1. Sugar: Excessive consumption harms immunity:
Anything beyond 6 tablespoons full per day for women and 9 tablespoons full of sugar for men is generally considered as excess sugar consumption. Excessive sugar consumption is likely to trigger a low-grade inflammation in our bodies as there is an increase in inflammatory proteins namely IL-6 (interleukin-6), TNF-α (tumor necrosis alpha), and CRP (C-reactive protein). Thus, excess sugar consumption adversely affects the cells responsible for keeping our immunity strong and gives way to causing diseases. Limiting consumption of added sugar improves immune function and the overall health of our body.
In diabetics, this is even more relevant. Another way in which excess sugar consumption decreases immunity is by inhibiting the response of immune cells like phagocytes and neutrophils which are responsible for protecting our body from getting infections. Sugar-rich foods also cause harm to the gut barrier function and the gut bacteria. This again leads to reduced immunity.