By Kristin Burgess, Club Greenwood RD
- Many studies have shown that refined sugar and refined carbohydrates stimulate an immune response and increase inflammatory markers.
- One study found that a minimum 50g of refined carbohydrates raises specific inflammatory markers.
- Sugar causes chronic low-grade inflammation. This form of metabolic inflammation occurs because of the increased immune response that happens with increased insulin resistance, diabetes two and cardiovascular disease.
- Adipose tissue induces a release of inflammatory cells that initiate the development of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- People who consume a diet high in refined carbohydrates are shown to have elevated C Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP is a protein released by the liver in response to disease.
- Sugar stimulates the release of free fatty acids from the liver. As the body metabolizes these free fatty acids, an inflammatory response is initiated.
- Research shows that chronic inflammation is equally created from high fructose corn syrup as it is with sucrose.
- Signs of chronic inflammation are: depression, anxiety, weight gain, body pain, fatigue, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems and frequent infections.
- Alcohol metabolism directly leads to the production of free radicals, which stimulate the
activation of proteins that produce inflammation. In addition, alcohol directly causes low oxygen in the blood and this directly causes the production of inflammatory markers. - Alcohol induces a particular fat to be moved across the intestinal wall into circulation. This particular fat is in the wall of certain gut bacteria. The body sees this fat as a bacteria and an inflammatory response is induced.
- Chronic inflammation can and likely does lead to healthy tissue being attacked by the immune system.
Kristin Burgess
Registered Dietitian/Personal Trainer
Being a registered dietitian and health and wellness coach, Kristin believes you are what you eat! Eating whole, natural foods can not only increase energy and help you be at an ideal weight, but it can boost your mindfulness in every aspect of your life. After all, we walk around in our body all day…it must be a priority to take care of it! Running and triathlons have taken Kristin everywhere from Boston to Boulder. Kristin believes everyone has an “athlete” in them… after all, exercise makes the heart smile!
BS in Nutrition, Applied Physiology and Exercise Physiology
NASM Certified Personal Trainer, CES
303.770.2582 x382