Chiropractic and Immunity
We've talked about immune boosters and ways to up your immunity before - but what about chiropractic care's efficacy? Does getting regular adjustments really make a difference? Let's look at a study revolving around immunity and get to know this less known benefit of chiropractic treatment a little better.
Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York's preventative medicine institute and professor of medicine and environmental health at New York University, started creating scientifically valid methods to predict individual susceptibility to various chronic diseases in 1975. Amazingly, immune competence could be determined to be inextricably intertwined with DNA repairing enzymes. This allowed for a more objective assessment of illness vulnerability. Lack of those fundamental enzymes, "definitely limits not only your lifespan, but also your ability to resist serious disease consequences"
Pero was also intrigued by the synergistic relationship of various hormones with other cancer-inducing agents. He considered that when the thyroid produces excessive hormones, risk of certain cancers greatly increases as these hormones affect the early phases of radiation and chemically-induced cancers. Various types of spinal cord injury are associated with an increased risk of developing cancer, particularly lymphomas and lymphatic leukemias. This link prompted him to consider chiropractic as a potential weapon for lowering the risk of immune breakdown and disease. This is because the nervous system regulates hormonal balances and as such it can also influence cancer susceptibility.
Collaborating with Joseph Flesia, DC, chairman of the board of directors of the Chiropractic Basic Science Research Foundation, Inc the team began using Pero's research for study. Hypothesizing that people with cancer can have suppressed immuno-responses, they measured resistance to dangerous environmental chemicals, and as expected, people who were healthy or receiving chiropractic care had a relatively better response.
"Chiropractic may optimize whatever genetic abilities you have."
The team discovered some startling results after measuring 107 people who had undergone long-term chiropractic care. All chiropractic patients were genetically normal, meaning there were no obvious genetic reasons for increased disease resistance or susceptibility. As a result, any differences have to be explained by environmental or treatment factors. Chiropractic patients also exhibited a 200 percent higher immune competence than non-chiropractic patients and a 400 percent higher immune competence than persons with cancer or other serious disorders. Surprisingly, despite the study's large age range, immunological competence does not appear to deteriorate with age.
"I'm very excited to see that without chemical intervention ....this particular group of patients under chiropractic Care did show a very improved response."
Despite the study's lack of differentiation between the effects of dietary habits, Pero considers chiropractic therapy to be the defining aspect of the patient's recovery in his study.
Chiropractic is not just a treatment option for sore backs. It can greatly improve your immune system or keep it running in optimum condition. Combined with good diet and exercise, the benefits of regular care can not be understated. If you're a little out of practice with your adjustments, feel like you could use a bit of an immune boost or just want to get back into a healthy schedule, we're here for you. Give us a call to start your regular treatments - 408.984.7444
