An Honest Mick's up

I am human... Just thought I'd clear that up.

I want to be honest about being normal...  (after all, I did only learn this lifestyle stuff a few years ago)... and I want to share some things to encourage you.


There's nothing juicy here, just some simple truth about every day life.

Ready?  Here it goes.

Healthy eating takes work.

Surprised?  Probably not.

My secret?  I hate that healthy eating takes work.  I am a scheduler, but I hate meal planning.  Do you despise planning meals, too?

I really, truly wish I didn't have to pack lunches every day of the school year (but I do it to offer the healthiest options possible to my children).   I know, I know:  Someday, too soon, I'll be an empty-nester and wishing I still had kidderz at home to pack lunches for.  I'll try to remember that and not complain.

I wish I didn't have to cook breakfast and dinner every day, trying to please the family, while keeping things healthy and simple, feeling like the only thing accomplished for the day is feeding everyone.  Then comes the dreaded phrase, "We're having that, again?"  (I guess that means I need to add a bit more variety, which, again, takes work.)

I remember what it was like when we didn't know better.  True, I still had to come up with ideas of what we'd eat each day, but buying something pre-made or mostly made was a lot easier than cooking from scratch... and it is the normal thing to do.

It's not that people aren't smart or are too lazy, but some families haven't gotten all the information they need to make wiser choices.. like us in the past.  We consumed more processed foods back then.  I thought we were making healthy choices, but I didn't know then what I know now.

Sometimes I wish I still didn't know the dangers.  Sometimes I wish life was easier.

However, there ARE simple and quick recipes that ARE healthy AND tasty.  In fact, I use more spices now than I have our entire married life to this point.  There are some mighty delicious recipes that we can prepare without adding all kinds of junk... and the family approves them.

Please note:  I am not an amazing cook, by any stretch of the imagination.  There is nothing exceptional about my work in the kitchen.  Anyone can do what I do.  Follow a good recipe, and you'll surprise yourself!

I am also not a great baker (really not very good at all).  I always said I'd have to hire my brother to be my baker and gardener, because he was born with those skills and I wasn't.

I can follow a recipe, and if I find something that works for my family, it's a staple.

However, without using "normal" flour and sugar, things aren't working out so easy for me.  Sure, I share yummy recipes I come across... but I can't always get them to look and/or taste nice.

There are many wonderfully talented bakers and cooks out there, and I recommend you look up recipes and tips from them... such nutritionists as:
Elise Scwartz
Kimberly Roberto
Lin Hardick

Though I am not a nutrionist, nor officially certified in anything, I was trained in nutrition and fitness in three different (awesome) jobs, receiving job-specific certification in nutrition and fitness for one of those companies.

The reason I started this blog was to continue the coaching that I was enjoying so much at that office.  Yes, I was a nutrition coach... and to this day, if you sincerely ask me, I'll be glad to give you some pointers.

People look for someone they can use as an easy resource for these things... someone who is (or has been) where they are, understanding the challenges and frustrations.

It was mostly moms asking for help in the office, and so some of my writing (No, I am not a mommy blogger!) might tend toward moms.  However, it's not just moms that need to be informed.

It's important for everyone to stop believing the lies, and take a different angle to managing health... to be empowered!

One way our family has done this is by considering our chiropractor as our main doctor.

Our plan is to use our physician for crisis care only.  You know: if an arm is falling off, or blood is involved somehow.

Years ago, my kidderz were at the physician's office a lot, and they were prescribed medicine all the time... but... since late 2010, I have not bought any medicines for them, and that means we have not used any over-the-counter pain relievers nor cold medicines.  That's nearly THREE YEARS!  For two adults who popped ibuprofen at the slightest discomfort, that's a major deal!  3 Years!

However.... here comes another secret... more honesty...
As I explain in Our Crazy Mick's up Summer, that summer we had a few strange issues in our family, and I cracked.  I admit it!

I was desperate to get relief from my poison rash that had spread to every limb.  Realizing the aloe wasn't allowing it to dry, and without doing any research, I bought the only thing I knew (because of childhood experiences): Calamine Lotion.  Since then, I looked up information to find that our parents and grandparents certainly did OK by that.  Whew!

