The Scary Truth About Candy and Your Digestive System
Halloween is upon us and the stores are full of candy to greet the holiday. Following Halloween, all of the candy will be on sale and the pantry will be stocked with treats. The kids may be able to stomach the high sugar content and mix of syrups and coloring, but it is probably for the best if you stay away from the candy as much as possible, specifically chocolate.
There are many factors that go into why chocolate may not be the best decision for your digestive system and may be the reason you feel gastritis symptoms regularly. Dr. Peyton Berookim is one of the best gastroenterologists in Los Angeles and he wants to inform everyone about their digestive health this fall season. There are many factors that go into avoiding chocolate this year.
Chocolate
The sugar and caffeine in the cocoa bean can damage the lining of your stomach and have a reaction with the acid in your stomach. This leads to complications such as bloating, abdominal pain, and in some cases diahrea. It is okay to enjoy a piece of chocolate, but be careful when indulging in the hoards of candy that are delivered at Halloween. GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease can be activated through the consumption of acidic treats like chocolate.
Lollipop
Sugar is the key factor in many reactions throughout your body from dermatological to digestive. Lollipops are liquified and hardened sugar and since sugar is a carbohydrate, it is the cause of excessive gas in your body. This build-up of gas causes stomach cramps. This same reaction can come from apples and other types of hard candy. Be wary of those red, tempting candied applies.
Gut vs. Candy: Which Treats Are Toughest on Your Digestive System?
Candy doesn’t act on your digestive systems the same. While limited or occasional cravings aren’t guaranteed to cause permanent damage to your gut, particular varieties of sweet treats can actually be worse for your gut than others.
Chocolate Candy Bars: Common conventional bars tend to be high in sugar and saturated fat. The product can add to issues of GERD, bloating, and heartburn, especially for people with acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Gummy Candies: Gummy sweets are high in sugar and low in fiber. Large size consuming may lead to constipation if not eaten regularly and can also encourage less healthy gut bacteria when eaten regularly.
Sour Candies: Sour Candies are made from sugar, with its tanginess coming from acidic parts. These are irritating to the delicate gut and can irritate those that absorb them and cause an abdominal upset or worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.
Sugar-free Candies: sugar-free candies contain sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol) even though it is healthier. Because these nutrients aren’t taken up entirely in the gut, people can experience gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea.
Gut-Oriented Alternatives: Snacks like fresh fruit, dark chocolate (with smaller amounts), yogurt-covered nuts, and whatever you may crave on a half-measured table (and the like) are nutrient-dense and perhaps less taxing on your gut — and thus less palatable — if you are eating a sweet tooth.
The premise: You don’t need to give up eating candy entirely, but the kind, and the amount, of candy you consume can truly impact your digestive health and gut health in general.
In light of this special topic for Halloween, you should be mindful of everything you consume to reduce the risk of digestive complications. Dairy in candy may be linked to lactose intolerance and your discomfort, but so is the yogurt and coffee in your morning routine. If you feel pain and symptoms that could link to gastritis or another digestive condition, visit a gastroenterologist in Los Angeles.
Dr. Peyton P. Berookim is recognized as one of the best gastroenterologists in Los Angeles. His practice is accommodating and hands-on, caring about his patients’ comfort and well-being. He welcomes anyone who is ready to be more informed about their digestive system to make an appointment today.
