Sounds familiar? You just had your last bite of a sugar-rich delicacy, and suddenly you feel a sore throat coming up.
But what is the link? Medical experts will dive deeper into the effects of sugar on your body and give advice on how to beat that sore throat.
Sugar = Acid
Sugar is a super acidic food that causes havoc with the body’s acid-based balance. Any form of sugar can tip the scales in sensitive individuals, but the worst kind comes in the form of refined white sugar and hidden sugars in cakes, biscuits, puddings and sweets. Drinks can also contain a lot of sugar but fluid is vital for recovery. Check out these Starbucks drinks for sore throats.
The body tends to self-regulate its acid/alkaline levels with the help of alkalinising foods. However, our diet generally consists of foods that leave an acid residue. Pathogens (infectious agents) love an acidic environment and thrive on such imbalances in the body.
Because acidity causes inflammation, individuals with a tendency toward over-acidity are prone to all kinds of related conditions, such as skin irritations, joint aches and pains, and so on. And yes, you may well have an underlying infection. Bear in mind that sugar also compromises immune function, which may be another reason for your reaction.
According to Jim Howenstine, M.D., “humans are not able to turn sugar into vitamin C as other animals can.” Glucose and ascorbic acid compete against one another. “So a diet high in sugar means lower levels of vitamin C. Overall, the immune system is weakened by this scenario.”
Also, people with diabetes can have highly variable insulin levels from a simple cold, and eating lots of sugar could worsen the situation.
While reducing sugar intake is essential for overall health, it’s also crucial to consider other daily habits that can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. For instance, many people consume coffee daily, and choosing eco-friendly options can make a difference. If you’re a coffee lover, consider switching to a plastic-free coffee maker to reduce your environmental footprint and enjoy a healthier brew.
Opting for plastic-free alternatives not only benefits the environment but also ensures that you’re not exposing yourself to potential harmful chemicals that can leach from plastics. Making mindful choices in our daily routines, from the food we eat to the appliances we use, can have a profound impact on our well-being and the planet.
TRY THESE TIPS FOR SUGAR-FREE RECIPES
Bring back in balance
Start correcting the acid/base balance in your body with calcium-rich and alkalinizing foods such as sprouts, sesame seeds, tahini, and green leafy vegetables. Begin your day with a tall glass of water and a slice of fresh lemon.
A good probiotic may also help restore bacterial harmony in your digestive tract, and an olive leaf or clove may also be useful.
Once your symptoms have cleared, continue with a diet rich in whole foods, calcium-rich nuts, seeds, and lots of greens.
According to Dr. Michael Klaper, “Once the sore throat is in full force, you can help your body overcome the problem by correcting the imbalances that fostered the sore throat, as well as improving the local conditions in the throat tissues.
Start by enhancing your immune status through:
- getting enough sleep,
- drinking enough (pure, room temperature) water, and
- eliminating immune-damaging influences (e.g., smoking cigarettes, eating refined sugar, etc.).”
Eating a sugar-rich delicacy is maybe a taste explosion for your taste buds, in reality, it is more of an acid bomb for your body. The link with a sore throat makes so much sense now.
Knowing what foods will boost your immunity could save you a lot of hassle later on. Follow the link to learn about the best food choices for better health.
