If you have been reading my blog for a while, or are one of my patients, you have probably heard me say this before and therefore can guess which food I'm talking about.

That's right. You guessed it. SUGAR.

Here are 5 reasons why you should become more aware of the amount of sugar you are consuming this winter:

• Sugar increases inflammatory lab markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) & Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Increased inflammation contributes to Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease & Obesity - all COVID-19 risk factors
• Pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites) all use sugar as their food source which promotes growth
• Increased sugar intake can lead to weight gain, increases cravings, joint pain, brain fog, fatty liver, diabetes, and on and on...
• Sugar is an anti-nutrient. This inflames the gut, causes imbalance in the microbiome & reduces immune function (most of your immune system is actually located in your gut!)

Want to have a simple resource to help you get started on reducing sugar in your diet? Download the handout above as a starting point.

Now I would love to hear from you! What are you doing to improve your immune system this winter? Leave a comment below and I'll be back next week with another edition of Doctor as Teacher Tuesday!