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

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Halloween
It’s probably best to enjoy your Halloween spoils in moderation. Jupiterimages/The Image Bank via Getty Images

Christopher Damman, University of Washington

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.

Gut-busting treats

What does all this candy do to your gut?

In a healthy state, your gut microbiome acts like a microbial factory. It digests nutrients your body can’t – such as fiber and colorful, health-conferring plant compounds called polyphenols – and produces important molecules called metabolites that protect against infection and support brain health. It also regulates metabolism, or the transformation of food into useful components that power and grow cells.

A balanced diet keeps your gut’s microbial cauldron churning smoothly. But the concentrated sugar, saturated fat and additives in candy can throw things into disarray by feeding inflammatory microbes that weaken your gut barrier – the protective lining that separates your microbiome from the rest of the body.

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Once the gut barrier is breached, even friendly microbes can stir up inflammation, causing health issues ranging from overweight to obesity, infections to autoimmune disease, and mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s.

The food you eat shapes your gut microbes, which in turn shape your overall health.

Sugar and inflammation impair your microbiome’s ability to digest food and regulate metabolism. Instead of producing healthy byproducts – such as butyrate from fiber and urolithin A from polyphenols – candy lacking these nutrients may trick your system into storing more fat, providing less energy for your muscles and brain.

Too much candy can also affect your immune system. A healthy gut microbiome helps your immune system distinguish between friend and foe, reducing the risk of infections and autoimmune disorders. Sugar and inflammation undermine the microbiome’s role in training the immune system to distinguish between harmful invaders and harmless substances. Without a carefully calibrated immune system, your body may not effectively clear infections or may strongly react to its own cells.

Neurologically, excess sweets can also affect the gut-brain axis, the two-way communication between the gut and brain. A healthy microbiome normally produces neurotransmitters and metabolites, such as serotonin and butyrate, that influence mood and cognitive performance. Sugar and inflammation adversely affects the microbiome’s role in mental health and cognitive function, contributing to depression, anxiety and memory troubles.

The candy conundrum

Not all Halloween treats are created equal, especially when it comes to their nutritional value and effects on gut health. Sugar-coated nuts and fruit such as honey-roasted almonds and candy apples rank among the top, offering whole food benefits just beneath the sugary coating. Packed with fiber and polyphenols, they help support gut health and healthy metabolism.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are chewy treats such as candy corn, Skittles, Starbursts and Twizzlers. These sugar-laden confections are mostly made of high fructose corn syrup, saturated fat and additives. They can increase the unsavory bacterial species in your gut and lead to inflammation, making them one of the least healthy Halloween choices.

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Chocolate-based candies, however, stand out as a more microbiome-friendly option. While varieties such as Twix, Three Musketeers and Milky Way contain only a small amount of chocolate, pure chocolate bars – especially dark chocolate – are rich in fiber and polyphenols. In moderation, dark chocolate with at least 80% to 85% cacao may even benefit your gut microbiome and mood by encouraging beneficial bacterial species to grow.

Two green apples on a stick, coated in caramel and dusted with pecans. Halloween
Candy apples usually provide a serving of fruit and nuts. Ryan Benyi Photography/Connect Images via Getty Images

Chocolates with whole nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, offer a boost of fiber, protein and omega-3 fats, making them a healthier choice. Dark chocolate with nuts is best. But when sorting through Halloween treats, Peanut M&Ms, 100 Grands and Almond Joys may be better options over Rolos, Krackels and Crunches. Even candies with processed nuts, such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfingers, retain small amounts of fiber and protein, making them preferable to nut-free options.

At the bottom of the list, along with chewy sugar candies, are pure sugar candies such as lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, gummies and Smarties. These sweets lack nutritional value, and their high sugar content can contribute to the growth of unhealthy bacteria in your gut microbiome.

In the end, all candies are high in sugar, which can be harmful when consumed in large quantities. Moderation and an otherwise balanced diet is key to enjoying Halloween treats.

Rebalancing after indulgence

If the microbiome is critical for health, and candy can disrupt its balance, how can you restore gut health after Halloween?

One simple strategy is focusing on the four F’s of food: fiber, phytochemicals, unsaturated fats and fermented foods. These food components can help support gut health.

Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, fruits and vegetables regulate digestion and nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

Partially unwrapped chocolate bar
Dark chocolate is a treat that may offer some health benefits. Wachiwit/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Polyphenol-rich foods such as dark chocolate, berries, red grapes, green tea and extra virgin olive oil help reduce inflammation and encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fats, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, avocados and fatty fish such as salmon can also support a healthy microbiome.

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Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir and miso help replenish beneficial bacteria and restore gut balance.

To make tracking your diet easier, consider using a food calculator to measure how well your meals align with the four F’s and microbiome friendly options. Like a virtual “spellbook,” an online tool can help ensure your food choices support your gut health and ward off the effects of sugar overload.

As my daughters often remind me, it’s perfectly fine to indulge every now and then in a few tricks and treats. But remember, moderation is key. With a balanced diet, you’ll keep your gut healthy and strong long after the Halloween season ends.

Christopher Damman, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Washington

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Food and Beverage

Savory Pork Chili Fresh from the Slow Cooker

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17365 VID Barbecue Chili detail Intro Image

Savory Pork Chili Fresh from the Slow Cooker

(Family Features) If you’re hunting for a cool-weather warmup or just need a break from the kitchen, the slow cooker is a perfect tool to make dinner a breeze. This Barbecue Chili recipe from “Cookin’ Savvy” offers a hearty meal that serves a crowd.

