Fast Track to 2010...And Stressville

With Halloween behind us, we are on the fast forward track to the end of the year. Blink and it’s Thanksgiving. Blink again and it’s Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Blink a third time and the ball is dropping at Times Square.

That’s a lot of celebrating…and a lot of stress. Thanksgiving weekend is the crown jewel of stress for the year. It’s travel time, cooking and, of course, dealing with relatives.

Stress weakens the immune system, which can open the door to sickness and disease. Nobody needs that during the holiday season. With that in mind here are a few tips to keeping your immune system going strong:

Exercise. Regular moderate exercise boosts the immune system as well as wards other debilitating diseases.

Sleep. There are numerous studies that demonstrate how important adequate sleep is on the immune system. For those who are planning on getting the vaccine, inadequate sleep can make the shot far less effective.

Chiropractic adjustments. Getting your spine adjusted definitely boosts your immune system. Studies have shown an increase in white blood cell production immediately following the adjustment. In addition patients under chiropractic care had a much lower death rate during the 1918 Spanish flu.

Supplement with Vitamin D, specifically D3. As I have said in previous newsletters, we are all running on empty when it comes to Vitamin D. We just don’t get out in the sun [sunlight on the skin triggers Vitamin D production in the body]. Even when we do, we slather ourselves with sunblock [which is just like staying inside]. This mineral is critical for the immune system. Pick up a supply at the office the next time you’re in.

Nutrition. Cut down on the sugar. Refined carbohydrates depress the immune system. Excessive sugar intake also increases weight, undermines blood sugar management and leads to a host of nasty diseases So put down the Halloween candy and grab an apple instead.

— Richard Fink, DC, FIAMA

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