Tis the season! Cold and flu season. We all know we need to wash our hands, stay home if we’re not feeling well, and avoid sick people if we’re out and about, but here are some tips that will help your body fight off viruses or bacterial infections!

1) Vitamin D

Vitamin D has been shown in countless studies to help give your immune system a boost. Here is a link that dives into the details deeper. Most of us are Vitamin D deficient, because here in Chicago we do not see the sun enough. Even during the summer months, most people are still deficient because we are not outside enough. If you are not getting healthy doses of sun exposure, I recommend taking Vitamin D supplements to get your levels up.

2) Adequate Sleep

If you are sleep deprived your body will produce larger quantities of cortisol, our stress hormone. Cortisol has an immune suppressing effect on the body. This is not good at any time, but especially if trying to ward off infections. Make sure you are getting enough ZZZZZ’s to stay healthy. I recommend 7-9 hours per night.

3) Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been shown to also have an affect on the coronavirus. Follow this link for more information along with links to studies that show the effectiveness of Vitamin C and other vitamins/minerals.  Most people are not taking enough vitamin C. According to these studies 3,000mg divided up throughout the day will help you.

4) Stress Reduction

Have you ever heard that stress kills? When you under stress, not only is your cortisol high (lowering immune function), but your nervous system is in fight or flight. This chronic stimulation to the nervous system can lead to tension, tightness, pain and exhaustion. None of which will help you to effectively fight off a virus. You have to protect yourself from stress. Take time for yourself, relax, do things you enjoy, laugh, and spend time with your family (assuming they don’t stress you out). Most importantly, turn off the news!! Watching the news is enough to stress out even the most relaxed people.

5) Chiropractic Adjustments

Maintaining or even increasing your adjustment schedule will help keep you healthy as well. If you are in pain, under stress, tense, or generally battling spinal stress your body will have less capacity to fight infections. Get yourself adjusted. It is always better to be proactive in times like these.

There are many things you can do to keep yourself healthy during this virus scare. Start with these 5 tips to improve immune function above and you will find yourself in a much better position to fight off not only the coronavirus, but all other infections that may come your way.

Stay Healthy,

Dr B