October 11, 2023 general

And so it begins…first the taste-testing of treats we buy to give to little goblins on Halloween… then maybe we eat some leftovers (to protect kids from eating too much?)…holiday spreads and parties…Thanksgiving pecan pie…Christmas cookies and on and on it goes…the wall-to-wall sugarfest that the holidays have become. As we will see, sugar interferes with immune function and right at a time we get less sun which results in less vitamin D—an important key to immunity. No wonder there is a “colds and flu season” [Note: quotes from here on are copied from an article by Essential Formulas, the fine folks who bring us Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics.] Most people don’t realize that sugar can have short-term and long-term impacts on the immune system in both children and adults. “While the relationship between sugar and immunity is complex and not fully understood, there are some ways in which excessive sugar consumption is known impact immunity. [Bill, probably no need to proof this copied part.”

Weakening Immune Function

High sugar intake can lead to chronic inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can impair immune function and make the body more susceptible to infections. Excessive sugar consumption may also reduce the ability of white blood cells, which are critical for fighting infections, to function effectively.

Imbalanced Gut Microbiota

Sugar can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut and reduce the population of beneficial bacteria. An imbalanced gut microbiota can compromise the immune system since a significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut. Read about probiotics and immune function.

Nutrient Competition/Depletion

Consuming sugary foods and beverages often means consuming empty calories, which can displace nutrient-dense foods from the diet. A diet lacking essential nutrients can weaken the immune system.

Blood Sugar Spikes

High-sugar foods with a high glycemic index can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by crashes. These fluctuations can stress the body and potentially impair immune function.

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Excessive sugar consumption is linked to weight gain and an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. People with obesity and metabolic syndrome often have impaired immune function.

How to Counteract the Effects of Sugar on Immunity

Reduce Added Sugar Intake

Limit sugary foods, snacks, beverages, and processed foods with added sugars. Read food labels to identify hidden sugars. Avoid high-fructose corn syrup and processed sugars, and look for foods using natural fruit sugars, monk fruit, or stevia.

Choose Whole Foods

Choose whole grains over refined grains to help stabilize blood sugar levels, and if you have a sweet tooth, satisfy it with whole fruits, which provide fiber and nutrients along with natural sugars.

Promote a Healthy Gut

Include fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to support a diverse and healthy gut microbiota. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables to promote beneficial gut bacteria, and take a high-quality probiotic supplement containing pre-, pro-, and postbiotics.

Balanced Nutrition

Prioritize nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as lean proteins, vegetables, and nuts.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Combine a balanced diet with regular physical activity to help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Monitor Blood Sugar Levels

Aim for balanced meals and snacks with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar levels.

While sugar can potentially weaken the immune system when consumed in excess, adopting a balanced and nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle can help counter its adverse effects and support overall immune health.”