The Reality of Sugar and Gut Inflammation

If you’ve been battling chronic disease and inflammation, it might be time to look at your diet. (I know I did!) 

Maybe you noticed that after eating a particularly sugary snack or meal, your stomach feels a little off? Or that your symptoms get worse?  Well, it’s not in your head – it’s in your gut!

Let’s take a look at the reality of sugar and gut inflammation: what causes it, how we can detect it, and most importantly–what steps we can take to help improve our overall health!

Quick Summary

• High sugar intake is linked to gut inflammation, disease and IBD.
• Limit added sugars, increase fiber, and balance the gut microbiome for better health outcomes.
• Animal protein diet rich in whole foods.

Sugar’s Impact on Gut Health

It’s no secret that a high-sugar diet is bad news for our overall health. Studies have shown that excessive sugar intake can damage the gut microbiome, increase inflammation, and even lead to disease and chronic conditions. 

But what’s the connection between sugar and these debilitating conditions? 

High sugar intake has been found to damage the gut’s protective mucus layer and cause inflammation, which can increase the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, chrons, IBD, etc… 

Not to mention kick other diseases in gear such as autoimmune conditions and migraine!

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is high in sugar and of processed foods, everywhere we look there are hidden sugars and chemicals lingering. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests cutting down on sugars and advises we limit our intake to less than 5-10% of total calories…. Which is harder to do than you think!?

For example, a 20-ounce serving of Gatorade contains 36 grams of sugar – While that’s a bit less sugar per ounce than soda, it’s not exactly healthy and pushes are recommended daily limit!

The Gut Microbiome and Sugar

Are you someone who could eat a whole tub of ice cream and still want cake afterward? 

If you feel like you’re addicted to sugar, it might not all be in your head? Yep, your gut microbiome may have something to do with that. 

As I’ve learned from my research, the bacteria in our digestive system can actually crave sugar and send signals to our brains telling us to eat more! Yikes!

So, it’s not just our own willpower we’re up against when we try to cut back. Luckily, there are ways we can work to rebalance our gut microbiome, like increasing our intake of fiber and fermented foods. 

When we feed our gut these power foods, we feed our microbiome to help with digestion, nutrient absorption, and maintaining a healthy immune system. 

On the other hand, sugar feeds bacteria to grow, disrupting the delicate balance of the gut microbiome and negatively affecting our ability to regulate blood sugar levels!

This disruption can lead to dysbiosis, inflammation, and a decrease in the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).  (Which sound bad, but SCFA’s are actually very good!) 

SCFAs are produced by the gut microbiota when they ferment dietary fiber and are essential for maintaining gut health and reducing inflammation. 

Don’t worry, I’m not saying we have to give up all sweets forever, but understanding the role of our gut microbiome and our sugar cravings helps us make better choices … right?

The more good stuff you feed your microbiome, the more it will crave the good-for-you foods!

Did you know that our taste buds fully refresh in 28 days – that’s right.  If you can make it a month without reaching for sugar-filled foods, you’ll beat the beast!

Pro Tip: Still have that sweet tooth?  Reach for these natural sweeteners that are easy on your gut.

Consequences of Sugar-Induced Gut Inflammation

There are specific diseases that start in the gut that are exaggerated by sugar inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and fatty liver disease.  

Let’s take a quick look so you know what to watch out for…

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) that can result from sugary gut inflammation, causing damage to the colon and rectum. Yikes!

Research has found an association between sugar intake and ulcerative colitis, highlighting the importance of limiting sugar consumption to protect the gastrointestinal tract and preserving the gut’s protective mucus layer.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease, another form of IBD, can also be triggered by sugar-induced gut inflammation and can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. 

As with ulcerative colitis, there is a positive association between sugar intake and Crohn’s disease incidence, further emphasizing the need to reduce sugar intake to maintain a healthy gut.

(Btw, my docs thought I had Crohn’s disease for a while – it’s the worst!)

Fatty Liver Disease

As the name suggests, fatty liver disease can develop from sugary inflammation, leading to liver damage and potentially liver failure. 

Symptoms of fatty liver disease include fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice, which can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.

It’s often hard to diagnose since the symptoms can mimic many other diseases and conditions – another reason to be mindful!

