Obesity, diabetes and immune system: improving function during COVID for patients

Now is the time to strengthen immunity and improve overall wellness for patients in regard to obesity, diabetes and immune system health

In a time of nation-wide and worldwide stress, obesity, diabetes and immune system function are all being impacted negatively, contributing to greater susceptibility.

According to Roger Sahoury, DC, founder of Above and Beyond Holistic Wellness and Sprint Set Energizing Weight Loss System, “Both diabetes and obesity have been recognized as compromising the immune system. Immunocompromised individuals have greater susceptibility to all attacks on their body including COVID-19.”

“While there have been a huge number of validated research articles at the highest levels which demonstrate obesity co-morbidity with various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and others which all lower immunity, just recently research teams on the COVID-19 epidemic have established obesity as a directly correlated risk factor, but they are not sure why at this point,” Sahoury says. According to a study by Yale researchers, stress is linked to an increased risk of metabolic diseases and obesity. With COVID-19, we have had an increase of stress worldwide.”

For overweight individuals or patients, it’s important to lose weight to strengthen the immune system. Sahoury answered the following questions about the best and safest ways to lose weight for obesity, diabetes and immune system function.

During the pandemic, more folks are not eating the best way for their bodies. What can they do to get their weight down and eat better, especially when they’re stressed out?

The easiest way to lose pounds is not to gain them. One major culprit that puts the pounds on is called “availability.” If something that you like is easily available to you, you will probably eat it. If you have sugary, unhealthy snacks in the house, then you are likely to eat them, regardless of how much willpower you think you have.

The first thing to do is “pound proof” your house by getting rid of “pound plus” foods. This minimizes the need for willpower in food selection in your home.

The second step to curb availability is to create an effective shopping list and to stick to it. This is where you apply your willpower at the grocery store. Consider the nutritional value of the food you choose.

Once you have a household that is free from negative availability, then you can support this important step with:

• Eating on a schedule
• Portion control
• Eat slowly, take small bites
• Intermittent fasting
• Hydrate — work up to drinking half your body weight in ounces of water
• Movement
• Breathing exercises daily
• Get plenty of sleep as deep deprivation will cause weight gain and obesity according to a study of the National Institute of Health.
• Shut down electronics two hours prior to bed
• Incorporate bone broth in your meals, some garlic, turmeric, ginger, spices etc.
• Get outside and enjoy sunlight for its vitamin D benefits
• Take supplements that will best support you with your health
• If the individual is feeling physically stressed, we highly encourage them to hire a doctor of chiropractic to be part of their health team.

What about people who have diabetes and immune system issues? What can they do to help their bodies during this time?

Work directly with a health care provider to ensure your safety in all that you do. Remember to create movement and get fresh air and sunlight by walking at least 20 minutes each day.

Monitor your blood sugar as you gain control of your diet and approach your ideal weight. We have observed significant changes in blood sugar that has often reduced or eliminated the need for pharmaceutical drugs to control diabetes (type 2).

What are some of the worst things that people can do when trying to lose weight?

One of the worst things that people can do when trying to lose weight is to try and control weight through sheer willpower. Research indicates that we have a finite “well” of willpower each day, and when we emotionally “run dry,” then we are likely to binge and eat poorly and find ourselves gaining weight each day.

Some of the strongest temptations at times like this are sugary or fatty snacks because we are looking for comfort food. Unfortunately, these are the very foods that cause adverse hormonal reactions in your body and lower your resistance to disease, and can cause diabetes and immune system issues.

Some people think that “starving” or purging is the answer. These types of approaches are very hard on the body and lower the immune system. Even if the individual loses weight, they are likely to succumb to illness. The hidden villain in weight loss is, ironically, “diet foods.” Drinks and foods that contain artificial sweeteners likely increase appetite and encourage cravings.