Keeping the Family Healthy with Kids Headed Back to School

Keeping the Family Healthy with Kids Headed Back to School

It is “Back to School” time here in Bozeman. For many families, that means back to exposure to illnesses. Colds, the flu, pink eye and strep throat are some of the more common conditions that get spread around with the return to school.

Some common sense, but effective ways to limit the spread of these conditions are:

- washing hands before eating and after using the restroom with plain old soap and warm water

- covering your mouth with the crook of your elbow when sneezing of coughing

- avoid sharing drinking glasses/bottles or eating utensils

- regular exercise and a healthy diet go a long way toward promoting a healthy immune system

Some healthy foods that have been shown to boost the immune system include (but not necessarily limited to) citrus fruits and colorful bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C. Broccoli and vegetables in general are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Garlic...is the bomb for fighting off illness. Ginger is a strong anti-inflammatory. Yogurt is great for GI health. If you want to supplement, vitamin C, a high quality daily multi-vitamin and a garlic supplement are great places to start.

Another way to support your immune system, maybe surprising for some, is chiropractic care. That's right chiropractic adjustments boost the immune system. I realize the statement sounds far fetched and we are not saying that chiropractic cures the cold, but research show that both Interleukin-2 (Il-2) and Interleukin-10 (Il-10) are boosted following chiropractic spinal manipulation.

I had a biochemistry professor in school that told us that if we could not find a biochemical physiological pathway for how we effect health, then your treatment is B.S. While I am not 100% convinced that science is that progressive, chiropractic manipulative therapy effecting interleukins should satisfy the professor to some extent. I hear those of you that do not have a biology degree saying, "what are interleukins and what do they have to do with the immune system".

To answer the questions about interleukins, briefly, Il-2 is a signaling molecule in our body that plays several key roles in cell mediated immunity, fighting of microbial infections and activating T-cells. Il-2 helps to activate both the innate/passive and adaptive/acquired immune responses.

Il-10 plays a key role in the reducing inflammation and in immune regulation (up or down depending on what the body needs). The activation of Il-10 by spinal manipulation may play a key role in reducing spinal pain as well as boosting the immune system.

It is up to you whether to make chiropractic care part of your defense strategy for wellness. Feel free to schedule a consultation with a doctor at Gallatin Valley Chiropractic to have questions answered or for help in deciding if chiropractic may be right for you.

Call 406-551-2177 to schedule.