However, I'm not so happy with my decisions for my son's swimmer's ear.

I became a normal mom, wanting to do whatever was necessary to make my "baby" feel better.

First, I tried my best to use home remedies, like peroxide, rubbing alcohol, garlic and olive oil.

Then, worrying myself silly, I took my son to the physician.

My main concern was to be sure his ear was not being damaged.

I was relieved to find out everything was fine, besides the fact that he had inflammation and pain.

However, the doctor prescribed antibiotic/steroid drops for the ear.

I fought myself over the decision to buy or not to buy.  Much against my better judgment, I gave in to the medical model, and I paid way too much money for something that ended up just sitting unused.

OK... I confess: I did put a drop in his ear that first day or two, but after that, the medicine just sat, and my son was absolutely fine without it.

Am I proud of this decision?  No.  Am I embarrassed?  Yes.  Would I make that same decision again?  No.

Do I understand moms and their worries?  Yes.  I'll say it again:  Yes!

So, please take heart that we are all human, and we might make mistakes now and then...  but we must move on and seek wisdom and discernment in all situations to make the best decisions we can make for our families.

... Oh, and I cheat, too.  It's not much of a secret, but since I'm being honest here...
I still like my cheats: chocolate once in a while, and pizza ANY time (my downfall!).

The difference now versus before healthy living?  At least now I know with cheats come consequences, and I prepare myself for those consequences:  stuffy nose and sinus issues, headaches, stiff joints, tight muscles, grumpiness, fatigue, lower performance in exercise, slower brain function, and maybe even weakening my immune system to the point of allowing a cold to take over my body.

Because I know what'll happen, I do my best to only enjoy these cheats at times when I am not needing to be at "the top of my game..." and that is usually only once or twice per week, at the most.

Do you have some things to be honest with yourself about?  Do you have some guilt for some wrong decisions?  Stop worrying about them.  Face them.  Get back up.  Then move on.  You will learn from those mistakes, and who knows... you might just be able to help someone else because of what you went through.

"We lose our way. We get back up again.
It's never too late to get back up again.
One day you will shine again.
You may be knocked down, but not out forever."
(Toby Mac)


~

"An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips."

Proverbs 24:26

~

Mick's Emotions

It's been a while, since I've written about mindset.  The following topic has been a concern of mine for quite some time... since the start of this blog, in fact.  Something on the radio this week reignited the spark for it, and in light of recent events, it's fitting.

We all know our kidderz watch us closely.  It doesn't matter what we say, as much as much as what we do.  Sometimes we don't see how much those wee ones copy us.  It might take a comment from an unrelated observer, before we step back and observe that tyke ourselves.  Then we truly discover the consequences of our behaviors, as we watch our little shadow play out movements, speak words, and even react exactly as we know we would... if we can admit it.

Unfortunately, I'm not perfect... and I'm seeing it mirrored in my kidderz.  Ugh.

We have the ability to form in our children what reactions they have in stressful - even terrifying - situations: For instance, terrorist acts.

What I heard on the radio this week was a quote from a doctor, in regard to how best to talk to our children about this type of event:  Teach them that they should be vigilant and alert, but not timid.

That is a great way to put it.

The initial event that got this topic going a couple of years ago was Hurricane Irene.

All around us, people were hyped up.  The media got everyone going.

I'm not saying we should not prepare.  Definitely, we need to be informed and have a plan of action.  However, I could see it getting so bad that children were terrified.

I love the line from A Bug's Life, when Mr. Soil says: "Do not panic, do not panic!  We are trained professionals. Now, stay calm."  

That is kind of the gist of the message from the doctor on the radio.  No, we parents are not trained professionals (though we wish we were trained as professional parents sometimes), but we are in charge of our family's well-being, and we are our children's teachers.


Moments like these are great learning opportunities.

During the hurricane:

Were hubby and I uncertain of the right decision of whether to stay or evacuate?  Yes.

Was I a bit scared?  Yes.

Did we take precautions?  Most definitely.

Was a backup plan in place?  Uh-huh!!!  You'd better believe it!

