoms or specific diseases through toxic chemicals OR the way we teach at our office - do the things we know will create health. Having better overall health will protect you from all disease, widespread wellness and prevention!
Be Fit. Eat Right. Think Well. Get Adjusted. These four ingredients practiced regularly will improve your overall health and will significantly reduce your risk of illness and disease!
What a great investment!
