Your Immune System and Diabetes: 5 Immune System Boosters All Diabetics Should Try
Your immune system and diabetes aren’t friends. High blood sugar lowers your immune system, and people with diabetes have high blood sugar more often. It’s a concern that people with diabetes need to consider all year round, but especially during cold and flu season.
Does that mean you have to buy a hazmat suit and lock yourself in a sterile bubble? Not by a long shot. In addition to managing your blood sugar, there are plenty of natural ways to boost your immune system.
1. Get Choosy with Your Carbs
The first rule of living with diabetes is to control your sugar intake, but that isn’t all it takes. Other carbs can have an impact on your blood glucose levels and reduce your immune system too.
The key is to focus on complex carbohydrates like whole grains. Avoid simple carbs like those in more process foods such as pasta and white bread.
High blood sugar is the top problem with how diabetes affects immune system responses. Complex carbs will keep your blood sugar levels more stable which keeps your immune system strong.
2. Head Outside for a Workout
Take time today to go outside for a walk, jog, or even yoga in your backyard. This empowers your immune system in two ways at once.
First, exercise promotes a healthier blood flow throughout your body. Better circulation strengthens your immune system, and people with diabetes have reduced blood flow. Second, healthy sun exposure helps your body product more vitamin D which is essential for immune activity.
3. Spice Up Your Life
Most people know vitamin C helps your immune system, but did you know some herbs and spices have a similar effect? Some top spices that boost immunity are garlic, turmeric, and ginger, but there are many others.
Start incorporating more of these spices into your diet in healthy ways. For instance, include garlic in your salad dressings or indulge in healthy Indian dishes which are often high in turmeric.
4. Make an Adjustment
Chiropractic care can have a powerful impact on your immunity and diabetes alike. When you have inflammation or misalignments in your musculoskeletal system, it can reduce your blood flow. Blood vessels get compressed between bones or muscles and they can’t function their best.
A chiropractic adjustment can get your body back in alignment. That allows your blood flow to thrive and to carry your white blood cells and other immune system essentials throughout your body.
5. Hit the Hay
It’s common for adults not to get enough sleep, and in some circles, it’s almost a badge of pride. Toss out that ideology because a lack of sleep could have a serious impact on your health.
While you sleep, your body fights infections, manufactures white blood cells, and takes other steps to maintain your immune system. There are plenty of ways to modify your schedule and environment to get better sleep.
Caring for Your Immune System and Diabetes
No one likes to get sick, but if you have diabetes, a simple illness could become a serious threat to your life. The best way to stay healthy is to empower your immune system before you get sick.
The tips above can improve your immune system and diabetes at the same time. To start making positive changes, schedule a chiropractic visit with our skilled providers today.