Forget “Flu Season”... Is It Really Sugar Poisoning Season?

October brings the candy. November brings the pie. December brings the cookies, desserts, and cocktails. And then we wonder why everyone calls it “flu season.”

Every year, as soon as the weather cools down, we start hearing the same phrase: “It’s flu season.”

But around the office, I sometimes joke that we should call it “sugar poisoning season.”

Now, before anyone comes for me over their Halloween candy or grandma’s pumpkin pie, I’m not saying that eating a Reese’s cup is literally poisoning you. And I’m certainly not suggesting that you skip every holiday treat from October through New Year’s. What I am saying is that we spend several months dramatically changing the way many of us eat, sleep, move, and manage stress, all while expecting our immune systems to keep functioning at their best.

Think about it...

October: Halloween candy, cider, donuts, trunk-or-treats, Halloween camping and parties.

November: Thanksgiving pie, desserts, sweet potatoes covered in marshmallows, leftovers, holiday gatherings and the beginning of Christmas treats.

December: Cookies, candy, desserts, holiday parties, cocktails, wine, eggnog and treats seemingly everywhere you turn.

Then January arrives and everyone says, “Wow, everyone is sick right now!”

Maybe we need to look at the bigger picture.

What Does Sugar Have to Do With Your Immune System?

Your immune system doesn’t suddenly turn off because you ate a piece of candy. The relationship is much more complicated than that.

However, diets consistently high in added sugars can contribute to metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, and our overall nutritional status plays an important role in normal immune function.

And sugar isn’t happening in isolation during the holidays.

We’re often sleeping less. We’re busier. We’re stressed. Kids are back in school and activities. We’re spending more time indoors and around larger groups of people. We’re exercising less. Alcohol consumption may increase. And nutrient-dense meals can start getting replaced by whatever is easiest between events.

That combination matters.

So instead of waiting until November or December when you already feel run down, October is a great time to start thinking about supporting your body.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Sick to Think About Your Immune System

One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting until someone isn’t feeling well before suddenly buying every immune supplement they can find.

I’d rather see patients build a foundation before they need it.

That may include evaluating nutrition, sleep, stress, hydration, movement and individual nutrient needs.

Some of the nutrients we commonly discuss for normal immune function include vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A.

At Canton Center Chiropractic Clinic, we also carry several nutritional products that may be incorporated into an individualized wellness plan, including Immuplex and Congaplex from Standard Process, ViraKid from Ortho Molecular Products, Xymogen Vitamin D3, Bio-C Plus and Zn-Zyme from Biotics Research, and chewable vitamin C from DaVinci Laboratories.

We also carry Thieves essential oil, which many of our patients enjoy incorporating into their seasonal household routines.

The important word here is individualized.

More isn’t automatically better. Certain nutrients, particularly high-dose vitamin D and vitamin A, aren’t something everyone should simply start taking in large amounts because cold and flu season is approaching. Your needs depend on your diet, lifestyle, health history, medications, current supplementation and, when appropriate, laboratory findings.

You Can Eat the Halloween Candy

Yes, you read that correctly.

I’m not taking away Halloween. 🎃

Have some candy. Go to the cider mill. Eat the donut. Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. Have grandma’s pie. Go to the Christmas party.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s preparation and balance.

If you know the next three months are going to contain more sugar than usual, be intentional about what you’re doing the rest of the time.

Prioritize protein and whole foods. Eat your vegetables. Drink water. Get outside. Move your body. Protect your sleep. Find ways to manage stress. And make sure you’re getting the nutrients your body actually needs.

Your immune system works 365 days a year, not just when you start feeling a tickle in your throat.

So before the trunk-or-treats, Halloween camping, Thanksgiving pies and Christmas cookies begin piling up, start thinking about your immune-support routine now.

Not sure where to start? Talk with one of our doctors at Canton Center Chiropractic Clinic about your current supplements, nutrition and individual needs so we can help you build a plan that makes sense for you.

Enjoy the candy. Support the body eating it.

— Danielle Potter, D.C.