YOUR PANCREAS (T6), SPLEEN (T7, AND LIVER (T8) AND WHAT THEY DO FOR YOU

How many times have you ever been asked, "How much insulin did your pancreas have to produce today?” -OR- “What did you do to take care of your spleen today?” -OR-  “What are the 500 functions of your liver?”...While these are very important questions to know the answers to, it is not something that we think about until something goes wrong, and you must. Which is how regular chiropractic adjustments help early detection and prevention of more serious problems. How?
 
In our ongoing spine health series, we look at the roles of the T6, T7, and T8 vertebrae. Often overshadowed by their more renowned counterparts, these vertebrae are just as integral in maintaining optimal well-being and vitality as any other. And I hope you’re starting to see how each individual vertebra, your spine, spinal cord, brain, and nervous system are the foundation to you being alive AND WELL.

 T6: This vertebra innervates the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing insulin and digestive enzymes. When your T6 vertebra is out of alignment, it can throw off blood sugar readings or impair digestion. Left misaligned for long periods of time, this can contribute to or lead to more serious diabetes, IBS, or other symptoms down the road. BEFORE getting there, regular chiropractic adjustments can help with early detection and prevention. Not only do Doctors of Chiropractic align your spine, but most are versed and trained in a more holistic philosophy.  They’ll go beyond the surface and toward the root cause of dis-ease and disease through diet, movement, mindfulness, and other expertise to help your issues.
 
T7: Your spleen is a key player in your body’s immune system. It works together with the liver and bone marrow to produce red and white blood cells. Your spleen is one of the organs within a vital system that helps filter your blood and fight infection. If you ever had to take it out due to trauma of some kind, your body would still be able to function with the help of your liver.
 
T8: Your liver is arguably one of your body’s most versatile organs, boasting over 500 distinct functions. Here are a few of those functions and why I underscore the importance of maintaining optimal nerve flow and electrical balance to your T8:

1. Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats: The liver helps regulate blood sugar levels by storing glucose as glycogen and releasing it as needed. It also metabolises proteins and fats for energy production and other physiological processes.
2. Detoxification: The liver plays a central role in detoxifying harmful substances, including drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins by breaking them down into less harmful compounds that can be excreted from the body.
3. Bile production: The liver produces bile, a fluid that helps digest fats in the small intestine. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the intestine during digestion.
4. Storage of vitamins and minerals: The liver stores essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as minerals like iron and copper, for later use by the body.
5. Synthesis of proteins: The liver synthesizes various proteins, including albumin, which helps maintain osmotic pressure in the blood, and clotting factors, which are essential for blood coagulation.
6. Regulation of cholesterol levels: The liver regulates cholesterol production and removes excess cholesterol from the blood, helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
7. Immune function: The liver plays a role in the immune system by filtering blood and removing pathogens, toxins, and dead cells. It also produces immune factors that help defend the body against infections.
8. Production of hormones: The liver produces hormones and other signaling molecules involved in regulating metabolism, growth, and other physiological processes.

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Optimal health starts with prioritising regular spinal alignment and nerve function. I say “regular” because even without symptoms it is important to do. If you get to the point where you are experiencing symptoms such as mid-back pain, headaches, or digestive disturbances, then it is even more important to do.
 
Getting to the root cause of your symptoms will always pave the way to lasting wellness and it all starts here.
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael