Picture an epic battle between forces of good and evil, a shining knight to protect the village and masses of evil minions. The lines are drawn, the enemy has already pressed through and overran many other surrounding villages and has gained strength in numbers as he has gone on. The hopeful village rests that night knowing that they have their shining knight to protect them when the battle begins in the morning, but when the time arrives . . . something is wrong. Something is very wrong, their protector isn’t ready to fight. He wobbles out onto the battlefield looking more like the town drunkard then the defender of their village. What could have gone wrong?

I would like to share with you a truth that many of even the wisest in our society have not realized to be true. Bacteria and viruses, colds and flu’s don’t prowl around looking for a healthy host to take down – the village with the shining knight to protect it is out of their reach. Instead when they are around, they flourish in the person who isn’t properly prepared to defend their attack. Think about the times you have been more likely to become infected and come down with a bug. Times when you were stressed, eating poorly, not getting enough sleep, in fact every time you have been sick, realize it or not, you have created the right environment to lose the battle and the enemy takes over the village for a while – and you get sick. So how do you make sure your shining knight (immune system) is prepared for this season’s challenges? Supply what is needed:

Get adjusted. Tons of research now clearly demonstrates that specific chiropractic adjustments increase the ability for your immune system to function. This has been seen in long term studies (5 years) that show a greatly reduced risk of cancer, medium length studies (6 months) that show HIV patients actually increasing in CD4 levels (this is the immune component that HIV destroys!), and short term studies – that show immediate increases in the activity of white blood cells and their ability to fight off infection. Most researchers now understand that how well your immune system functions is simply an expression of the health of your nervous system (ie. How well your brain communicates to your body!) Get adjusted and ensure that your nervous system (and immune system) is functioning optimally!

Don’t stop a fever. A fever is a natural defense mechanism for your body. Your body can handle higher temperatures then bugs like “the flu”. A fever up to 104 is a good thing! So, besides serious consequences like kidney damage, Tylenol can suppress a fever and extend a cold or flu by multiple days. In serious cases it could even give that bug the upper hand (ie. it wins, you lose).

Eat healthy. Cut all sugar from your diet. Eat lots of leafy greens and other colored fruits and veggies (beets, carrots, tomatoes, blueberries). But not juice!!! One small bottle of apple juice has 26 grams of sugar. Juice is a concentrated and refined sugar (that’s why it tastes so sweet:)

Exercise. Surprisingly, a moderate intensity, prolonged exercise session can often help to beat a cold. Exercise boosts your immune system by reducing stress and the movement helps mobilize immune cells.

Mental Stress. Nothing on this planet will suppress your immune system more than mental/emotional stress. Sometimes easier said than done, but chose to see the blessing in every day and be full of gratitude and you reduce your stress dramatically.

Your immune system is powerful and constantly protects you from an environment that would otherwise be deadly. Help your shining knight be the protector you need (and not the town drunkard!) Help it to heal and fight naturally, give your body the building blocks it needs to become strong, and keep pressure off of your nervous system by getting adjusted!