Winter Colds, Sinusitis, Coughs, Flu and the main cause………SUGAR
Ever wonder why November and December is the start to cold and flu season? The real answer is SUGAR!! Yes, starting with Halloween and continuing through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve (potentially two months of sweet festivity) we sabotage our own health by lowering our immune system due to this overconsumption of sugar including those Frappuccino’s, Mochas and alcoholic beverages. Ever notice, that almost immediately after eating cake, candies or dessert you can start sneezing and suffer from sinus congestion or runny nose? These allergies are due to lowered immunity and your body revolting against the sugar.
Our immune system is composed of millions of tiny cells and organisms that help to protect your body.
When the body is invaded by bacteria, fungus, viruses, or other pathogens, the body responds by producing special white blood cells called phagocytes. Phagocytes basically surround the bacteria causing the infection and stops it from spreading and effectively killing it. These phagocytes absorb and destroy the harmful organism, or at least neutralize them long enough for the body to flush them from your system.
The immune system searches for Vitamin C to help it’s phagocyte function but unfortunately it doesn’t always find it. Sugar is broken down into glucose, and this glucose is similar in its chemical structure to Vitamin C. This means that when the body tries to utilize the Vitamin C, it often grabs the glucose instead of the vitamin C.
Thus, instead of being able to kill off the bacteria or virus, your body’s immune system’s ability to fight is severely weakened due to the SUGAR. It is unable to fight the infections and thus the illness spreads leading to colds and flu.
Consuming vitamins from whole foods sources are always the best. But when supplementing vitamin C please avoid Ascorbic Acid. It’s an “acid” and not agreeable with your body. Choosing your vitamin C from Whole Food sources like rosehips, camu camu, and Amalaki are more pure in form and absorbable.
Sugar and your immune system are enemies!!
It’s a difficult time of year with all those treats and goodies readily available at home, the office, Christmas parties and gatherings. Keep your immune systems health in mind and regulate your sugar consumption for a healthier holiday season and New Year!
In Love & Light,
Byron
Byron Barth; L.A., MSTOM, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Zen Shiatsu Master and
Founder of Peace of Zen Acupuncture.
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