If it was as simple as germ x caused disease y, exposure to a germ, such as a virus, would not have such a vast range of outcomes- asymptomatic to death. The cause of disease is best explained as an interaction between germs and the integrity of function of the host (human).
Disease does not occur just because there is exposure to a germ, but the loss of cellular integrity (proper function) WITH exposure to a germ. Elevating the health of the host (human) is the best thing we can control when exposed to a germ. The prevention and treatment of disease should focus, not only on fighting germs, but restoring the function of the body. This strengthens the defenses and defenders to protect against any pathogen trying to invade and destroy.
When we have a disease process occurring in the body, even if it is managed with medication, the problem is still present, causing a loss of proper function in the body. If you already have chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disease, the inflammatory cascade is already activated. This chronic inflammatory state decreases the effectiveness of the immune system when it needs to fight.
In order for our immune system to defend itself from foreign invaders, it initiates an immune response to prevent the takeover. The more aggressively something tries to take over, the more aggressive our immune system needs to respond.
Our Innate Immune System
A beautiful defense our innate immune system has to reduce the replication rate early on with a virus is an elevated body temperature. Often, the main reason for using fever-reducing medication is for comfort or to relieve a parents’ anxiety. But if we shut down what the body is using to heal, we interfere with the healing process.
The World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics states a “moderate fever” below 104 degrees is beneficial to decreasing the severity and duration of an infection. The main danger of fever is dehydration. The high metabolic demand of a fever requires adequate hydration and electrolyte replacement in the early stages and throughout.
When infected with a new virus, your body’s innate immune system will trigger a fever to kill the pathogen. The body relies heavily on its innate system for battle. After the battle, antibodies are formed (instructions for how to win the battle) and a quicker, more precise battle can be fought in the future.
The best way we can support our immune system is to make sure there is no interference to proper function. This means changing lifestyle factors that interfere with normal function and cause disease, as well as supporting the body with it needs.
Steps to supporting proper immune function in the body
1. Chiropractic Adjustments
Maintain the stability of the internal environment through proper nervous system function. Ensure there is no interference in the brain and body communication through regular chiropractic adjustments.
2. Stay active
Move your body to allow your lymphatic system to cleanse the body and move invaders into areas with more of the body’s fighters to destroy them.
3. Vital Nutrients
Make sure the body has all the vital nutrients it needs to function properly and rebalance the gut microbes. Remove processed foods, refined carbs, and sugar. Remember, 70% of the immune system is in the gut!