Getting sick is…normal?

Bottom Line: Believe it or not, getting sick is a body signal that your immune system is working! Yes, you read that correctly. Every single day you encounter bacteria that could make you sick. Fortunately, when you come into contact with these germs, your immune system kicks in and starts fighting them off without you ever knowing. On rare occasions, when your immune system isn’t functioning at 100%, your body will give you a signal- like a fever or a runny nose, that sickness may be on the way. But, what if there was research showcasing how you could make a few simple changes and not only decrease your likelihood of getting sick, but also strengthen your immune system?

Why it Matters: You probably know someone who almost never gets sick. Are they built with a superhuman immune system? Probably not. Most people who rarely get sick are taking pro-active steps to keep their immune system in tip-top shape. And when your immune system is functioning correctly- it can fight off almost anything that it comes in contact with. By making smart choices with your diet, staying active, and getting enough rest, you can ensure your immune system remains strong. Also, emerging research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can also improve our ability to stay well!

– Eat a healthy diet of vegetables and lean meats to boost your immune system

– Exercise daily to help your body (and mind) stay strong

– Stay adjusted to decrease stress and improve your overall well-being

Next Steps: February is the perfect time of year to take a few action steps and boost your immune system. A robust immune system will help you stay healthy and active, enjoying the things you love with the people you love.  And don’t forget to attend our upcoming health workshop where we will give you a custom-tailored plan to boost your immunity in 21 days!

Science Source:

Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Dec 2002

Medline Plus. Exercise and Immunity. 2017

Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017

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Foods to Fight Colds

Bottom Line: Snowstorms, wind that cuts right through your coat, and a lack of available sunlight. Ah, the joys of winter! For many of us, winter means more time indoors, and a higher likelihood that we circulate germs that could cause us to become sick. When your ill, food is the last thing on your mind. Everything seems unappetizing when your nose is clogged, and you can’t taste a thing. But, by making healthy food choices, you can become stronger and speed up your recovery. Also, by maintaining a healthy diet, you can strengthen your immune system and perhaps even get sick less often.

Why it Matters: You’ve heard it before, but it’s true. Food is the fuel for your body. So give your digestive system a break and be sure to eat easily digestible, nutrition-dense foods. It will help your immune system stay strong. Here are a few ideas to get started.

– Bone broth contains minerals that can boost your immune system

–  Probiotics found in yogurt can improve your sleep, digestion, and immunity

– Lean meats, especially those with omega-3 fatty acids, can reduce inflammation

Next Steps: A little planning can go a long way. Most of the time, we make poor choices when we are in a rush, or unprepared. And this often results in stopping by a restaurant or taking out food on the run.  Create a simple calendar highlighting your meals for the week. Healthy home-cooked meals will not only strengthen your immune system, but it can also help you save money!

Science Source:

Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. Chest. Oct 2000

Probiotics and immune health. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. Oct 2011

Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Dec 2002

Recover from Your Holiday Hangover

Bottom Line: Prolonged stress, long travel and maybe just one too many fruitcakes can all contribute to the dreaded holiday hangover. Well, with the New Year comes a new opportunity to get healthier, lose those extra pounds, and overcome the holiday hangover. How we eat plays a huge role in our weight and our energy levels. When you have a low energy level, it’s difficult to get the motivation to stay active and exercise. However, when you give your body the proper nutrition, you can have more energy, lose more weight, and stay more active. So instead of focusing on the foods, you shouldn’t eat, let’s highlight a few foods and supplements that can help you stay active, energize, and get ready to shed those pounds.

Why it Matters: For healthy foods to give you an energy boost, it’s all about eating the right ones at the right time. Eating small meals and snacking throughout the day is a great way to keep your body fueled and your energy levels high.

• Here are a few high energy foods (without that sugar crash): blueberries, strawberries, salmon, lean meats, nuts, whole grains, vegetables

• Supplements such as fish oil and probiotics can help you reduce inflammation and keep your gut healthy and happy

Next Steps: Start by eating a few small meals per day and snacking every few hours in-between. This will help keep your energy up throughout the day. You’ll feel better, think better, and be more motivated to stick with your exercise routine. The New Year is a great time to improve your health, get a little extra motivation and even lose a few pounds in the process!

Science Source:
Harvard Health Publishing. 2017
Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nat Rev NeuroSci. 2008

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