However, instead of falling into the defeatist attitude of "we're doomed," and running around in a panic, not thinking clearly, we chose to follow through with my birthday wish for that week:  Have some family photo booth fun!

We had to change it up a bit, since it wasn't a good idea to be outside in the crazy weather, which meant going to the mall's photo booth wouldn't be an option.  So, we gathered all our hurricane emergency supplies, huddled together in our tiny downstairs bathroom, as our "fallout shelter," and enjoyed a photo booth experience.

Yes, the picture you see here is the actual result of our silliness.  The kids loved it... and so did the parents.  We did not forget what was happening all around us, and we did keep up-to-date on the storm, etc., but we also passed the time much more pleasantly than we could have.

Granted, there were some very serious conditions, in which people were terribly affected.  Those are times of crisis, when plan becomes action.  Wisdom is necessary.

Until it gets to that point, though, we can remain lighthearted.

In whatever situation, we can have hope and joy.

Can we teach that to our kidderz?  Yes, we can!

Do you choose to go into panic mode, get your kidderz all riled up, and teach them that the way to handle a crisis is through confusion, chaos, and drama?

OR...

Do you choose to remain calm, formulate a plan, and teach your kidderz to be vigilant and alert, rather than timid?

"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold."

2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up with a Golf Ball and an Ice Pack

Do you know what I fear most?  I fear readers will view my blog as written by an arrogant person with a know-it-all attitude, avoid it, and thus hinder any possibility of total wellness for themselves and those around them.

Why would I want to take time away from family, work, and other life responsibilities to write about something unimportant or make believe?

Just like the header on this blog says, “... it's just THAT important to get this information out to YOU!”

Looking back on various phases in my life, I remember receiving health advice, which I shrugged off, just like a lot of people still do these days.  Don't let your loved ones make the same mistake!

Now, I’m paying for it, and THAT is why I am so adamant about getting the word out on wellness.  I want to save my readers from suffering similar or worse challenges my husband and I have dealt with.

For me, it's nothing compared to what so many people out there are going through, but it doesn't mean I don't want to save others from even my small ailments.  I’m now living with the consequences of not wearing the proper shoes for all my miles of walking and years of exercising, nor stretching consistently.  Dealing with a heal spur for more than 6 months and plantar fasciitis for much, much longer… and now seeing how bunions are going to torture me as they get ever-increasingly worse as time goes on… I am in constant pain and discomfort.  Even though I’m using all the remedies I know of, minus the medications and surgery, my symptoms have not subsided.

Not only that, but I can’t count how many times my parents warned me about incorrect and heavy lifting.  Even after years of chiropractic care, I still suffer terrible pain, because of over-usage of my back while still in the uncorrected stage.  If I had listened, and if I had had proper care of my spine early enough, I might not be experiencing this seemingly downward spiral of my wellness at this age.

Do you get it yet?!  Sure, there are people out there suffering a lot worse than I am, and I do count myself as very blessed to have the health I have… but do you see?  I’m trying to save you… or if you think it’s too late for you, then save your loved ones!  I don’t want anyone else feeling doomed to waking up every morning, wondering if they can get out of bed without having to catch their breath because of the pain, after an extremely uncomfortable night’s sleep.  I don’t want anyone else thinking they’re old before their time.

I want newly-weds to enjoy their first 15 years of marriage, instead of having the tension and worry of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.  I don’t want them wasting their money on medications, nor their date nights on doctors’ visits.  They should be putting their time, energy, and resources into maintaining their first house they are so proud of, not on maintaining their sanity and self-esteem.

How many people do you know make the comment that they don’t have enough energy to keep up with the kidderz, whether they mean their children or grandchildren?  That’s not the way it has to be, just because we’re used to hearing it.  If we take care of ourselves early on, we can live a full life, and run around with the children and grandchildren… and even great-grandchildren!  I already bragged on my grandmother, who still runs around with the great-grandchildren, even sledding down snowy hills in the dead of winter.  I wish I could be like her!

Don’t be like me.

Take the advice, when you receive it.

