Halloween candy binges can overload your gut microbiome – a gut doctor explains how to minimize spooking your helpful bacteria

Christopher Damman, University of Washington

The Conversation

Each October, as the days shorten and the air grows crisp, millions of Americans prepare for the beloved – and often sugar-fueled – tradition of Halloween. From jack-o’-lanterns glowing on porches to costumes ranging from the whimsical to the gory, Halloween is a time of playful scares, childhood memories and, of course, candy.

But as the wrappers pile up and the sugar rush hits, there’s something far more sinister brewing beneath the surface: the negative effects of candy on your gut health.

Sugar and other ingredients in Halloween treats can cast a sickly spell on the trillions of microorganisms that reside in your gut, collectively known as the gut microbiome. As a gastroenterologist and gut microbiome researcher at the University of Washington School of Medicine, I have dedicated my career to decoding the cipher of how food affects this microbial community within your gut.

While no candy is truly healthy, some options are better for your gut than others. And there are ways you can help wake your gut from its sugar “spell” after holiday indulgence.

Read More

Study finds negative impact from sweet foods on mental health

CBS New York

A recent study published in The Journal of Translational Medicine found that people who favored sweets had significantly higher risks to both their mental and physical health. Dr. Nidhi Kumar explains the risk of the "sweet tooth."

Watch the video HERE.