Immunity


MaxLiving Perspective

Incorporating 5 Essentials™

The immune system works to prevent and fight infections in the body.(1) It is composed of many cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that work together to recognize and fight off antigens, or foreign substances that create disease.(2) Usually, the immune system effectively protects the body from infections. However, certain conditions and lifestyle practices can weaken the immune system, causing increased susceptibility to illness and disease.(3) 

The good news is that you can boost your immune system to help prevent diseases by following these healthy eating and lifestyle modifications.
Core Chiropractic

Core Chiropractic

  • Get a chiropractic exam. The nervous system and immune system are interconnected.(4) Chiropractic care and adjustments work to remove inflammation and interference in the nervous system, allowing better communication and activation of the immune system.(4)

  • Maintain regular chiropractic care. One study found that patients who maintained chiropractic care for at least five years had a 200% stronger immune system than patients who were not under chiropractic care.(5)

Nutrition

Nutrition

  • Include cruciferous veggies in your diet, such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage.(6) Cruciferous veggies contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol which (when broken down through chewing and digestion) produces a substance called DIM.7 DIM has immune-boosting properties.(8,9)

  • Flavor your meals with herbs and spices like turmeric, garlic, and ginger. These spices contain compounds that have potent immune-boosting benefits.(10,11,12,13,14)

  • Avoid added sugars. Instead, use stevia or xylitol. Sugar binds to proteins through a process called glycation.(15) During glycation, harmful compounds known as AGEs are produced, which hinder the immune response.(16,17)

  • Consume foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries.(18) Vitamin C supports the barrier function against harmful bacteria, and helps to both prevent and treat infections.(19)

  • Eat fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and no-sugar-added organic yogurt.(20) These foods contain probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that colonize the gut and help fight off infections.(21)

  • Increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water, wild-caught fish, grass-fed meats, raw walnuts, flaxseeds, and hemp and chia seeds.(22) Omega-3 fatty acids enhance the production of antibodies, which are proteins produced by our body that destroy foreign invaders.(23) This, in turn, strengthens immune response.(24)

Mindset

Mindset

  • Get 7 - 9 hours of quality sleep per night.(25) Sleep is the body’s restorative process where we heal.(26) Cytokines, which are proteins that create an immune response to infection and inflammation, are produced and released during sleep.(27,28) In turn, the lack of sleep decreases the production of cytokines, lowering immune response.(29)

  • Learn to manage stress. Stress decreases the number of lymphocytes, or cells that fight infection, in the body.(30) This results in a decrease in the immune system’s capability to fight off toxins.(30)

Oxygen and Exercise

Oxygen & Exercise

  • Exercise consistently. Practice a lifestyle of moderate-intensity exercises such as jogging, swimming, and biking.(31) Strive to exercise for about 30 minutes, 3-4 times per week.(32) Moderate exercise can boost the immune system to reduce one’s susceptibility to illness.(33)

Minimize Toxins

Minimize Toxins

  • Avoid smoking. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that decrease the immune system’s ability to fight infections.(34,35)

  • Consume alcohol in moderation. Too much alcohol can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of developing an infection.(36,37)

  • Wash your hands regularly. Washing your hands can reduce respiratory illness by up to 21%.(38) Be sure to lather your fingers, hands, and under the nails with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.(39)

Minimize Toxins

Tests

  • If you have any concerns about your immune system, please consult with your healthcare practitioner about performing the proper blood tests.

Minimize Toxins

Nutrient Support*

Talk to your healthcare practitioner about including these and/or any other nutraceuticals in your dietary practices.

Immune Boosting Nutraceutical Recommendations

Nutraceutical

Zinc +

Vitamin C Complete

Vitamin D3 + Probiotics

IM Support

Instructions for Use

1 capsule daily with a meal

2 capsules daily with a meal

1 capsule daily with a meal

4 capsules per day with a meal

Daily Essentials for Men or Women

Contains

Two (2) capsules of Men's or Women's Multivitamin

One (1) capsule of Vitamin D3 + Probiotics

One (1) capsule of B-Complex with Delayed Release

Two (2) softgels of Optimal Omega

Two (2) capsules of Magnesium Glycinate

Instructions for Use


One packet daily with a meal.


Immune Boost Bundle

Daily Essentials for Men or Women

Never modify any medications or other medical advice without your healthcare practitioner’s support.

*For optimal results, we recommend you perform a metabolic analysis profile test, which tests for key biomarkers that identify nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, bacterial overgrowth, and drug effects. Talk with your MaxLiving Chiropractor about the Metabolix Program to get tested and be able to obtain a more customized health plan.

References

1. Overview of the Immune System. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-system-overview. Updated December 30, 2013. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

2. Immune System. kidshealth.org. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/immune.html. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

3. Fletcher J. How to stay healthy with a weak immune system. medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324930.php. Updated April 10, 2019. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

4. How can Chiropractic care effect the immune system? allamericanhealthcare.net. https://allamericanhealthcare.net/how-can-chiropractic-care-effect-the-immune-system/. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

5. Does Chiropractic Strengthen Immunity? Abundant Life Chiropractic. Accessed March 12, 2020. Retrieved from https://healthsourcelombard.com/does-chiropractic-strengthen-immunity/.

6. Cruciferous vegetable. cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=CDR0000044963&version=Patient&language=English. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

7. Wong C. The Health Benefits of Diindolylmethane. verywellhealth.com. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-diindolylmethane-89447. Updated February 10, 2019. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

8. Yang S. Compound in broccoli has immune-boosting properties, finds new study. UC Berkeley News. https://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2007/08/20_broccoli.shtml. Published August 20, 2007. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

9. Xue L, Pestka JJ, Li M, Firestone GL, Bjeldanes LF, et al. 3,3’-Diindolylmethane Stimulates Murine Immune Function In Vitro and In Vivo. J Nutr Biochem. 2008;19(5):336-344. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2007.05.004. 

