IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTING

Now that summer is winding down, school has begun, and I have a little more time on my hands I will start writing more blogs again.  With my class on Essential Oils tomorrow and boosting your immune system I was thinking I would write about other ways one could boost their immune system, especially since we just started a new school year and bugs are gonna get spread more quickly. 

SLEEP/REST
Getting good sleep at night definitely helps to boost your immune system.  Sleep gives your body a time to reset itself allowing your body to work harder at certain systems in your body that get pushed aside during the busy, stressful hours during the day. 
The amount of sleep is controversial but a good rule of thumb...  Go to bed on a regular schedule and get up at a regular schedule.  Most adults thrive on 8-10 hours of sleep per night and children need much more.  Using weekends to "catch up" on sleep doesn't work well for a long term plan. 
Another way to get rest is to meditate or pray.  Allowing your body to have down time during the day is good for you too.  It strengthens your mind and emotions which decreases your stress.  Stress is tough on your body which slows your immune system response.  

DIET
Eat good quality food that nourishes you instead of attack you.  A good rule of thumb is to eat natural foods with a variety of colors to get the most well balanced immune system boost.  Obviously organic food is best. Elmo was correct!  Eat every color of the rainbow.  When eating food think of it more as nourishment than indulgence.  Everything you put into your mouth either boosts you up or tears you down.  Try to eat more boosting food than tearing food. 
Eating sugar will decrease your immune function by up to 75% after each consumption.  The effect will last proportionately as long as the amount of sugar you consumed.  So when you ingest a small amount of sugar it "wears off" sooner than a large amount. Avoid it as much as possible.

HAND WASHING
Washing your hands frequently during the day will help to minimize the spread of germs to yourself and others.  (I have to include this even though I know it doesn't boost your immune system, but it gives it a break.)  Using a regular soap instead of an antibacterial soap is a much better option as well. 
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  These three areas are where the majority of viruses enter the body. 

SUPPLEMENTS
There are many very good quality supplements out there.  The ones I have noticed that GREATLY improve my immune system have been OPC3 and Immune by Isotonics.  They do offer a child's version of the OPC3 as well. 
I also offer a nutritional evaluation using Standard Process vitamins and supplements.  They have been so much easier to digest and have helped many of my patients.  

EXERCISE
Everybody has seen the commercial, and know because of basic science, that a body in motion tends to stay in motion.  It is true!  When you do regular exercise your body is able to combat regular every day viruses much easier.  Your body is stronger and so is your immune system.   You are also able to sleep more soundly and tend to eat more purely.  It is a win-win situation.  Find something that is enjoyable to you and switch it up so you keep enjoying it.  Join a gym and do classes to have support around you.  Find someone to make you accountable.  Find a group of friends that have a similar interest and motivate each other.  Join Facebook groups to be encouraged by others results.  Make it a lifestyle change. 

ADJUSTMENTS
I wouldn't be a Chiropractor if I didn't mention the fact that adjustments will boost your immune system.  When your body is out of alignment nothing works optimally and that includes your immune system.  Being aligned will allow better flow of the lymphatic system, digestive system and respiratory system which all work hand in hand with viruses and bacterial issues. 

Enjoy your school year and STAY HEALTHY!