Now more than ever, it is vital to keep our immune systems in optimal working order. Our bodies were created to fight off sickness and disease, so let’s do our part to ensure they can do what they were designed to do. As a chiropractor and mom of three, this has always been a passion of mine.
Of course, eating well, staying active, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate rest are first and foremost. Everyone knows about these, but it’s always good to have a little reminder. You can implement all the other ideas I’m about to list, but if you aren’t taking care of your body to begin with, these ideas won’t have nearly the same effects.
WHOLE FOOD MULTIVITAMIN
If you have a perfect diet you can disregard this one, but realistically this doesn’t apply to any of us. I recommend a multivitamin for base nutrition, and one that is catered to your gender and age group is best. Be sure to choose a whole food vitamin so it is easily absorbed. My trusted brand for adults is Innate Response for their women’s, men’s, women over 40, and baby & me (prenatal) formulas. The best and safest way to get them is straight from the manufacturer here. My trusted brand for children is Young Living’s MightyVites.
QUALITY PROBIOTIC
Considering 70-80% of our immune system resides in the gut, it’s important to keep our gut as healthy as possible. By providing beneficial bacteria to our gut, probiotics boost immune function and assist the body in warding off infection. My trusted probiotics are Life 9 for adults and MighyPro for kids.
ESSENTIAL OILS & ESSENTIAL OIL INFUSED CLEANING PRODUCTS
Essential oils are oils taken from plants that have therapeutic benefit to the body. There are many essential oils that have become staples in my home, but the one I recommend most to support the immune system is thieves oil. Each individual oil in this blend serves a purpose and together they create an immune powerhouse. We diffuse thieves into the air daily and also apply it our entire family’s feet. In addition to the oil, Young Living has an entire thieves line, including cleaner, hand sanitizer, and hand soap, which are all safe for the littlest hands. If you’re looking to grab a whole bundle of thieves products for a discounted price, the thieves starter kit may be right for you.
SUNLIGHT & VITAMIN D
Vitamin D was once thought to only benefit bones and calcium absorption, but we now know it also plays a major role in immune function. If you can get natural sunlight for 30 minutes a day, definitely do. However, during the less sunny months (or since January for those of us here in Georgia), taking a daily Vitamin D supplement can give your immune system a little boost. I recommend Innate Response Vitamin D3 which can be bought here. There are also light therapy lamps, which are a great way to start your day with a little natural light.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Chiropractic care leads to a healthy nervous system, which keeps our immune systems functioning at their optimal level. It is common knowledge that chiropractic helps with back pain and headaches, but it goes much beyond that. This article exemplified how a single chiropractic adjustment can boost your immune system by 200%. The spine and nervous system are in direct correlation with the immune system, so keeping up with your family’s adjustments is essential during this time.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant that contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. We often boost our levels when we’ve been exposed to sickness, but I recommend it as a preventative measure this time of year. Super C by Young Living is a quality Vitamin C supplement and they also have a chewable version for kids.
POSITIVE MINDSET
Does stress have a negative effect on the body? Absolutely. In fact, fear, anxiousness, and stress are all emotions that can weaken our body’s ability to function properly. This can certainly put us at risk for sickness, so let’s all take a deep breath and attempt to cast our worries aside. I realize these are uncertain times, but I encourage focusing on the positives and practicing gratitude as much as we can. We are going to get through this and we will do so together.
Let’s stay well, friends.
Dr. Kristin Marchman
Link to Innate Response supplements
Link to Young Living products
Link to article about chiropractic care
Link to light therapy lamp
DR. KRISTIN MARCHMAN, ESSENTIAL WELLNESS CHIROPRACTIC – HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITOR
Dr. Kristin Marchman is excited to serve the Cumming community and assist in educating about health and wellness. As a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and Georgia Birth Network, Dr. Marchman is dedicated to providing optimal health to her patients through chiropractic care. She is certified in the Webster Technique for pregnant women, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nervous system and balances maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments. This in turn reduces torsion in the uterus, a cause of intra-uterine constraint of the baby, and allows for optimal fetal positioning in preparation for birth.
While Dr. Marchman specializes in pregnant women, children, and athletes, she welcomes patients of all ages and from all walks of life. Dr. Marchman has a passion for serving others and cannot imagine doing anything else. Outside of the office, she an active member of Browns Bridge Church and the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce. She spends her free time staying active and spending time with her husband Tyler, two sons Tanner and Brody, and daughter Keelie.
Connect with Dr. Marchman Online: Website | Facebook
Office Phone: 470.522.7801
