So, what do we need to know...?

​Lots of talk lately about boosting our immune system. Is it a thing? Is it possible?
 
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, immunity is a condition of being able to resist a particular disease especially through preventing development of a pathogenic microorganism or by counteracting the effects of its products. Or their kids’ definition being the power to resist infection whether natural or acquired (as by vaccination.)
 
It further defines the immune system as the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, special deposits of lymphoid tissue (as in the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow), macrophages, lymphocytes including the B cells and T cells, and antibodies. Or, again, the kids’ definition as the system of the body that fights infection and disease and that includes especially the white blood cells and antibodies and the organs that produce them.
 
Blah, blah, blah… boring, boring, boring. Ok, so what do we need to know?
 
The VERY basics are when a bacteria, virus, fungus or other pathogen (bad guy) invades our body, the military response of our immune system fights for us. We have a couple types of white blood cells (leukocytes) that go to work. Phagocytes destroy invaders on contact and lymphocytes from bone marrow – B-cells and T-cells – do the long term work. The B-cells are like fighter planes. They find, target and lock on to the invaders. They also read the invader plans and keep them on file in our system in case the same or similar antigen comes calling again. We already have a plan in place for this bad guy and can act quickly. The T-cells then hone in on the B-cell targets and destroy the invader.
 
We have 3 types of immunity – innate, adaptive and passive. Innate being born with a level of immunity to certain things. Adaptive is we have been exposed, environmental or vaccine, and created a response/anti-body production. And passive is considered temporary protection that has been given to us, we didn’t produce them ourselves, like an infant through breast milk or infusion (1).
 
So, can we help all this along? Do these military grade cells need our assistance? Sure, who would say no to help, but I think the answers you’ve heard before. The key is listening and acting.
 
Big surprise!

• Sleep. Get good sleep. 7-8 hours a night of restful, regenerative sleep.
• Reduce stress. Stress releases cortisol which messes with our body’s ability to function properly from blood pressure to blood sugar to hormone levels. Pure havoc. (Think "What can I do at Complete Wellness?"  This is kinda our wheelhouse people. :)
• Healthy diet. Eat the rainbow of colorful fruits and veggies. Get your nutrients. Don’t overdo the supplements but use them if you are deficient especially vitamins C, B and E. Recently, vitamin D has been shown to reduce the risk of infection for COVID (2).
• Exercise. Yup, you have to move. And if you sweat a little, or a lot, BONUS. It helps with circulation, helps with stress levels, and can lower blood pressure along with promoting overall good health.
• Good hygiene – wash your hands, cover your cough and sneeze, avoid sick people.
• Attitude. From the Cleveland Clinic, “Research shows that positive thoughts reduce stress and inflammation and increase resilience to infection — while negative emotions can make you more susceptible to the common cold and flu” (3).

 
Like the treadmill in the corner. It only works if you use it. You can only help yourself if you make the effort. Need a little support? All of us at Complete Wellness can sincerely and honestly help. Reflexology, massage, the biomat and the salt room can help with stress reduction and sleep assistance. We have vitamin supplements, CBD, essential oil creams and magnesium creams for stress, mood and body systems*. Michelle offers many tools to help your mind and emotions get in line with the cause. CJ offers energy work to help regulate hormones and reduce stress. And have you met us? We are the most positive people to share our happy with you. Attitude is everything and we sincerely care about you and your well-being.
 
 
1 https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/immune.html
2 https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vitamin-d-covid-study
3 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/strengthen-your-immune-system-with-simple-strategies/
* Tracy and I don’t offer anything we haven’t tried and believe can help. Yes, we have tried everything we carry and recommend.

Reading this in June of 2021?  Click here for the CW June Special.
Wanna be amused while learning more about your immune system?  Click Here

Stacy Ford, ATC, LMT is Co-Founder of Complete Wellness. An athletic trainer and a licensed massage therapist.  Her passion is to help people feel and function better. She is available by appointment only Monday-Friday at Complete Wellness, Quakertown.  
To schedule with Stacy or any other CW Practitioner Text/Call 267-509-7717

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