Spooky Season

Winter is Coming

Most people dread the change of season from the end of summer into the cold and gloomy winter that we get to experience every year in Minnesota. But before the snow comes, we have a short time left to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and take care of ourselves before it’s too late. As the temperatures drop, often our health follows as well. Some have already been feeling the effects of fall allergens, cold viruses, and sinus issues, and everyone else will also have their immune systems suppressed by the weather and become more prone to catching a virus. The immune response is slower when your body temperature is lowered, and the dry air is the perfect environment for viruses to thrive and spread. Every time we breathe in cold air, it stunts the immune response in our nasal passages, and if that air has harmful microbes in it, we are likely to have a reaction. Other than avoiding going outside or hiding from other people all winter, there is a lot you can do to support your immune system and have your body working at its best. Vitamin D is an easy, inexpensive thing to start with- and it is something that almost everyone should be supplementing extra of. Vitamin D is the ultimate regulator for our cells to combat diseases, so the more the merrier! We also have specific immune supplements such as IgG Protect, Immune Support, Vira-Pel, Ganoderma Spores, and Fruits & Greens. If you do have a virus, we can add in additional anti-microbial vitamins, minerals, and herbs to limit the severity and duration of your symptoms. As always, your immune system is mostly supported by your diet and lifestyle. 80% of our immunity starts with our gut health, so keeping up with your dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts/seeds, and adequate water intake will go a long way to keeping you healthy this cold and flu season. Limiting stress is a big one as well, so proper sleep and exercise is vital this season, especially when we are limited on how much we are out and about when the bad weather hits. Lastly, as part of spooky season, we always want to focus on your skeleton! In chiropractic, your bones are one of the top priorities, and they work directly in conjunction with your nerves and muscles. Taking care of your physical well-being takes pressure off the numerous other stressors your body must deal with, including your immune system, and goes a long way to keeping you healthy this spooky season. Get your regular maintenance care, take care of any injuries, and keep active despite the weather telling you not to.

Yours in health,

Dr. J.