Tuesday Truths –January 16, 2024
Beyond the apparent consequences like weight gain and dental issues, emerging research is shedding light on a more insidious connection – the intricate link between excessive sugar consumption and autoimmune diseases.
Good morning or afternoon, wherever you are in the world today!
It’s Michele, your AGE-GILTIY Coach!
Last week, I discussed setting good intentions for the new year and why I would do a Sugar Detox.
As we embark on a journey to uncover the hidden truths and the hidden sugars, this blog aims to shed light on the profound connection between the detrimental effects of sugar and the emergence of autoimmune diseases.
Join me as we unravel the sweet sabotage and explore the transformative potential of breaking free from sugar addiction for a healthier, autoimmune-resilient life.
I was concerned about the eczema flareup I have been experiencing since the holiday.
Moderate to severe eczema is a chronic, systemic disease linked to an overactive immune system and persistent inflammation.
Therefore, eczema’s itch and rash can flare up unexpectedly—and, at times, can feel intense. Around 30% of the population has experienced eczema.
Here is the TRUTH: Recent studies have shown that people who consume high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates over an extended period are at an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease.
Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues. This response causes inflammation and gradual destruction of tissues.
Researchers are still trying to understand the complex mechanisms underlying the physiology of autoimmune diseases.
In recent decades, people in Western countries have been eating more food high in sugar, carbs, salt, fat, and processed foods! Experts, therefore, think that diet may play a role in autoimmune diseases, which have become more common in the standard “Western diet.”
As well, as frequent consumption of processed and ‘fast foods’ also promotes:
- Obesity
- metabolic syndrome disorders
- cardiovascular disease.
Typically, the immune system protects the body against infection by attacking foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
However, in autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakenly identifies the body’s healthy cells as foreign and turns the attack on itself.
Autoimmune diseases can be debilitating, especially during flareups when tissue attacks are in full swing.
Globally, around 4 percent of people live with an autoimmune disease, while in the U.S., up to 8 percent of people are affected. And the prevalence is increasing.
More than 80 diseases fall into this category, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH),
Some autoimmune diseases target a specific organ, such as the pancreas in Type 1 diabetes, while others, like lupus, can affect the whole body.
“TEN” Most Common Autoimmune Diseases:
- Type 1 Diabetes – destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – attacks the joints.
- Psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis – a build-up of over-inflamed skin patches. 30% will develop into psoriatic arthritis, leading to joint swelling, stiffness, & pain.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the protective coating of the central nervous system‘s nerve cells, sending messages between the brain & spinal cord to and from the rest of the body.
- Systemic lupus – first described as a skin disease that affects joints, kidneys, brain, & heart.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) – intestinal wall inflammation affects the GI tract.
- Addison’s Disease – Addison’s disease affects the adrenal glands, which produce the hormones cortisol, aldosterone, and androgen hormones. Too little cortisol can affect how your body uses and stores carbohydrates and glucose (sugar).
- Graves’ disease – Thyroid hormones, known as metabolism, control the body’s energy usage. Too much (Hyper) of these hormones revs up your body’s activities, causing symptoms that may affect the skin or eyes.
- Sjogren’s disease – attacks the glands that lubricate the eyes and mouth. This dry eye & mouth condition may also affect joints or skin.
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – Hypo or slowdown of thyroid production.
It’s time to confront sweet sabotage……
- understand its impact on our health,
- pave the way for a rejuvenated immune system
- through……… the ‘transformative power” of a Sugar Detox.
Let our journey begin towards a healthier, sugar-free existence where vitality and well-being are the goals for AGE-GILITY!
Bye for now!