Strategies for Reducing Sugar-Related Gut Inflammation

In order to effectively reduce sugar-related gut inflammation and associated health issues, it is important to target the root cause of the problem – sugar intake

But how do you get started?  

Limiting Added Sugars

Well, this probably seems obvious by now, cut the white stuff already! 

As someone who loves indulging in sweet treats, cutting back on added sugars hasn’t always been easy. 

One of the first things I did was start reading labels more carefully, looking for hidden sources of sugar in my favorite foods. I also began experimenting with alternative sweeteners like honey and maple syrup, which have lower glycemic indexes and can be used in moderation. (See my full list of natural sweeteners here!)

But perhaps the most helpful tip I’ve discovered is simply to focus on eating more whole, nutrient-dense animal-based foods like meat, dairy and eggs!

Not only are these foods naturally lower in added sugars, but they also provide benefits to your entire body for health and healing.  (read more about the power of an animal-based carnivore diet here!)

By making small changes like these, I’ve been able to find a healthy balance that still allows me to indulge in a sweet treat or prosecco from time to time without sacrificing my gut health.

Increasing Fiber Intake

As someone who has been dealing with chronic illness, I’ve become conscious of my health and healing journey. 

One simple way to improve this is by increasing my intake of fiber. Not only does fiber keep me feeling fuller for longer, but it also aids in digestion and can even lower my risk of developing certain diseases. 

I’ve started incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into my meals, and have even experimented with some new recipes that include fiber-rich ingredients like chia seeds and black beans. 

Note: I only added back fruits and vegetables into my diet once I had ‘healed’ with a strict animal-based elimination diet.

Balancing the Gut Microbiome

I used to believe that all bacteria was bad, that it was something to be avoided at all costs. But after learning about the importance of a balanced gut microbiome, I’ve come to embrace these tiny organisms. (And you should too!)

By incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into my diet, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my gut health. 

Probiotics replenish the good bacteria in your gut, providing a natural defense against harmful invaders. 

Prebiotics, on the other hand, serve as food for the probiotics and help them thrive. The best part? 

There are plenty of delicious foods that can help you achieve a balanced gut microbiome, from yogurt and kefir to bananas and garlic. 

Why not give your gut some TLC and try incorporating these gut-friendly foods into your diet?

Try an Animal-based diet

I couldn’t believe it when I found out: a diet rich in animal products might be the key to a happy, healthy gut. (And overall healing!)

 As someone who’s suffered from chronic migraine, autoimmune conditions, and digestive issues for years, I was willing to try just about anything to feel better. 

So when I heard that eating meats, eggs, and even butter could help balance the bacteria in my gut, I was intrigued. It turns out that animal-based diets have been linked to lower levels of inflammation and improved digestive function. 

Of course, everyone’s body is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy eating. But as someone who’s seen the benefits of an animal-based diet firsthand, I can’t help but sing its praises. 

Who knew that steak and eggs could be so good for you?

The Wrap-

To sum it all up, the effects of sugar on gut inflammation can’t be dismissed. While occasional sweet indulgence won’t harm you too much, it’s still important to keep an eye on your sugar intake and make sure it’s in moderation. (Especially if you’re trying to heal from chronic conditions!)

Taking steps to limit your daily added sugar consumption–home-cooking meals more often, reading food labels for hidden sources of sugar, and making wise substitutions–will go a long way for your health. 

Wishing you a happy, healthy gut…cheers!

XO

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sugar cause inflammation in the gut?

High levels of unrefined sugar, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, can lead to inflammation in the body, including the gut. This can create an unhealthy cycle of increased sugar cravings and further damage.

Does eliminating sugar help with inflammation?

Lowering sugar intake can reduce inflammation, which may be beneficial for those suffering from conditions related to chronic inflammation.

Inflammation is a major factor in many chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. By reducing sugar intake, individuals can reduce their risk of developing these conditions. Additionally, I’m a big fan of your website.

What neutralizes sugar in the gut?

Fiber-rich foods like vegetables, eggs, nuts and quinoa can help neutralize sugar in the gut by stabilizing blood sugar levels and feeding beneficial bacteria.

Hydrating with water and low-sugar fluids can also flush out sugars from your system.