Sugar Increases Inflammation

Video by Dr. Bryan Stephens

As Chiropractor’s in East Dallas, we teach our patients that reducing inflammation is a key factor in reducing pain. High sugar consumption has a well-documented impact on increasing inflammation and impairing normal immune function, significantly contributing to the onset and progression of a range of chronic diseases. When dietary sugars—such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose—are consumed in excess, they trigger a cascade of inflammatory processes across various tissues.

The mechanism starts with high doses of glucose and fructose stimulating the production of reactive oxygen species in immune cells like macrophages and monocytes, which then release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1). These molecules act as messengers, summoning immune cells and initiating inflammation. When these are present chronically, they damage tissues, promote insulin resistance, and lay the groundwork for autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.

Sugar intake also disrupts the gut microbiome, decreasing beneficial bacteria and increasing gut permeability. This so-called “leaky gut” allows toxins and microbial products to enter the bloodstream, which further activates the immune system and increases systemic inflammation. Chronic elevation of blood sugar can trigger ongoing immune responses that, over time, down-regulate the immune system’s proper function, rendering it less effective at fighting viral or bacterial invaders and more prone to erratic, self-directed attacks seen in autoimmune disorders.

Studies have also confirmed that acute spikes in sugar suppress immune cell activity, so even intermittent consumption can make the body temporarily more vulnerable to infections. Overall, a high sugar diet is a key driver of chronic low-grade inflammation, which down-regulates immune defenses and increases susceptibility to disease. Reducing added sugars in the diet is a powerful strategy to dampen inflammation and strengthen the body’s immune response.

“Based on these reported findings, we emphasize that dietary sugars and mixed processed foods may be a key factor leading to the occurrence and aggravation of inflammation.”

Ma X, Nan F, Liang H, Shu P, Fan X, Song X, Hou Y, Zhang D. Excessive intake of sugar: An accomplice of inflammation. Front Immunol. 2022 Aug 31;13:988481. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988481. PMID: 36119103; PMCID: PMC9471313.

“…large amounts of glucose may lead to impaired immune system function. Therefore, high glucose induces a series of complications by suppressing the effective adaptive immune response generated by macrophages and T cells”

Our Message

We love to help our patients in East Dallas stay healthy. We are here to relieve back pain, neck pain and headaches while also teaching about how our diet and stress effects our over all health. By improving these areas of our lives we can become healthier, stay out of pain and reduce risk of diseases. Our Chiropractors located in Lakewood, near the corner of Mockingbird Ln. and Abrams Rd., want to help you stay healthy and out of pain!