Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Nov/Dec 2017

“GOT A SWEET TOOTH? AVOID GETTING SICK!” by guest contributor Dr. Lisa A. Merritt The holidays are here and the parties are on! The smorgasbord of different foods is abundant and the extra calories can add up. Our biggest battle will be curbing the extra sweets everywhere we turn! Sugar was once a delicacy put in a locked box as a “treat”! In the years 1887-1890, the average person ate ON LY FIVE pounds of sugar per year. Over the last twenty years, the number has reached up to ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE pounds per year!! Did you know that sugar has a direct effect on the immune system and not only our waistline? Sugar and junk foods make you feel more energy and give some people comfort. It is reached for when a person is stressed, bored, sad or in a hurry. However, sugar decreases this defense system up to 75% for over 4 hours at a time! One can of soda, one sugary breakfast cereal, one cookie at lunch, one ice tea, and refined carbohydrates over the course of the day dampens your immune system opening the door for the flu, a cold or stomach bug. Knocking your resistance down doesn’t take too long if you also combine it with lack of rest, poor diet, lack of exercise and STRESS! The body negatively grows and reduces the ability to fight when excess sugar is eaten. In the book, “Sugar Feeds Cancer” by Dr. Otto Watburg, he discovered that cancer cells have a different energy metabolism compared to healthy cells. Fuel from the fermented cancer cells increases growth in this acidic environment. When sugar is in the cell, there is less Vitamin C present. The natural response to engulf bacterias and viruses are impaired when excess sugar is in the blood. In the 1970’s, Dr. Linus Pauling researched the value of Vitamin C and fighting infections. Ann Loise Gittleman, M.S, C.N.S, wrote in her book, “Get the Sugar Out”, that …”sugar paralyzes the immune system, reduces antibody response, interferes with Vitamin C, causes mineral imbalance, increases allergic responses and neutralizes the action of essential fatty acids (the good fats).” Immune functions are boosted by various methods. The old fashioned (homemade without sugar) chicken vegetable soup is very nourishing! A diet should be full of colorful low carbohydrate vegetables, fiber rich fruits, raw seeds and nuts, hormone & antibiotic free meats, cold water fish and non-gluten grains. SUGAR at a minimum!!! Along with a healthy diet, Chiropractic care increases the immune response by increasing the blood fighter cells. Acupuncture therapy improves immune function by balancing the meridian pathways that communicate in the body. Having 7-9 hours of sleep each night decreases the stress hormones (cortisol) and improves repair and reduce inflammation. Regular exercise and massage therapy circulate the lymph and releases pain relieving endorphins. Epsom Salt baths with essential oils improves circulation. Decreasing the stress in your life improves immune functions. Don’t over plan activities. And mostly, enjoy the company you keep finding more laughter and love in your life. Happy Holidays! At Weddington Chiropractic Wellness Center at Blakeney, our office provides Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutritional counseling, Massage, Cold Laser and Heartmath Biofeedback Stress Program. Our patients of all ages receive an individualized and customized plan to better their life. Our goal is to help you be your optimum best. Your health is your greatest priority! PALEO PUMPKIN PANCAKES 2 servings, 272 cals • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree • 2 tablespoons almond milk • 2 eggs • 1 teaspoon maple syrup • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • 2 tablespoons coconut flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup almond meal • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, or to taste • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, or to taste • 2 teaspoons organic avocado or coconut oil Use applesauce with no added sugar as a healthier, tastier alternative to vegetable oil. Directions 1. Mix pumpkin puree, almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until smooth. 2. Whisk coconut flour, baking soda, salt, almond meal, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves together in a separate bowl. 3. Stir pumpkin mixture and flour mixture together in a pourable container until well incorporated. Allow batter to sit for 3 minutes. 4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over low heat. Pour silver dollar-sized circles of batter into the hot oil. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes per side. Adapted from Allrecipes.com Please join us for... TASTE OF WELLNESS November 30th • December date to be announced (check website) Drop in anytime between 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and sample our services for FREE! • Chiropractic Care • Acupuncture with Essential Oils • Massage Therapy • Cold Laser Pain Therapy • Functional Medicine Healthy Refreshments, Infused Water & Wine Served Dr. Lisa Merritt and Dr. Sara Butkovich of the Weddington Chiropractic Wellness Center at Blakeney. Weddington Chiropractic Wellness Center at Blakeney 8832 Blakeney Prof. Dr., Suite 100 • Charlotte, NC 28277 • 704-817-7618 • weddingtonwellness.com Parent Teacher Magazine • Nov/Dec 2017 • 19

Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Nov/Dec 2017 | Page 21