I’m not perfect.  I’ve made lots of mistakes and have seen the other mistakes made.  Read what I have to say about it.  Learn from our mistakes. Don’t make the same mistakes.  Allow the changes to be made in your life and your family members’ lives now, so you can enjoy the benefits before it’s too late.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
   love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
   Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
   embrace her, and she will honor you.

Proverbs 4:6-8

~

A Mick’s up of Candy Canes

During this Christmastide, it’s fun to look at the history of the songs and treats of the holiday season.

There are several renditions of the meaning behind the 12 Days of Christmas*, even though some party-poopers say there is no secret message. 

Isaac Watts wrote many great hymns, after his dad challenged him to do better than the songs Isaac complained about at church, and one of those delights was Joy to the World.

Another wonderful Christmas carol is Silent Night.  My son has had fun learning the song this year in its original German.

The candy cane has a sweet story.  Whatever the version of the legend, let the candy cane be a reminder of what Christ has done for you.  The white symbolizes the purity of Christ.  The red stripes symbolize the punishment He went through, so that you don’t have to.  The peppermint is reminiscent of the hyssop, which stands for cleansing.

Let this be a Christmas season you’ll never forget.  If you haven’t ever done anything with the Truth of Christ for your own life, consider doing something now.  Admit that you haven’t lived a perfect life, haven’t followed all of God’s laws, won’t make it to heaven without help, need a savior.  Believe that Christ is that savior, that He came as a pure and perfect person not deserving of punishment, but taking on the consequence of your sin.  Claim that gift from God our Judge, that acquittal, that clean slate.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and with this new life, Happy Birthday!

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

*For fun, check out this Price Index for the 12 Days of Christmas.

~

What’s the Mick’s up on Sugar and Toxicity

As we learned from Dr. Fred Roberto in Mick's up on Fuel, sugar acts as a toxin to our “amazing human engine.”  If something causes inflammation, or acidity, or addiction, wouldn’t you consider it a toxin?

“I was so shocked to find out how toxic and poisonous many experts believed it was…. From what I read, I was also encouraged to understand that I wasn't just some freak that had no self-control, sugar was actually doing things in my body that was causing me to crave it like an addict.” (Samantha Taylor – Sugar Addiction Solution)

When comparing people’s lives before and after sugar, the negative effects on the body with and the positive benefits without sugar are certainly obvious.

For you moms out there:  “I have a 5 year old and we were having a hard time getting him to listen, he was bouncing off the walls; he was driving me crazy.  When I started to get free from sugar I thought maybe it would help my son as well so I stopped giving him all the sugary snacks.  Right away I noticed a change in his behavior, all of a sudden he was calming down and he is listening better.  It's amazing how much easier it is being a mom and I am also amazed at how much less sick my kids get now; less fevers and colds.” (Kim - former sugar addict for 20 years)


For those of you dealing with headaches and/or other health issues:  “I felt really unhealthy; I just didn't feel good, it was hard to get out of bed, I was having a hard time concentrating and I had a headache every day.  I literally thought if the way I felt continues, I didn't know how I was going to make it through the next five years.  I felt so bad, I even went to a doctor to see if something was wrong with me and he didn't find anything.  It never occurred to me that sugar was causing these problems…. Now… I have lost the last 15 lbs that I could NOT lose for 10 years, I have more energy so I can run 3 miles a day, I feel good about myself, no more headaches and I am happy.” (Kathy – former sugar addict for over 40 years)

Another interesting thought is addiction to caffeine.  Be careful with that, too.  A lot of times, caffeine is accompanied by sugar, as in energy drinks.  Some warnings about those are in the USAToday article "Young athletes and energy drinks: A bad mix?"  If we’re taking care of our bodies with good nutrition and correct sleep, we should not need sugar and caffeine to keep us going.  If a recovery drink is needed, choose coconut water, which is a healthier choice and doesn’t include the negativity of sugar and caffeine. Think long-term.  Think of your cellular health.

I hope by now you’re convinced of the urgency to decrease your sugar intake.  When you choose to do so…  “Remember you are detoxing off a poisonous substance…your body was all out of whack from having blood sugar spikes to insulin surges, and your body needs some time to balance back out.” (Samantha Taylor - Sugar Addiction Specialist)

Do your body a favor.  Lay off the sugar!

