We're not talking about ghouls, but sugar. Specifically, sugar and your gut. Actually, more specifically, the refined sugar that is added to candy, splurge-worthy treats, and items typically found in the Western diet.

Recent studies have shown that high intakes of sugar increase the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the gut, which can increase inflammation. Simultaneously, this decreases the amount of Bacteroidetes, which have numerous health benefits including down-regulation of inflammatory responses and reinforcement of gut barrier function.

This one-two punch may lead to decreased immune-regulatory functions, mess with your gut barrier, and decrease capacity to regulate epithelial integrity. In addition, another recent study showed that a high simple sugar diet was found to increase small intestinal permeability (leaky gut) in healthy humans.

Although this might sound pretty scary, not all sugars are bad, and the refined sugars which we are discussing here are easier to avoid (or at least limit). You can also consider using Gutbiome6 to help strengthen your gut lining when sugary treats make a moderate, yet somewhat obligatory, appearance this time of year.