Why does my body hurt when I’m sick?
It's that time of the year when it seem like everyone is coming down with something. People often wonder, why does my body ache when I get sick? That’s a really good question! It’s actually a sign that the body’s immune system is working and is mounting a defense against a potential pathogen. Your body creates something called cytokines, which are a special type of protein that allows for communication within the immune system. They help to alert the body to a potential threat and cause an increase in inflammation. That inflammation causes our body to feel stiff, achy, and fatigued. So, it’s actually the body’s own immune response to the pathogen that causes those achy joints when we get sick.
What can be done about it?
It may seem obvious, but rest and proper hydration are a couple of the best things you can do when you feel that cold come on and your body begins to ache. It’s also important to cut out foods that increase inflammation, like processed foods, sugar, unhealthy fats, and dairy. Instead, go for foods that decrease inflammation, like leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and fish. You can also try adding in some quality supplements, like omega 3 fatty acids, curcumin, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, and quercetin. Be sure you’re getting quality products, as many supplements at the drugstores are loaded with harmful fillers and synthetic ingredients, which the body has a hard time utilizing. At Grace Chiropractic and Holistic Health, we carry whole-food vitamins from reputable companies that do rigorous, 3rd party testing on all their products. Give us a call if you need help finding the right supplements for you.
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