A whopping 600 million pounds of candy is sold each Halloween, according to Reference.com. This easily shatters Valentine’s Day average of 48 million. Either way, that’s a lot of sugar. We all know the disasters candy brings to tooth decay gum disease, but it’s below the waist line where even more long-term damage is felt. Spreading 600 million pounds of it across the American population every October is a recipe for disaster. The top leading causes of patient visits in GANJ offices can be attributed to acid reflux, constipation, and IBS symptoms. No surprise, the over indulgence in sweets can be linked directly to each disease.
Acid Reflux
Aside from the acidic nature of sugar wreaking havoc on tooth enamel, it can worsen acid reflux. Sugar itself has a high pH and acid reflux sufferers should stay away. Long-term effects of acid reflux can lead to ulcers, esophageal damage, and even cancer.
Constipation
Pure sugar candy, not containing any chocolate or nuts, had 0% fiber. Fiber, as we know, helps move things through your digestive system. Overloading your stomach with gummies, Skittles, Sweet Tarts, and Twizzlers may leave you with a serious upset stomach and a backed up system, if you will.
IBS
Each day good and bad bacteria duel it out in your digestive tract. Many supplements, in probiotic form, help replenish the good bacteria. Unfortunately, sometimes the bad bacteria wins and many IBS symptoms-constipation, bloating, gas, diarrhea-rear their ugly heads. This bad bacteria feeds off sugar, and supply it with Halloween candy doesn’t help. Foods with zero nutrients may not only further aggravate your IBS symptoms, but cause new ones to arise.
Experiencing symptoms mentioned above? Please contact our office today.
To speak with our dietician, Susana Mendelson, please call 201-637-2631 or email slmnutrition@gmail.com
