TIP #1 For Maximizing Immune System Function – It All Starts With Sleep
- Eating earlier – Leave 2 hours between our last meal and bedtime.
- Sticking to a consistent, early bedtime.
- No screen-time at least 30 minutes before bed (1 hour is best).
- Getting at least 30 minutes of outdoor activity each day.
Tip #2 For Maximizing Immune System Function – Walking
- Increased white blood cell count (Hello IMMUNITY)!
- Lower resting heart rate and blood pressure
- Significant reduction in levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131003132112.htm
Tip #3 For Maximizing Immune System Function – No Sugar
References
Tip #4 For Maximizing Immune System Function – Fun In the Sun
One of the silver linings of this global shut-down is that way more people are getting outside during the day…
So it’s a good time to talk about how essential the sun is to our health.
One of the fundamental molecules required for your immune system to flourish is Vitamin D. It’s another incredible example of the extraordinary nature of the human body
Vitamin D affects over 3,000 genes in the body and is a key regulator of the immune system…
It plays a key role in ramping up your immune system activity when it’s needed, while at other times keeping it in check, like when managing autoimmune conditions.
The cool thing is, given the right ingredients (diet), conditions (sun exposure), and your overall health (gut, liver and kidneys in particular) your body can build all the vitamin D it needs!
Unfortunately, many Americans are deficient in Vitamin D – according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 39.9% are deficient.
Since natural vitamin D production requires sun exposure – 20 minute with 70% skin exposure – we’re at a bit of a disadvantage coming out of the cold/dark Northeast winter.
For this reason, we recommend taking a liquid Vitamin D3 supplement, especially during the months where it’s too cold to get out in the sun.
And of course now that it’s warming up, take advantage of the sun exposure this spring and get outside for 20 minutes, with as much skin exposed as you find comfortable!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6075634/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/9-things-that-can-undermine-your-vitamin-d-level
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21849106
Tip #5 For Maximizing Immune System Function – Share Your Gratitude
Right now is a great opportunity to reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
It’s simple but so profound and will help to increase your “cuddle hormone” oxytocin.
Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that has a regulatory effect on the development and function of the immune system. Research has found that expressions of gratitude and bonding increases your oxytocin.
Here’s an idea, pick 3 friends you haven’t gotten in touch with in a while to recently and send them a message.
Tell them…
“I’m thankful for you…
“I’m thinking about you…
“I’ll pray for you…
“I’m grateful for you…
…and here’s why.”
Chances are you’ll get something back and that even increases your oxytocin.
But that’s not the purpose, the purpose is to be helpful, to look out for them. That actually increases your oxytocin.
And that’s going to be immune boosting.
Text or email or voicemail, it doesn’t matter.
Just reach out and offer your support.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5223438/
https://academic.oup.com/scan/article/9/12/1855/1611597
Tip #6 For Maximizing Immune System Function – Support Your Nerve System
In the face of the current global concerns, it is important to work together as a community to support all possibilities for the optimal health and well-being of humanity.
Allow me to get a little technical with this strategy.
Chiropractic care is a unique health-focused approach to health care that has been shown to improve overall well-being and to enhance function and adaptability.
The primary objective of chiropractic care is to optimize health and well-being through the enhancement of nervous system function. It is intended to support the body’s intrinsic processes rather than to “treat” any specific symptom or pathology.
In light of that, it is of note that a promising body of preliminary evidence suggests that chiropractic care may influence and support immune system function.
The nervous system plays a crucial role in alerting and guiding immune system cells to where an infection is located in an essential and coordinated response to danger.
The coordination between the nervous system and the immune system suggest that the chiropractic adjustment may have broad-reaching effects on well-being and adaptability.
Although the exact nature of the effect(s) of chiropractic care may have on immune system function specifically has certainly not yet been fully described, the beneficial and sustained effects that chiropractic care have on the function of the autonomic nervous system (responsible for organ and gland function) is established and the use of chiropractic care for promotion of healthy adaptability, resilience, and well-being is clear.
Chiropractic care can therefore provide a valuable resource for people whose well-being is tested by these stressful times.
And times certainly are stressful right now, don’t you think?
If you’re not currently under chiropractic care, now is a great time to start. Click HERE to learn how.
NOTE: While chiropractic care plays an important role in supporting numerous aspects of general well-being, it does not, in any way, replace good hygiene and other healthy lifestyle practices or medical intervention for pathology or disease including COVID-19.
References
Please feel free to share these tips with anyone you feel might benefit right now.
Dr. Derek Gallant
Dr. Derek Gallant has committed himself to helping others live the best life possible. After graduating from Wesleyan University, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Life Chiropractic College West where he finished 2nd in his class. He is the owner of Beverly Family Chiropractic and co-founder of The Well Family Foundation. Dr. Gallant is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) in the Webster technique, an analysis focused on assisting pregnant women in a healthy pregnancy and natural birth. He has inspired thousands of people to take control of their own health using the Life By Design method. Apart from full time practice you can find Derek at the parks and coffee shops around Beverly with his family, training hard at the gym, or at the beach surfing.
