~~From the desk of Ann Arbor Chiropractor Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.

Cold and flu season is just around the corner so you should begin to focus on those things that will help you increase your immunocompetancy, that is, your immune system strength. Per the Center for Disease and Control flu season runs from as early as October and generally ends in February. There is no definitive reason why colds and flues seem to more prevalent during the fall and winter months. It is possible your immune system is weakened by less physical activity and less sun light. There are however, numerous other theories why we catch colds and have the flu more often in the fall and winter months. Here are some things you can do to help boost your immune system.

Don't smoke.
Get regular exercise.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Maintain a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fiber and low in saturated fats.
Get enough sleep (at least 7.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night).
Reduce stress.
If you consume alcohol only do so in moderation.
Put your self in situations that make you laugh (laughing-things you find humorous have been shown to strengthen the immune system).
According to the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute the following vitamins and minerals can boost your immune system: C, B, E6, A, D, Folate, Iron, Selenium, Zinc.

Finally, there is some evidence that Chiropractic manipulations can help strengthen one's immune system. So, you should consider visiting a Chiropractor not only to help get rid of your back pain, neck pain, headaches, tingling and numbness, etc., but to possibly help strengthen your immune system.

Dr. Mike Tannenbaum, D.C. can be reached at [email protected].