HealthSeekers: How Sugar Ruins Immunity

Let's Try and be Fit for the Struggle

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After my son was killed in Iraq, I lost my job and I lost my health insurance, which in retrospect, probably has contributed to a healthier me. I am no expert, but I think we need to support and inspire each other to make healthier lifestyle choices, to try and be more fit in a very sick nation, and, sometimes world. I don’t think quitting sugar has any health risks associated with it. I am not indicting the entirety of western “health”care providers, but, chances are, if you ask a western doctor, though, you might get some bad info since most of the doctors know little-nothing about nutrition. That’s why we supplement with alternative information.

I have been a HealthSeeker forever, but I just quit sugar and refined carbs cold-turkey 113 days ago and I have never felt better! There are many resources that are like, “Nine Steps to Quit Sugar,” etc, but one day, I just got disgusted with my over-consumption (I was going through high stress and was compounding it with eating copious amounts of sugar-laden pastries, candy, and other refined carbs) and just stopped. I highly recommend. (I’ve also lost about 30 pounds in that time period).

I am hoping to get through Sugar Season without succumbing.

How Sugar Ruins Your Immune System

Is it just coincidental that “flu season” also coincides with “Candy (Halloween), Pie (Thanksgiving), Cookie (Christmas), and Alcohol (New Year’s Eve) Season? Here in the USA, the standard American diet sickens, and kills, all year round, but at the end of the year when we start to over-indulge and the days get shorter, and colder, maybe we should look to kick that SAD (Standard American Diet) to the curb?

You may think that the worst part of eating too much sugar is gaining extra pounds or a cavity, but did you know that it can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick?

Sugar causes inflammation in the body, which can trap white blood cells in the tissues, leaving the immune system less able to fight off infections. In fact, consuming 50 grams of sugar (about the amount in one can of soda) can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by up to 40% for four-five hours after consumption. This means that consuming a high sugar diet can reduce your ability to fight off bacterial and viral infections, such as the flu.(I am a kind of 1/2 germ; 1/2 terrain theory kinda gal. I believe that if you mis-prepare your immune soil to invite pathogens, some will adhere and inflammation will occur).

Not only does sugar weaken our immune system, but it can also negatively affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut. Our gut health plays a crucial role in our overall immune function, and consuming too much sugar can feed harmful bacteria, disrupting this balance. This can lead to gut inflammation, which has been linked to a weakened immune system in both humans and animals.

It's also important to note that processed sugars and high fructose corn syrup can spike our blood sugar levels, causing insulin resistance. This can lead to chronic inflammation, which can increase the risk for illnesses such as type II diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. It really is essential to become avid label readers. I try to avoid buying and consuming anything with labels, as much as possible.

So, what can we do to strengthen our immune system during flu season? Start by limiting processed foods, fast food/junk food and added sugars in your diet. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly.

In addition to changing your diet, make sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Exercise can boost immune function by promoting the production of white blood cells. It's also essential to manage stress levels as stress can weaken the immune system, as I discovered the hard way at the beginning of this year.

The holiday season may be known for its sweets and alcohol, but it's important to prioritize our health during the Sugar Season. Excessive sugar intake can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to getting sick. By limiting added sugars in our diet, we can support our gut health and reduce inflammation, which can improve our overall immune function. So, this Sugar Season, let's focus on nourishing our bodies with whole, nutrient-dense foods and healthy habits to stay healthy and strong.

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