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

Exodus 20:3 (NIV)

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Mick’s up on Ergonomics

The Tip of the Week from North Hills Chiropractic on September 10, 2011 was:  "Make sure, when sitting at a computer, the computer is eye level, to promote a proper curve in the neck known as the "Arc Of Life."  Improper posture can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and your nervous system in your neck and spine!"
I need to begin by saying, “I’m guilty!”  I do not sit properly at my computer all the time.  You know what, though?  I know it, when I don’t.  The consequences are not fun.  Think about your workstation.  Are there some improvements to be made?  Let’s look at ergonomics.

"Ergonomics is the science of making things comfy.  It also makes things efficient." About.com

"Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals of health and productivity."  Wikipedia

“Current ergonomics encourages variety and movement rather than an exact posture,” as explained in Office-Ergo's “Conventional Wisdom” vs. Current Ergonomics Thinking.
 
Basically, don’t be sloppy.  Put your chair, keyboard, monitor, and mouse in comfortable positions, where you’re not straining to use them.  Most importantly, remember to get up and move around periodically… and the lifesaving advice I have for you is… visit your chiropractor regularly, and follow his/her instructions on posture and exercises.

 

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”

Psalm 139:1-3 (NIV)

 

 

~

Mick’s up Kids and Birthdays

Yay!  Celebrating kidderz is fun! 

We have had fun, wishing my son a happy birthday.

What’s the best birthday present we can give our kidderz?  I think the gift of healthy living is a wonderful thing:  teaching them what to avoid and what to include, in order to see many more healthy birthdays to come.

Are we perfect?  No.  Do we splurge with food once in a while?  Of course.

As my husband and I felt the regret this morning from eating sugar and breads last night, he made a great statement (and I told him I have to share it):  “Ice cream cake will kill ya!”

I’m heading to sleep right now, to recover from the effects of our splurges (messed up sinuses, fatigue, low back pain, etc… all because we enjoyed a few helpings of toxins, like carbs/sugars, which cause inflammation).  Was it worth it?  In all honesty… I think so… shhhhh… don’t tell anyone!

“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours…”

Luke 15:32 (NIV)

Remember:  You are loved.  You are special to God, your Creator.

Imagine:  All heaven celebrates, when you choose to be reborn!

Don’t miss out on a glorious eternity!

~

Mick’s in with Muscles and Spine Health

"Chiropractic just makes you feel so much better.
When I walk out of the clinic, I feel like I'm about three inches taller and everything's in place.
And as long as I see the chiropractor, I feel like I'm one step ahead of the game."
Tom Brady
3 Super Bowl Championship Rings MVP award winner Quarterback - New England Patriots

After doing some sort of exercise, like climbing a mountain, there might be some pains and other consequences to deal with.  You know what I mean.  We 40-something moms really know what I mean.

In reality, addressing certain things, like spinal health, before exercise is the best way to go.  Be sure you know what’s going on with your spine, before you get too serious about your exercise regimen.  “Depending on the extent of your [subluxations] and posture misalignment the doctor may have you abstain from certain high input activities that may adversely affect your spine.” (Nikitow Chiropractic Wellness Center )

Something I learned, and for which I am truly and forever grateful, is that not all back pain is due to subluxation.  I tend to have lots of lower back pain.  Yes, some of it is due to curvature in my spine, of which I am on a quest to correct.  However, some of it is also due to tightness in my muscles.

So you deal with low back pain?  If so, try stretching out your muscles.  Not only is it good for flexibility and reducing overall tension in the body, but targeting certain areas can have an incredible affect on your back pain.  Hamstrings tend to be the biggest culprit, when muscles are to blame for low back tension.

Try this exercise: 
Lay on your back, with one leg straight up in the air, the back of it against the wall.  (You’ll need to do this in a doorway, so your other leg can be resting flat on the floor.)  Push with your leg against the wall, holding for 20 seconds or so, and then release.  Move your body closer to the wall, causing more tension in your leg.  Repeat the push and release.

