Tis the season for…increase in sugar!

That is right, this time of year, we consume much more sugar than we do during other part of the year. And we totally get why! Santa’s cookies are not going to eat themselves.

Do you ever notice an increase in colds, the flu, and fatigue this time of year?! It correlates directly with an increase in sugar and a decrease in movement that comes this time of year.

So what happens to our body when we increase sugar? First, our heart health takes a dive, we have a decrease in immunity, increase in inflammation in the entire body and brain. It can make you moodier and your skin much less glowing. If you are at risk for diabetes, increasing sugar this time of year can accelerate the movement of our health towards diseases such as diabetes.

As chiropractors who work with brain and nervous system function in Delaware, we see the direct affects of an increase in sugar in our clients. They feel stiffer in the morning, increase in inflammation, more tired, and overall feeling sluggish.

Here are some tips to decrease sugar this time of year, when you have more access to it than normal.

• One cookie here and there is not a problem. Being consciences of the overall consumption is important.

• Give the gift that are sugar loaded away so they are not in the house.

• Increase your water to help flush out the inflammation.

• Increase vegetable in your diet. Half your plate each meal should be full of delicious vegetables.

• Choose stress reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, and journaling.

• Get adjusted. That is right, adjustments help regulate your nervous system and help increase your immunity and mood.

More than anything, enjoy the holidays. It is A-Okay to give Santa’s cookies to the dogs or just take a bite. Be kind and patient with yourself. If you have a day with sugar overload, remember, you can always choose better choices at your next meal.