Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Sugar and Your Immune System

As if there aren't enough reasons for not consuming huge amounts of sugar here's one more thought that some of you may not be as aware of: It depletes your immune system.

Whether your carbohydrate intake consists of plain processed sugar or just refined carbs, too much of either affects your immune system in a negative way. Here's why. Carbohydrates simply make you body PH balance more acidic. The more acidic the body is the more bacteria and viruses love you, setting you up to get sick more readily. A lot of animal products do the same. The answer is basically eat your fruits and vegetables, especially the veggies. They are being promoted more by most health authorities anyway like the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. They are suggesting even more than the original 5 a day (although that's a great start)! They are encouraging more like 9-11 servings!

Before you say that's impossible, remember the servings of these crucial food groups are very small. A vegetable serving is 1 cup raw or a half cup of cooked. Fruits vary more in size but you can always check The Mayo Clinic's  Diabetic Exchanges for more precise amounts.

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