Visit Culinary.net to find more family-friendly dinner inspiration and step-by-step recipe videos.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

17365 VID Barbecue Chili detail Detail Image embed

Barbecue Chili
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 8-10

  • 1          pork loin (2-3 pounds)
  • 1          can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 2          cups barbecue sauce, divided
  • 1          cup water
  • 1          can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2          cans (27 ounces each) chili beans
  • 1          package chili seasoning
  • 1          tablespoon barbecue seasoning
  • 1          tablespoon onion powder
  • 1          tablespoon garlic powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • sour cream, for serving
  • shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
  • corn chips, for serving
  1. Place pork loin in slow cooker. Cover with diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1 cup barbecue sauce and water; cook on low 4-6 hours.
  2. Cut up cooked meat and place in Dutch oven along with juices from slow cooker. Add remaining barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, chili beans, chili seasoning, barbecue seasoning, onion powder and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. Cook over medium heat 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and corn chips.

Tip: Add can of beans if serving bigger crowd.

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Food and Beverage

Bring Warmth to Winter with a Filling Family Dinner

This winter, enhance family dinners with healthy recipes featuring sweetpotatoes, a nutritious superfood. Try the Cheesy Sweetpotato Casserole for a comforting, flavorful meal that supports overall health.

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Dinner

Bring Warmth to Winter with a Filling Family Dinner

(Family Features) Hearty, comforting foods that go perfectly with cold weather may be some of your family’s favorites, but if all those filling meals are starting to (literally) weigh you down, it’s time for a better-for-you spin.

Add a superfood to your winter menu for cold-weather dishes you can feel good about serving to your loved ones. Sweetpotatoes, known as a “diabetes superfood” by the American Diabetes Association, are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health. They’re a natural sweetener for that “sweet” flavor you crave without the added sugar, making them a perfect addition to this Cheesy Sweetpotato Casserole made with sweetpotato puree, warm spices and ground turkey.

A healthy and easy weeknight dinner, this creative spin on a classic casserole takes advantage of sweetpotatoes’ sweet, savory versatility. They enhance both flavor and nutrition content in simple and elevated recipes alike. Plus, they can be cooked and prepared in several ways, such as on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled, slow cooked or, in this case, boiled and pureed.

Visit ncsweetpotatoes.com to discover more ways to cook better-for-you family meals this winter. https://www.youtube.com/embed/NpMfx1ZUyBo?si=EZZcgfdjC5sFWSNb&controls=0

17309 VID Cheesy Sweetpotato Casserole Detail image Embed

Cheesy Sweetpotato Casserole
Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Servings: 6

  • 1          medium North Carolina sweetpotato
  • 16        ounces shell pasta (or any kind of noodle)

Ground Turkey:

  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 1          pound lean ground turkey
  • 1/2       medium yellow onion, minced
  • 1          teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8       teaspoon salt
  • 1/8       teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/4       teaspoon powdered mustard

Cheese Sauce:

  • 3          tablespoons tomato puree
  • 1/2       cup chicken broth (or any kind of broth)
  • 1          cup shredded colby jack cheese, plus additional for topping (optional)
  • salt, to taste
  •             nonstick cooking spray
  • fresh parsley, for garnish
  1. Peel sweetpotato and chop into 1-inch cubes. Place in pot and cover with water. Bring to boil over high heat. Cook 13-15 minutes until sweetpotatoes are tender. Drain and let cool 2-3 minutes then puree in food processor or blender.
  2. Bring large pot of water to boil. Add shell pasta. Cook until slightly harder than al dente as it will continue to cook in oven.
  3. Strain pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside.
  4. To make ground turkey: Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. When olive oil is fragrant, add ground turkey. Break turkey into small pieces. Mix in onion, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper and powdered mustard; cook 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. To make cheese sauce: Heat oven to 375 F and place sweetpotato puree in blender or food processor with tomato puree, chicken broth, 1 cup shredded cheese and salt, to taste. Blend until combined and sauce is smooth.
  6. Spray 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place noodles, ground turkey and sweetpotato sauce in casserole dish and mix until coated in sweetpotato cheese sauce. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese, if desired, and bake 15 minutes.
  7. Remove, let cool 10 minutes and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

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SOURCE:
North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission


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Food and Beverage

A How-To Guide for Deep Cleaning Your Grill

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Grill

(Family Features) A clean grill can enhance the flavor of your food, making regular grill maintenance an essential part of your outdoor cooking routine.

Grills, especially those exposed to the elements, can accumulate dirt, rust and food residue that can affect performance and safety. Plus, residual char and grease can impart unwanted flavors and even lead to flare-ups.

Once you’ve gathered the right tools – a sturdy grill brush with stainless steel bristles, a scraper, a bucket of soapy water, microfiber cloths and grill cleaner or degreaser – consult this step-by-step guide to keep your grill in pristine condition, ensuring delicious meals every time.

  1. Preheat the grill for 15 minutes to loosen any stuck-on residue then turn it off and let it cool slightly.
  2. Ensure the gas supply is turned off before cleaning.
  3. Remove the grates and scrub them thoroughly with a grill brush and warm, soapy water. Rinse and let dry.
  4. Clean burners by wiping them with a damp cloth.
  5. Scrape the inside of the grill to remove any debris and use a vacuum to collect loose dirt and ash.
  6. Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a microfiber cloth and grill cleaner.
  7. Reassemble the grill once all parts are dry and give it a final wipe down.

In between deep cleanings, remember to clean your grill grates immediately after cooking while they are still warm to remove food particles and grease. Find more tips for the grill and beyond at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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