10. Jagetia GC, Aggarwal BB, et al. “Spicing Up” of the Immune System by Curcumin. Journal of Clinical Immunology. 2007;27(1):19-35. doi: 10.1007/s10875-006-9066-7. 

11. Wilken R, Veena MS, Wang MB, Srivatsan ES, et al. Curcumin: A review of anti-cancer properties and therapeutic activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer. 2011;10(12). doi: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-12. 

12. Mozaffari Nejad AS, Shabani S, Bayat M, Hosseini SE, et al. Antibacterial Effect of Garlic Aqueous Extract on Staphylococcus aureus in Hamburger. Jundishapur J Microbiol. 2014;7(11):e13134. doi: 10.5812/jjm.13134. 

13. Mahassni SH, Bukhari OA, et al. Beneficial effects of an aqueous ginger extract on the immune system cells and antibodies, hematology, and thyroid hormones in male smokers and non-smokers. JNIM. 2019;15(1):10-17. doi: 10.1016/j.jnim.2018.10.001. 

14. Joo JH, Hong SS, Cho YR, Seo, DW, et al. 10-Gingerol inhibits proliferation and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells through suppression of Akt and p38MAPK activity. Oncology Reports. 2016;35(1):779-784. doi: 10.3892/or.2015.4405. 

15. Kim CS, Park S, Kim J, et al. The role of glycation in the pathogenesis of aging and its prevention through herbal products and physical exercise. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2017;21(3):55-61. doi: 10.20463/jenb.2017.0027. 

16. Son S, Hwang I, Han SH, Shin JS, Shin OS, Yu JW, et al. Advanced glycation end products impair NLRP3 inflammasome–mediated innate immune responses in macrophages. J Biol Chem. 2017;292(50):20437-20448. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M117.806307. 

17. Son S, Hwang I, Han SH, Shin JS, Shin OS, Yu JW, et al. Advanced glycation end products impair NLRP3 inflammasome–mediated innate immune responses in macrophages. J Biol Chem. 2017;292(50):20437-20448. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M117.806307. 

18. 20 Foods That Are High in Vitamin C. healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitami. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

19. Carr AC, Maggini S, et al. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. 

20. Marengo K. Probiotic foods: What to know. medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323314.php. Updated October 11, 2018, Accessed August 20, 2019. 

21. Yan F, Polk DB, et al. Probiotics and immune health. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2011;27(6):496-501. doi: 10.1097/MOG.0b013e32834baa4d. 

22. Calder PC. n−3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and inflammatory diseases. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2006;83(6):1505S-1519S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/83.6.1505S. 

23. Gurzell EA, Teague H, Harris M, Clinthorne J, Shaikh SR, Fenton JI, et al. DHA‐enriched fish oil targets B cell lipid microdomains and enhances ex vivo and in vivo B cell function. Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2013;93(4):463-470. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0812394. 

24. Gurzell EA, Teague H, Harris M, Clinthorne J, Shaikh SR, Fenton JI, et al. DHA‐enriched fish oil targets B cell lipid microdomains and enhances ex vivo and in vivo B cell function. Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2013;93(4):463-470. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0812394. 

25. How Much Sleep Do We Really Need? sleepfoundation.org. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/excessive-sleepiness/support/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

26. Four crucial ways that sleep helps the body to heal. chicagotribune.com. https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/advertising/marketplace/ct-ss-suburbs-four-crucial-ways-that-sleep-helps-the-body-to-heal-20180112dto-story.html. Published January 16, 2018. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

27. How Sleep Affects Your Immunity. sleepfoundation.org. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-sleep-affects-your-immunity. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

28. Olson EJ. Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick? mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757. Published November 28, 2018. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

29. How Sleep Affects Your Immunity. sleepfoundation.org. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-sleep-affects-your-immunity. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

30. McLeod S. Stress, Illness and the Immune System. https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-immune.html. Updated 2010. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

31. Bumgardner W. Moderate-Intensity Level Exercises. verywellfit.com. https://www.verywellfit.com/what-is-moderate-intensity-exercise-3435400. Updated August 18, 2019. Published August 20, 2019. 

32. Exercise and the Common Cold. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/exercise-when-you-have-cold#1. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

33. Nieman DC, Henson DA, Austin MD, Sha W, et al. Upper respiratory tract infection is reduced in physically fit and active adults. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2011;45(12):987-992. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/12/987. Published November 1, 2010. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

34. Health Effects. smokefree.gov. https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/why-you-should-quit/health-effects. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

35. Qui F, Liang CL, Liu H, Zeng YQ, Hou S, Huang S, Lai X, Dai Z, et al. Impacts of cigarette smoking on immune responsiveness: Up and down or upside down? Oncotarget. 2017;8(1):268-284. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.13613. 

36. Alcohol and the Immune System. nih.gov. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/10report/chap04b.pdf. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

37. 6 Surprising Ways Alcohol Affects Your Health – Not Just Your Liver. clevelandclinic.org. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-surprising-ways-alcohol-affects-health-not-just-liver/. Published July 1, 2016. Accessed August 20, 2019. 

38. Show Me the Science - Why Wash Your Hands? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html.

39. Show Me the Science - How to Wash Your Hands. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html.

Disclaimer

This content is for information purposes only. Any statement or recommendation in this publication does not take the place of medical advice nor is meant to replace the guidance of your licensed healthcare practitioner. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. MaxLiving information is and products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or provide medical advice. Decisions to use supplements to support your specific needs should be considered in partnership with your licensed healthcare practitioner.