It's Flu Season... Or Is It?

Starting in the fall, the ads pop up everywhere, urging us to get the flu shot to protect ourselves and our loved ones during the flu season. Here’s my take: there is no such thing as a flu season. There is sugar season, stressed out season, we’re-all-in-close-quarters season. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are well known holidays that come with a large heaping of sugar in the form of candy, desserts, drinks, you name it. Sugar is a highly inflammatory chemical and decreases your body’s ability to fight off illnesses. The more sugar you eat, the more inflamed your body is. I have noticed in my own body a correlation between times when I indulged and then a few days later, ended up with a cold. Coincidence? I think not. 
What do I mean by stressed out season? The holidays are stressful! There are events constantly, gifts to buy, meals to prep, family is in town visiting, the to do list feels never ending. When you are in a stressed out state, your body has a decreased ability to fight off sickness. When we are in close proximity to others, as we are in the colder months because hey, who wants to be outside when it’s freezing, it is easier to pass along viruses and bacteria to one another. 
So what can you do to not fall victim to the “flu season”? Watch your sugar intake! There is nothing wrong with eating a piece of pie at Thanksgiving. But do you need three desserts plus a sugar drink? No. It is short term satisfaction with long term inflammatory effects. Develop coping mechanisms for stress. Can you disperse your to-do list amongst those around you? Only you know what triggers a stress response in your body. Think about ways that you can mitigate this stress from increasing. And as for close quarters during the winter, wash your hands, be mindful of when others are sick, and get fresh air! It may be chilly out, but being outside is great for the body and mind.
Now what does this all have to do with chiropractic care? Research shows that chiropractic adjustments decrease inflammation in the body, increase your ability to respond and adapt to stress, and help your body heal and fend off sickness! This is a trifecta of reasons to see your chiropractor this winter. Reach out if you have questions or are ready to get on our schedule!

Peace, Love and Wellness

​Dr. Morgan