Stress + Election + Sugar = Scary

I know you read the headline and thought…. that Dr Pia, she is such a party pooper. Seriously though, we have all had a lot to deal with these past few years.  Anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges are at the highest levels we have ever seen.

If you add an Election, Sugar, Holiday Treats and Halloween to the mix you have a recipe for metabolic challenges, Liver problems and a depressed immune system, and that is something all of us are trying to avoid.

No matter who wins this election a lot of people are going to feel sad, angry, disappointed and stressed out. We have to be more mindful than ever to resist the temptation to load up on baking all the things and adding all the sweet treats.

The other thing is that as a society, we have normalized the idea of eating candy and cake from now till Jan 1st 2025.  Definitely scary!!! and a recipe for disaster.

KEEPING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG

Doing everything you can to keep your immune system strong can feel like a lot of work. Committing to an exercise routine, good sleep habits, taking supplements, stress management and good nutrition is no small feat, but well worth your time and effort when it comes to staying well. But what if all your valiant efforts could be undone (for about five hours) just by eating one certain food? Yep, you guessed it! Sugar!!

SUGAR IS SCARY

If your sweet tooth has emerged with a vengeance during all the trauma we have all experienced  then listen up: according to nutrition studies and health experts, you might want to rethink your sugar habit. Yes it might feel like it calms you down in the immediate short term but after… Too much sugar in your system allows the bacteria and bugs to propagate much more because your initial innate system doesn’t work as well.

White blood cells, also known as “killer cells,” are highly affected by sugar consumption.  Sugar hinders the immune system because it creates an inflammatory cascade.  These “killer cells” are then not able to do their job and destroy the bad bacteria or pathogens.  That then leaves you vulnerable and at increased risk of sickness.

HALLOWEEN AND SUGAR SPIKES

I know that it can be a struggle when you have kids to keep candy out of the halloween fun.  Here is the trick.  Make sure your kids have something savory to eat before they go out trick and treating.  This way you will blunt the glucose spikes, reduce inflammation and curb some of the crazy behavior that can go along with sugar on an empty stomach.

SWEET TREATS

To be clear I am not saying that you shouldn’t have a sweet treat once in a while, I am saying limit your intake and make sure also fill up on nutrient dense foods that support your overall health.

If you have the baking bug look for treats that are low sugar and taste good. Keep reading and click the link below.

Here are some fun ways to incorporate Dark Chocolate, Peppermint, Nut Butters, Coconut as options if you want to get creative. They taste good too. Click here for some spooky suggestions.

So I am nudging and encouraging you to get creative and be super mindful about what you consume and how much this Holiday Season, especially in this time of high level stress and vulnerability.

“Take care of your body and mind as it is the only place you live’

I am now getting off my Sugar Box and want to share some great news;

My favorite supplements solutions for keeping your immune system healthy this season.

• Immune Packs: General and a Vegetarian Formula
• Congaplex Chewables
• Immuplex
• Echinacea Premium
• Cataplex C
• Glutathione

Frankly, I think of  Immune packs as the new multi vitamin.  They are handy dandy and there are two options to choose from. This makes taking care of your immune system during this challenging  time super easy.  All you need to do is add Cataplex D. 2-3 tablets a day.  Take with good fat for optimal absorption. Here to purchase.

Lastly: The Election and the Holidays can be an emotional roller coaster…. Just like Blood Sugar.. like how I snuck that in before the end of the post.  Notice if you are emotional eating, eating too much, eating too late, or saying yes to foods that don’t serve you, just to please others.

You do have a choice and you can choose to do what is best for your body.

Have a healthy week Dr Pia