Each week an average American consumes an alarming 2-3 pounds of sugar, and this intake goes up during the holiday season. As we enter fall, we also approach the sugar laden holidays of the year – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, it continues through Valentine’s Day and Easter. Interestingly enough, this time also coincides with cold & flu season. As the weather turns colder, our bodies have to work harder to maintain a healthy temperature and the added sugar intake increases the stress on our body.
Sugar rich foods cause an increase in blood-glucose, which stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin to lower the glucose levels. A rise in insulin levels, inhibits the release of growth hormones, which in turn depresses the immune system. The rapid fluctuations in blood sugar place an added stress on the body. Insulin also promotes the storage of fat, when you eat sugar rich foods you promote weight gain.
Sugar depresses the immune system – this has been known for decades. When sugar levels are high, sugar competes with Vitamin C to enter the cells. Vitamin C is needed by white blood cells to eat up viruses and bacteria. So when you eat sugar, your immune system slows down significantly.
Sugars found in fruits/vegetables are balanced with vitamins and fiber to slow the glucose absorption. Unlike refined sugars, who are void of minerals, vitamins and draw upon the body’s nutrient stores to be metabolized. Simple sugars have been linked to aggravating asthma, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and arthritis to name a few illnesses. Sugars have the most profound effect on children, leaving them with a subdued immune system and potent psychological effects.
Here are some tips to keep you healthy through the holiday season.
Avoid eating sugar – 1 tsp of sugar has been shown to reduce the immune system for many hours. Practice self-restraint and don’t over-indulge in holiday sweets!
Get plenty of sleep – rest for at least 8 hours each night.
Take everyday actions to stay healthy:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – dispose of this tissue after use.
Wash your hands often with soap and water – especially after you cough or sneeze, or if you have been out and about. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Stay home if you are sick.
What else can I do?
Come in for an Immune Booster Injection: homeopathic, free of chemicals, shown to increase immune response by 41%.
Oscillococcinum – is one of many homeopathic remedies shown to be effective in treatment of the flu.
AlliMax – 1 cap is equal to 30 cloves of garlic. Shown in studies to increase immune function.
Buffered Vitamin C – Most important vitamin for the immune system.
Vitamin D3 and Colostrum – shown to be effective in preventing the H1N1 Virus.
Have Dr. Mundeir tailor a immune support protocol to meet your needs throughout the holidays.
Give your immune system a boost with this powerful homeopathic combination injection.
Engystol® and Gripp-heel® are natural and homeopathic remedies that activate the body’s resistance against viral & bacterial infections such as the FLU and common cold.
Dr. Jaspreet Mundeir, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor practicing in the East Bay Area. She is the owner of East Bay Natural Medicine where she focuses on helping patients achieve their optimal health state using homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutritional supplements, botanical medicine and bio-identical hormones.
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