Let me guess – school is back in session, weather is changing, Oklahoma allergies are in full swing, and now your family isn’t feeling the best. You’re experiencing symptoms like congestion, headaches, sinus pressure, post nasal drip, and maybe even a fever or stomach bug to top it all off.
Fall allergies can look like an illness
Oklahoma’s fall ragweed season often overlaps with the beginning of respiratory virus season. Ragweed pollen, mold spores, and other allergens can produce congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation.
Interesting fact: Allergies do not cause a fever. Fever, body aches, and pronounced fatigue are more suggestive of infection, although not every respiratory infection causes fever.
According to the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic, ragweed pollen historically reaches its highest levels during the last two weeks of September, with elevated levels sometimes continuing well into October. Ragweed pollen can travel hundreds of miles in the wind, meaning symptoms can persist even when there is no ragweed growing nearby.
October is a good preparation month
When thinking specifically about the flu, February has historically been the most common peak month for influenza nationally. October is an important time for preventive measures, including boosting your immune system, hand-washing, adequate sleep, consistent movement for your body, and chiropractic adjustments.
The planning and intention you give to October to combat allergies and boost your immune system will continue to pay back dividends months later when the flu typically hits.
Chiropractic Care helps you during this season
Chiropractic care goes beyond spinal adjustments. It uses a comprehensive approach to strengthen your immune response. Studies suggest that spinal alignment can improve nervous system function, helping the body fight off illnesses. A well-aligned spine keeps your nervous system working correctly, so your body can defend itself against viruses. Additionally, chiropractic care helps reduce stress, which otherwise weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and flu.
Coughing? Stomach bug? Sneezing? These symptoms can put strong, sudden force on your joints that can result in back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more. Adjustments can help get those areas aligned to provide pain relief, as well as allowing the nervous system to communicate correctly throughout your body.
Congestion? Many people are surprised to know that your EARS can be adjusted. Ear adjustments can help with sinus drainage and aid in sinus pressure relief. Adjusting your ears can also be a great preventative measure for ear infections.
TALK WITH THE DOC: New patients can request a free consultation on our website here.
Supplements that can help boost your immune system
In addition to the many measures we’ve discussed above, supplementation is another tool in your tool belt when strengthening your immune system and supporting your body through seasons of allergies and sickness. Above all, your body needs WATER, WATER, AND MORE WATER. A good goal is half your body weight in ounces every day.
Here are a few supplements we have seen work well:
- D-Hist: optimal support for nasal and sinus passageways for individuals who anticipate seasonal changes.
- D-Hist Jr. (for kids): chewable tablet that includes a targeted blend of flavonoids, antioxidants, proteolytic enzymes and botanicals designed to provide comprehensive support for children with seasonal challenges caused by common environmental
- Magnesium: supports cognitive function, sleep quality, mood & stress, muscle health, and
- D3/K2: synergistic relationship between vitamin K2 and vitamin D3, for bone and cardiovascular health. A group of naturally occurring and structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K is essential for the proper utilization of calcium.
- Liposomal Vitamin C: powerful antioxidant and essential nutrient to help support your immune, heart and vascular health and help protect against damaging free radicals and
- Elderberry: provides antioxidants to support your immune
- Colloidal Silver: antimicrobial properties and immune system support. This product is great for attaching to a bad substance in your body and allowing you to get rid of it
Discount on quality supplement products:
Our office offers patients a discount on quality supplements through an online source called FullScript. Email us if you’d like to be set up with a free account and our patient discount. Our email is: staff@wellspringokc.com.
We can send you a direct link to the supplements we suggest, plus you have access to the full product catalog.
These avenues of strengthening our bodies has worked well for our office and our families. At our office, we are proponents of a full view of your health. Hopefully, this information helps equip you to support your health from multiple angles during this time of year.