Immunity Boosting Tips

Immunity Boosting Tips

I’m too busy, next week, meetings today, cat to the vet, house needs cleaning, car needs a service……whilst all these things pop up for all of us….

Focusing on your health is more important than anything you are doing right now.

Take some time this weekend as we draw into the halfway mark of the year to check in with your health goals for 2021. Check and reflect to see if you are on track.  If you are, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Because as I’ve always said if you don’t control your health, something or someone else will. Here is the thing, if you wear your body out where will you live?

For those of you whom have not been re-examined in some time, ask us for a wellness check and we can take new scans and x-rays and work out where you are at and happy with your progress.

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Tips How to Boost Your Immune System

  • Chiropractic Adjustments — Researchers here in New Zealand found, from global data, that Chiropractic adjustments affect important markers in your blood or saliva which are part of the immune response. Adjustments modify cortisol levels, which are a potent anti-inflammatory hormone. There is scientific evidence that suggests chiropractic adjustments influence your
    immune system. So, keep up your adjustments over winter for you and your family.
  • Reduce the sugar — Sugar is particularly bad for your immune system, including grains which break down as sugar.
  • Foods Rich in Vitamin C — Vitamin C is a powerful healing antioxidant known for its benefits for infectious diseases. Studies have shown that regular supplementation with vitamin C can help reduce the duration of common cold symptoms. Foods high in vitamin C include: kiwifruit, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kumara, tomatoes and citrus fruits.
  • Chicken Soup — Chicken soup made with bone broth is excellent for speeding healing thanks to the abundant minerals and amino acids it contains.
  • Fermented Foods — kefir, kimchee, miso, pickles and sauerkraut help reseed your gut with beneficial bacteria and strengthen your immune response.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar — Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory
  • Garlic — Garlic is a potent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent
  • Organic Vegetables — Dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collard greens contain powerful antioxidants,flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C
  • Raw, Organic Milk — This type of milk contains beneficial bacteria and fats that prime your immune system. It’s also a good source of vitamin A and zinc. Pasteurized dairy products are best avoided, as they may actually promote respiratory problems such as recurring colds, congestion and bronchitis

Water, Magic Water

At this time of year as things start to cool down we tend to crave warmer drinks and we notice our patients often substitute their water intake for something else.  There is nothing quite like water, ideally filtered water. Have a read at some of its benefits and may help as a gentle reminder why it’s great for us:

  1. It lubricates the joints – Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80 percent water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain.
  2. It forms saliva and mucus – Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. This prevents friction and damage. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean. Consumed instead of sweetened beverages, it can also reduce tooth decay.
  3. It delivers oxygen throughout the body – Blood is more than 90 percent water, and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body.
  4. It boosts skin health and beauty – With dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.
  5. It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues – Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. It is also involved in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.
  6. It regulates body temperature
  7. The digestive system depends on it – The bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems, constipation, and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers.
  8. It flushes body waste – Water is needed in the processes of sweating and removal of urine and faeces.
  9. It helps maintain blood pressure – A lack of water can cause blood to become thicker, increasing blood pressure.
  10. The airways need it – When dehydrated, airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss. This can make asthma and allergies worse.
  11. It makes minerals and nutrients accessible – These dissolve in water, which makes it possible for them to reach different parts of the body.
  12. It prevents kidney damage – The kidneys regulate fluid in the body. Insufficient water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
  13. It boosts performance during exercise – Dehydration during exercise may hinder performance. Some scientists have proposed that consuming more water might enhance performance during strenuous activity. Dehydration reduces performance in activities lasting longer than 30 minutes.
  14. Weight loss – Water may also help with weight loss, if it is consumed instead of sweetened juices and sodas. “Preloading” with water before meals can help prevent overeating by creating a sense of fullness.
  15. It reduces the chance of a hangover – When partying, unsweetened soda water with ice and lemon alternated with alcoholic drinks can help prevent overconsumption of alcohol. During everyday functioning, water is lost by the body, and this needs to be replaced. We notice that we lose water through activities such as sweating and urination, but water is lost even when breathing.