If you have someone who can help you, it works much better.  Your assistant will push your leg toward you, causing the resistance.


“Tight hamstrings can restrict movement of the pelvis, which can cause a compensatory increase in rounding of the low back.  This increases the forces on the lumbar spine during forward bending, which can lead to injuries in the low back.  However, there are many causes of low back pain, with tight hamstrings being only one of many potential contributors to the problem.  Additional causative factors and potential treatments should be explored with a health care professional. ” (National Academy of Sports Medicine)

“The sensation of tightness in the hamstrings can be due to various reasons.  Typically it can be from poor postures, altered movement and walking patterns, or compensation due to other muscles being weak such as the gluteal muscles.  The hamstrings attach to the bottom of your pelvis.  With tightness, it can pull on the pelvis causing it to put more stress on the pelvis and back.  In these cases, education to mildly elongate or stretch the hamstrings may help.  Regardless, it is more important to retrain the proper strength and movement patterns of the legs and trunk so proper mechanics of the back can be restored.

“Sometimes tightness in the hamstrings can also be a protective mechanism from underlying nerve pathology in the sciatic nerve.  We have seen patients trying to stretch their hamstrings and instead develop sciatica as stretching irritated the nerve rather than stretch the muscle.  Further differential diagnosis of the hamstrings and their relationship to low back pain should be determined by a qualified health care practitioner.” (Brian Yee)

As the experts say, low back pain can be caused by a multitude of things.  The only way to know for sure the status of your spine health is by having a chiropractor view an x-ray of it.  What better time to go to your nearest corrective-care, principled chiropractor’s office to get an x-ray of your spine than during October:  Chiropractic Awareness Month?!

__________________________________________________________________________

October is National Chiropractic Health Month: Educational Foundation Launched to Advance Chiropractic Awareness

CARMICHAEL, Calif., Oct 06, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Foundation for Chiropractic Education (FCE), a not-for-profit 501 (C)(3) organization established to further educate the public regarding chiropractic care, is pleased to debut its charitable foundation during National Chiropractic Health Month, a nationwide chiropractic awareness campaign each October initiated by the American Chiropractic Association.

"The Foundation for Chiropractic Education has developed a comprehensive website to provide the public with an educational database of resources and documents relative to chiropractic care," says Kent S. Greenawalt, founder, FCE. "As more people begin to show their support of chiropractic by contributing to the FCE, our campaign initiatives will accelerate -- increasing the development of educational materials including evidence-based studies and public service announcements."

The detailed pages on the FCE website allow visitors to learn quick and effective informational tips to advance their knowledge of chiropractic. From introductory information to in-depth studies validating the clinical and financial efficacy of care, the FCE offers an all-encompassing resource center for anyone interested in learning more about chiropractic or considering a consultation.

"Investing in the FCE's mission to educate the public about one of healthcare's best kept secrets -- chiropractic care -- is not only a way to contribute directly to the growth of the profession, but also to advance overall wellness," shares Greenawalt.

This October, the FCE strongly encourages others to join efforts in the month-long chiropractic campaign by exploring the FCE website and making a contribution in honor of the organization and the chiropractic profession. Visit, www.Foundation4ChiroEducation.com to show your support and submit a donation today!

About Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress aims to inform and educate the general public about the many benefits associated with chiropractic care. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.yes2chiropractic.com or call 866-901-F4CP (3427).

SOURCE: The Foundation for Chiropractic Education
     
        For the Foundation for Chiropractic Education
        Lauren Kennedy, 201-641-1911 (14)
        lkennedy@cpronline.com
     

Copyright Business Wire 2011

__________________________________________________________________________

~

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel,

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!

Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm

so that I will be free from pain.”

And God granted his request.

