Consuming too much added sugar and refined carbohydrates leads to a number of changes in the body. These changes help to explain why a diet high in sugar can cause low-grade, chronic inflammation.
Excessive AGE production: Compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are harmful when sugar and protein or fat combine in the blood. Oxidative stress and inflammation can result from having too many AGEs.
Gut permeability: It is easier for bacteria, toxins, and food particles that haven't been digested to get out of the gut and into the bloodstream, which could cause inflammation.
LDL (bad) cholesterol is higher: C-reactive protein (CRP), a sign of inflammation, has been linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol.
Weight gain: Weight gain can result from a diet high in refined carbohydrates and added sugar. Inflammation has been linked, in part, to insulin resistance and excess body fat.
It is essential to keep in mind that sugar alone is unlikely to cause inflammation. Inflammation can also be caused by other things like stress, taking medications, smoking, and eating too much fat.
Summary: The production of more AGEs, gut permeability, LDL cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and weight gain are all linked to an excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and added sugar. Low-grade chronic inflammation can be triggered by any of these factors.
