Systematic Kinesiology and the Immune System
And just like that, it's winter. The weather has changed from the blazing hot summer we experienced here in the UK, to cold mornings with frost appearing on cars. It even snowed in North London last week. Not to mention the change in clocks, which means it now gets dark by 4:30pm. It is the time of year when the coats, scarves and gloves come out and central heating comes on, whilst everyone does their best to avoid getting sick. We all know that the winter season does not only bring rain with it but also common colds, the flu, and plenty of coughs and sniffles. In this blog, we are going to discuss the role of the immune system, how we can help to support our immune systems in these colder months, and finally how Systematic Kinesiology can be used to help bolster the immune system and prevent the onset of illness.
What is the Immune System?
The immune system's main function is to defend the body from infection and disease. It recognises when there are invaders (antigens) in the body, and responds to address the problem. Antigens include the likes of chemicals, bacteria, viruses and so on. If an immune response cannot be activated when there is sufficient need, problems arise - and that is when we get sick. On the other hand, when an immune response is activated without a real threat or is not turned off once the danger passes, different problems arise, such as allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.
The human immune system is made up of a complex network of cells, chemicals, tissues and organs, including the skin, which acts as the first barrier of defence against pathogens. White blood cells are also an integral part, they circulate around the blood and help the immune system fight off infections.
Unfortunately, there are things which can suppress the immune system. These include:
Lack of sleep: Our body enters repair mode when we sleep. Whilst we sleep, the body releases proteins, known as cytokines, that help the immune system function. Cytokines are only produced during sleep. This alone shows why it is so important to get enough of it.
Stress and anxiety: when we are stressed, our body releases a hormone called corticosteroid. Corticosteroid lowers the number of lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the body, which are needed to fight infection. Stress can also lead us to engage in unhealthy behaviours such as alcohol consumption and smoking, which also lead to a lowered immune system.
Alcohol: Liver damage is the main affliction that is normally associated with too much alcohol consumption but it also can impact our immune system. Alcohol can have a direct effect on the lungs, by reducing the ability of respiratory cells to remove mucus from them. Over time this can lead to an increased risk of respiratory conditions. Alcohol also has an effect on the balance of microorganisms in the gut, which again is linked to the immune system and the ability to fight infection and disease.
Other things that affect our immune system include smoking, lack of exercise, lack of whole foods such as fruit and vegetables, low vitamin D and certain medications such as steroids.
How can we help support our Immune System?
If we look at the examples given above for things that weaken our immune system, we can take the opposite, to find things that have a positive effect on the immune system. Such as, eating more fruits and vegetables, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and getting more sleep. Another important way we can help to support our immune system is through supplementation. As mentioned in another one of my blog posts focusing on nutrition; the quality of our topsoil has reduced from overfarming, so it is becoming increasingly difficult to get enough nutrients to live healthy, happy lives, from the food we eat. Even if we are eating solely organic, local farm food (which most of us do not do because it is expensive). This means we should look at supplementation in order to give our bodies the number of vitamins, minerals and nutrients it requires for optimal health and well-being. So, what supplements help support our immune system? See a breakdown below.
Vitamin A: is used by the immune system to help fight infections and it is also vital for eye health, particularly the retina. Vitamin A isn’t made naturally in the body so we need to ingest it via food or supplementation. Vitamin A is stored in the liver until it is needed, so it is not required every day as it can become toxic in some forms. Beta-carotene is the best source of vitamin A as the body only absorbs what it needs and therefore it will not get to potentially harmful levels.
Vitamin C: like vitamin A, the body isn’t able to make its own source of vitamin C, so it needs to be obtained from foods or supplements. It is responsible for maintaining healthy hair and bones and healing wounds, and it is an antioxidant.
Vitamin B6: all B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning we excrete whatever we do not use in our urine so it is important to keep getting enough of them from food or supplementation. Vitamin B6 helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue, regulates hormones and allows the immune system to function normally.
Vitamin B12: is only naturally found in meat and dairy. This means it is important for vegans and vegetarians to supplement it. It is responsible for supporting the immune system, producing red blood cells and fighting fatigue..
Vitamin D: also known as the sunshine vitamin. Unfortunately during the winter months we brits do not get much of this, so supplementation is key. Vitamin D research has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of colds.
Minerals that help support our immune system:
Iron: is an essential mineral. If a person is deficient, it can lead to anaemia. It is responsible for a number of very important functions, including supporting the immune system, regulating body temperature and aiding in making haemoglobin in red blood cells.
Selenium: another essential mineral which needs to be obtained through diet. Selenium helps support the immune system, thyroid gland, and cell health. Selenium is found in meat, fish and plant foods.
Zinc: is a component in over 300 enzymes and helps keep the immune system strong, heal wounds, and support normal growth. In some studies, zinc has been found to lessen the effects of the common cold by up to 40%.
How can Systematic Kinesiology help to support the immune system?
Systematic Kinesiology uses various protocols, which focus on different areas of the body, one of which focuses on the immune system and restoring/maintaining it to function optimally. This protocol is called an immune balance. During an immune balance, the Systematic Kinesiologist will test all of the muscles which relate to the immune system, to see if any are not functioning correctly (thus leading you to be more susceptible to catching an illness).
Going through each of the muscles one by one will tell you if anything in relation to MCPE (mental, chemical, physical or energetical) is out of balance. The Systematic Kinesiologist will then balance these muscles and in turn, the immune system. We work with supplements, finding out from the body exactly what it needs and wants to thrive. Whilst all the supplements and minerals I mentioned above are amazing and generally important to take to assist the immune system. It is impossible to tell if they would be required by you, as an individual, without Systematic Kinesiology muscle testing. We are all different and will not need the same supplements as each other. A Systematic Kinesiology session will find the imbalances in your body and exactly what supplements you require as an individual to function optimally.
It is important to remember that the onset of illness doesn’t happen overnight and there will be imbalances occurring in the body long before symptoms begin to show. Correcting the imbalances before symptoms even appear, is a great way to give our body the support it needs to fight any infections that may be circulating. For more information or to book an immune system balance please contact us.