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)

~

A recent video (early 2013) shows more ways to stretch hamstrings, as well as strengthen your core:
Dr. Lombardozzi at Kempsville Chiropractic

~

Mick's Scoop on Sugar

"Sugar... aww, Honey, Honey.... 
Honey... aww, Sugar, Sugar...."
Sugar Sugar (Original 1969 Music Video) - The Archies
Do you want to know how hooked on sugar my honey used to be?  That song for the opening to this post was "our song..." well, one of them, anyway.  What was another of "our songs?"  Here it is: 
Sugar Shack (1964)
Written by: Keith McCormack & Faye Voss
Performed by: Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs
"There's a crazy little shack beyond the tracks,
And everybody calls it the Sugar Shack.
Well, it's just a coffeehouse and it's made out of wood,
Espresso coffee tastes mighty good."

Hmmmm... Do you see a pattern here?  Yes, sugar was his thing.  He wised up, though.  He's doing amazing at staying away from sugar, because he knows the consequences involved.

One of those consequences is a sluggish immune system.  I've been hearing this for the past year, but I want to get some more scientific information for you.  So, here are some links:
Sugar as Immune Suppressant:  "Sugar eating... decreased their responsiveness." - quote found in Mark's Daily Apple, and based on the following study:
Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis: "These data suggest that the function and not the number of phagocytes was altered by ingestion of sugars. This implicates glucose and other simple carbohydrates in the control of phagocytosis and shows that the effects last for at least 5 hr." - The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 
Better Life Unlimited summarizes the study really well in their "Sugar And Immune Function" article.

We have a bit of an unscientific experiment going on in our household this week.  Unfortunately, too many variables changed recently to make it any more scientific than it is... not to mention, we're not scientists in this house... yet.

My daughter started getting the sniffles last week, and then the other three of us began feeling a little bit of something happening in our sinuses, too.  We ate well during the week, staying away from sugar and foods high on the glycemic index.  Then the weekend hit.

We splurged big time!  We had lots of different foods, sodas, coffee treats, snacks, etc. with sugar.  Not only that, but our chiropractic care has been put on hold, while we are transitioning to a new doctor.  Right there, we've changed more than one variable.  Not very brilliant, I assure you.

What foods contain sugar?  It's just in things like candy and desserts, right?  Check out Sugar Stacks. 

My daughter seemed to do OK with healing from the cold during the week, but her healing process was slowed down a bit from the weekend's events.  So, she still sounds stuffy.

My son, on the other hand, had a scratchy throat from sinus drainage at the end of the week.  Then he lost sleep Friday, due to his participation in our church's teen all-nighter lock-in, which of course, involved no sleep.  (So, that is a third variable that was changed.)  He informed me this morning that he feels he's healing just fine, even with the weekend sugar splurges.  Mom has a different opinion.  Obviously, he would have healed a lot faster without the sugar and without the messed up sleep schedule.  So, he still sounds stuffy, too, is grumpy, and has a cough... a productive one, but a cough, none-the-less.

On the other hand:
My husband and I are barely moving around the house, moaning and groaning and acting like babies.  Our heads are pounding.  We're grumpy, and my husband needs extra prayer this morning, for his brain to kick in to gear, so he sounds sharp and at the top of his game during his phone meetings today.  (Variables reach a total of no less than 5 for us, because besides the decrease in chiropractic care and the increase in sugar, add in stress and poor sleep, as well as poor sleep schedules.)

More on our progress later this week!  In the meantime, take our word for it (and that of the resources in the links mentioned above), and stay away from sugar, if you know what's good for you!

Mark Sisson of Mark's Daily Apple summarizes it well:  "So, sorry, Poppins. Keep your spoonful of sugar. It may very well help your spoiled wards choke down their medicine, but it could also make the problem – a weak immune system – even worse."

PS ~ I think my kidderz are catching on to this sugar vs. the immune system stuff.  Yesterday, my daughter was going to share her extra lollipop with her brother, but his answer was, "That's OK.  I'm sick, and I want to get better, so I don't want the sugar."  That makes a mom's heart happy!  I dedicate this song to my kidderz.  (It is actually the song we sing for my daughter, since her nickname before she was born was Baby Lollipop.  Yes, more sugar references.):  Lollipop (1958) - The Chordettes

~

"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks...”

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

This is what we did this weekend with our splurges,

eating sugary foods and drinking soda.

I don't recommend it,
when your immune system is already weak!
Blech!

~

You may also find interesting:  Mick's up on Your Immune System