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…
Author: Christopher Damman, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Washington
Is the adage “calories in, calories out” true? The short answer is yes, but the full story is more nuanced. From the moment food touches your tongue to the time it leaves your body, your digestive system and gut microbiome work to extract its nutrients. Enzymes in your mouth, stomach and small intestine break down food for absorption, while microbes in your large intestine digest the leftovers. “Calories in, calories out” refers to the concept that weight change is determined by the balance between the calories you consume and calories you expend. This includes not only the number of calories…