The Hidden Dangers of Processed Sugar on Your Immune System
Our immune system is a precious asset that we need to protect, just like the rest of our body's systems. But how is processed sugar doing the exact opposite?
Amidst the debate over sugar substitutes in zero-calorie sodas, more research is shining a light on sweeteners that are essentially toxic to our bodies.
A study published about two years ago in the scientific journal Nature Communications found a link between processed sugars and a significant weakening of the immune system. These sugars include added sugars and carbohydrate sugars that are incorporated into the food and beverage industry.
Researchers from Swansea University's School of Medicine, the University of Bristol, and the Francis Crick Institute in London discovered that these added sugars—which in English are known as sucrose, glucose, fructose, and dextrose—undergo many chemical processes to reach their final form.
"Added sugars are uniquely processed, which weakens our immune system," say the researchers. "This leads to inflammation in the body, which can result in obesity and type 2 diabetes."
When the body experiences inflammation, it identifies "invaders" and responds with an inflammatory communication to defend against pathogens, or disease-causing agents. But when does this become a problem? When the body is constantly producing inflammation, resulting in diseases and health issues.
Processed and artificial sugars (referred to as added sugars), as well as processed foods and dairy products, continuously irritate the body, causing it to produce more and more inflammatory responses, which can ultimately turn into diseases, leaving the immune system particularly vulnerable.
What can you do if you still crave sweetness? Try natural date sugar without added sugars.
