REALLY?: Cold or flu got you down?

Are you “down”, as in, down on all fours, puking your guts out or down in bed with the chills? At the risk of sounding like a Nyquil commercial—everywhere we look this time of year, there’s someone sneezing, coughing, sniffling or calling into work because the flu is ravaging through their family of five. Vomit everywhere. We’ve all been there, and I’m the first to admit that I’m the biggest wimp when it comes to being sick. This is why I work so hard to stay healthy, so I can avoid unwanted quality time with my kids (just kidding!).

It’s no secret a properly functioning immune system is necessary for optimal health, but how? Follow these do’s and don’ts to help your body fend off sickness and boost your health.

1. DO take probiotics. Probiotics are the good bacteria that go into the digestive system and aid in the breakdown of food. Research links the strength of the immune system to the quantity of probiotics inside the stomach. The probiotics a child is exposed to in their first year of life is crucial to their foundational health. 

2. DON’T eat sugar. Bear with me here. Sugar is literally an anti-nutrient. I am talking about the refined simple sugars that contain no nutrients and actually TAKE nutrients AWAY from the body’s metabolic reserves. Once these storehouses are depleted, our immune system faces a greater challenge in fighting off colds and flus, as it is no longer armed with the ammunition it requires.

3. DO get your nervous system checked. The nervous system (brain and spine) controls every cell, tissue, organ, and organ system within the body. The key here is to be sure that your spine is in proper alignment so it can send out clear signals to the rest of your body. Our patients commonly report that they get sick less often when they get adjusted. 

4. DON’T stress. The more stress we’re subjected to, the weaker our immune systems become. When our body is under stress we produce more cortisol, which is a stress hormone that increases blood pressure and blood sugar leading to a weakened immune system. Practice stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, yoga and exercise and remove yourself from poisonous environments. 

I hope this simple list helps you stay healthy this season. Best wishes and HAPPY NEW YEAR!