Excess sugar significantly depresses the immune system. Studies have shown that consumption of 75 to 100 grams of a sugar solution (about 20 teaspoons of sugar, or the amount that is contained in two average 12-ounce sodas, 2 Crave cupcakes or a medium DQ chocolate blizzard) can cause up to a fifty percent drop in the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria. The immune suppression was noticeable almost immediately (within half an hour), most noticeable two hours post-ingestion, and the effect was still evident five hours after ingestion.
I've experienced it many times personally; that I may be feeling like I'm fighting a bit of a sore throat or stuffy nose. I'll have a sugar indulgence in the form of my favourite chocolate or a big dessert after a treat meal out, and boom - within the hour I'm feeling lousy! With cold and flu season upon us, this is another compelling reason to stay away from the white poison!
By Yvette Styner, CHN
Certified Holistic Nutritionist