GILBERT, Ariz., Nov. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- East Valley chiropractor Dr. Daniel Carlow, D.C., announced his top tips for strengthening the immune system to combat winter colds and flu. Dr. Carlow says that his top tip is to keep the spine correctly aligned. Correct spinal alignment may reduce nervous system interference that can weaken immune system function, says Dr. Carlow, D.C. In conjunction with flu-prevention guidelines from the American Chiropractic Association, Dr. Carlow’s tips include building natural immunity from within via increased intake of garlic, Vitamin C, Echinacea, zinc lozenges and tea.
“With winter right around the corner, now is the time to take steps to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk for colds and the flu,” said Dr. Carlow, D.C. “Do not wait until you are feeling poorly to receive treatment. Strengthening your immune system now will reduce the likelihood for illness and, should you get sick, help limit the severity of the flu or cold.”
Dr. Carlow, D.C. says that his top tip for a stronger immune system is to keep the spine correctly aligned. Preliminary findings from an ongoing asthma trial show that chiropractic manipulation increases immunoglobulin A levels and decreases the levels of glucocorticoid cortisol in the body, according to research reported by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). The ACA reports that many chiropractors have also noticed care may help lessen the duration and severity of a patient’s cold.
“While additional research is necessary, preliminary studies show that patients may benefit from chiropractic care thanks to immune system stress reduction,” said Dr. Carlow, D.C. “Nerve irritation from spinal misalignments can compromise organ and body system function, increasing the risk for a host of health problems. When the body’s systems are under stress, they are also vulnerable to low-grade illnesses, like the common cold. Maintaining proper spinal alignment not only reduces the risk for pain, but also supports whole body health from within.”
In addition to receiving regular chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Carlow’s tips for a stronger immune system include natural dietary supplements, including garlic, Vitamin C, Echinacea, zinc lozenges and tea.
“Garlic has been used as a health food for over 5,000 years due to its natural antibiotic properties,” said Dr. Carlow. “A clinical trial in Great Britain found that individuals who took garlic supplements between November and February had significantly fewer colds than those who did not. Garlic is also an easy ingredient to add into every day meals, such as garlic in sautéed spinach, garlic in chicken noodle soup, or garlic in tomato sauce.”
Islands Chiropractic & Massage provides chiropractic care and massage therapy for the treatment of back and neck pain, headaches and migraines, sciatica and disc problems. Islands Chiropractic & Massage serves patients in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa and the surrounding areas. For more information on flu prevention, call (480) 545-4580 or visit www.islandschiro.com.