Essential
- Israeli researchers have shown that the white sugar contained in sodas modifies the DNA of intestinal bacteria.
- These changes alter the microbiota and weaken the immune system.
- Good news: these effects are reversible to stopping consumption.
A simple soda can disturb our intestinal microbiota and weaken our immune system. This is the conclusion of a new study published in the journal Nature Communications : white sugar, found in abundance in this type of drinks, has several genetic consequences on intestinal bacteria. But fortunately for our intestinal flora, these effects seem reversible once we stop consuming it.
Intestinal bacteria influenced by our diet
Led by a team from the Technion Institute in Israel, this research highlights an adaptive mechanism of intestinal bacteria called “DNA reversal”. This genetic process allows bacteria to quickly react to changes in their environment, especially what we eat.
The researchers observed that the consumption of sugary drinks, rich in white sugar, caused DNA reversals at Bacteroides ThetaIotaomicron, a key bacteria from the intestinal microbiota. However, this bacteria plays an essential role: it prevents inflammation, protects the intestinal mucosa and prevents the invasion of pathogens.
A direct impact on our immune system
These genetic changes have led to disturbances of inflammatory markers, an alteration of intestinal permeability and a modification of T cell populations and cytokines. In other words, our immune system reacts to the transformations suffered by our microbiota. “We have shown that white sugar influences the genetic structure of bacteria essential to our health, which has a cascade effect on the immunity of the host”summarize scientists in a press release.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this research is the reversibility of the effects. In mice tested, stopping sugar consumption has enabled the microbiota and the immune system to return to a normal state. The authors hope that these discoveries will open the way to personalized food recommendations, in order to optimize the immune system and global well-being.
