There are various reasons for getting sick, but stress is one of the most common. Stress from family, work, school, traveling, etc., wreaks havoc on the body and mind. Working odd or different hours and staying up late disrupts routines and schedules and can generate significant stress. Trying to keep on top of everything and still trying to manage the usual responsibilities and duties can result in a weakened immune system that contributes to persistent illnesses. Chiropractic care combined with functional medicine can strengthen the immune system and restore optimal function.

Weakened Immune System

The immune system is a network of organs, white blood cells, proteins/antibodies, and chemicals. It protects the body from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that cause infection, illness, and disease. It’s normal for healthy adults to get sick a few times a year, but constantly being sick signals a weakened immune system. Individuals with weak immune systems also experience digestion issues. This could be constipation or frequent diarrhea. Approximately 70% of the immune system is in the gastrointestinal tract, where the healthy/beneficial bacteria and microorganisms live. If the amount of healthy bacteria is low, it is harder to protect the body from viruses, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune disorders.

Properly Working

• When the immune system works properly, it can tell which cells are the body’s and which substances are foreign and don’t belong there.
• It activates, mobilizes, and destroys the outside germs.
• After exposure, the immune system stores the germs’ identities to develop antibodies to protect the body.

Depleted Immunity

Chronic stress wears down and prematurely ages the immune system. When the body must constantly adapt to changes from stress, it makes the immune system less responsive.

• Depleted immunity is when the cells that should be ready to activate and fight viruses and bacteria are low in numbers.
• Ongoing stress, over time, can make the body more vulnerable to illnesses, from colds and flu to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
• High-stress levels can cause depression and anxiety, leading to higher levels of inflammation.

Chiropractic Restoration

Chiropractic care can help strengthen the body’s natural ability to heal and recover from illness by realigning the spine, improving circulation, and releasing toxins. Chiropractic works on the central nervous system, which comprises the spine and brain. As proper function and communication are restored, the central and peripheral nervous systems work together to help control the body’s ability to perceive and handle internal and external stress. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic treatment include:

• Massage therapy
• Spinal realignment
• Decompression therapy
• Health Coaching
• Nutritional assistance

---

Stress Impact

---

References

Childs, Caroline E et al. “Diet, and Immune Function.” Nutrients vol. 11,8 1933. Aug 16, 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11081933

InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. How does the immune system work? [Updated 2020 Apr 23]. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279364/

Nicholson, Lindsay B. “The immune system.” Essays in biochemistry vol. 60,3 (2016): 275-301. doi:10.1042/EBC20160017

Segerstrom, Suzanne C, and Gregory E Miller. “Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry.” Psychological bulletin vol. 130,4 (2004): 601-30. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601