Winter has arrived in Minnesota, and with it, cold and flu season. The cold weather and short days mean that we’ll be spending the next several months indoors, in close contact with one another and missing out on key vitamins and nutrients from the sun and fresh outdoor air. This makes the likelihood of getting sick much higher than in the warmer months.
Thankfully, there are several ways to boost your immune system and lower the likelihood of getting sick. Chiropractic care is a key component to this. Contact our family chiropractic clinic today to get started on the path toward better health! And read on for tips on staying healthy this cold and flu season.
Focus on Nutrition
Eating a varied diet of whole, healthy foods is key to enhancing immunity against colds and flu. Eat fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, and choose organic whenever possible. Avoid added sugar and preservatives. Consume natural probiotics like full-fat yogurt and fermented foods, or take a high-quality probiotic supplement. Vitamin D and zinc supplements will give the immune system an additional boost.
Move Your Body
It can be difficult to maintain an exercise routine when it’s cold out and gets dark before 5:00. Instead of going out for an evening run, consider walking indoors (get steps in at your local mall) or find workout videos on YouTube. Winter is a great time to try a new class, like barre or Zumba.
Visit the Chiropractor
Chiropractic care has been proven to boost the immune system in powerful ways. It promotes the production of white blood cells, reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhances the production of immunoregulatory cytokines and immunoglobulins. In addition, regular chiropractic visits will help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve overall wellness, all of which will keep you better protected against illness.
It can be tough to fit in regular chiropractic care during the busy holiday season, but doing so is essential to staying healthy and protected against cold and flu. Give our St. Francis chiropractic clinic a call today to get started.