Welcome to Issue 1 of 2025, which looks inside the public’s growing interest in immunity, longevity and healthy aging.
As a DC, you have witnessed firsthand how a well-functioning immune system is pivotal for warding off illness as well as promoting longevity and reducing the effects of aging. Chiropractic care’s holistic approach emphasizes maintaining a balanced, resilient body. This issue delves into the intricate interplay of immunity with life’s length and quality, exploring how DCs can enhance these vital aspects of patients’ well-being. From spinal adjustments that improve nervous system function to lifestyle recommendations that bolster immune health, chiropractic care offers a unique perspective on how to age well.1
Anti-aging versus healthy aging: The focus is shifting from combating signs of aging to promoting a healthier, more vibrant aging process by supporting the body’s natural functions and enhancing overall wellness.
Evolving perspectives: Patients are adopting a more positive and realistic view of getting older, recognizing it as a natural part of life to embrace, while getting the right support and care.
Opportunities for chiropractic: DCs have new opportunities to support a proactive, holistic approach to healthy aging. Focus on lifespan (length of time lived) and healthspan (the period of life spent in good health) to help patients achieve a higher quality of life as they age.
Exercise and fast to rejuvenate immune system
Exercise plays a powerful role in “delaying immunosenescence,” or aging-related changes to the immune system, according to clinical expert Rob Silverman, DC.
“Immunosenescence is related to an increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes, among other ailments,” Silverman told Chiropractic Economics. “Regular physical activity reduces the number of circulating exhausted or senescent T cells, increases the ability of T cells to reproduce, enhances T cell and natural killer (NK) cell activity, improves antibody responses and lowers circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, which decreases inflammation and the aging that results.”2
Silverman said health benefits are most noticeable with 30 to 60 minutes of moderate daily exercise, but stresses that any level of exercise, starting at any age, is beneficial for healthy aging.
He also supports intermittent fasting plus exercise and their combined rejuvenating effects on the immune system; their synergy stimulates autophagy, the normal breakdown and removal of damaged cells, and mitophagy, where cells dispose of old mitochondria.
“This dietary pattern can help reset immunity by stimulating the production of new immune cells and removing old ones,” Silverman said. “Autophagy appears to be particularly effective in destroying immunosenescent cells that cause autoimmunity.”
Silverman recommends a simple approach to intermittent fasting: avoid eating for at least 12 hours (preferably 14 to 16 hours) after your evening meal. Follow the usual healthy diet during your eating window, he added, and you can forget about counting calories, reducing portions or skipping meals to get results and start your healthy aging journey.
| New wellness research
The health industry appears to be responding to the public’s increased awareness of and interest in holistic health and wellness. New research3 from the Global Wellness Institute reports the global wellness economy has reached more than $6 trillion, which is four times larger than the pharmaceutical industry. For more information on the full report, visit globalwellnessinstitute.org. |
I hope you learn from the articles in this issue, and you begin implementing chiropractic treatment plans to help your patients of all ages boost their immunity, extend their lifespan and achieve optimal health.
To your health, prosperity and success!
References
- Product Development Guide. SupplySide Supplement Journal. 2024;5(9). https://supplysidesj.com. Accessed October 31, 2024.
- Nieman DC, Wentz LM. The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defense system. J Sport Health Sci. 2019;8(3):201-217. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31193280/. Accessed November 21, 2024.
- 2024 Global Wellness Economy Monitor. November 2024. The Global Wellness Institute. https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/. Accessed November 5, 2024.
