Does sugar feed bacteria infection?

Author: Ms. Elva Kris  |  Last update: Thursday, April 17, 2025

One of the most efficient ways of acquiring energy for bacteria is through sweet, soluble carbohydrates: sugars. In fact, the keen ability of the deadly bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae to use the plant-derived sugar raffinose may explain how it spreads through the human body.

Can sugar increase bacterial infection?

Glucose fuels bacterial growth and virulence and further compounds the difficulty of treating multispecies infections by enhancing biofilm formation, culminating in prolonged and invasive infections (29, 35, 38).

Do bacteria feed on sugar?

Bacteria, however, need energy, and sugar can be broken down to provide this energy for the bacteria's growth. When a person has a high sugar diet, some of these sugars make their way into the gut microbiome, and this gives some bacteria the energy to multiply, throwing off the balance in the microbiome.

Does sugar make infections worse?

Studies have shown spikes in sugar intake suppress your immune system. When your immune system is compromised, you are more likely to get sick. If you eat a lot of foods and beverages high in sugar or refined carbohydrates, which the body processes as sugar, you may be reducing your body's ability to ward off disease.

Does bacteria crave sugar?

In a healthy, balanced microbiome the various strains of yeasts and bacteria can co-exist happily. But unhealthy microbes, which often feed on sugar, can quickly overwhelm the friendly strains in your gut. Just as a pregnant woman is 'eating for two', every day we are 'eating for trillions'.

Important Things You Should Know About Viral and Bacterial Infections For Diabetics

What do gut bacteria feed on?

They are substances in food that can't be digested but will be fermented by bacteria in your gut and encourage those bacteria to grow. Most are types of dietary fibre and therefore are found in a wide range of plant foods, such as garlic, onions, bananas, wheat, rye, barley, soya beans and tomatoes.

How to starve bad gut bacteria?

Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods.

When you think about your diet, consider the number of plant-based foods, grains, legumes and beans you're eating. Foods high in fiber, especially prebiotic fiber, balance your gut increasing good bacteria and starving bad bacteria.

Does sugar draw out infection?

In an already infected wound, sugar dressings play a beneficial role, in addition to lowering the aw, by reducing the pH to around 5 while causing less toxicity compared to most antiseptics. Furthermore, sugar, via hygroscopic action, can facilitate the reduction of edema in the surrounding tissues of a wound.

Why you shouldn't eat sugar when sick?

Immune system

Research suggests that excessive sugar intake can reduce the effectiveness of white blood cells, which are responsible for identifying and destroying invading pathogens.

What should be avoided in infection?

Don't eat meals prepared and given to you by friends or neighbors because you don't know if they were prepared safely or not. Don't drink well water that has not been tested. Don't drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider says it's OK.

What naturally kills bad bacteria in the gut?

Oregano. Oregano oil is one of the most common substances used to treat SIBO. One study found it to be even more effective than pharmaceutical antibiotics for killing off wayward microbes in the small intestine (Source: NCBI).

Does strep feed on sugar?

Indeed, S. pyogenes relies heavily on sugar fermentation for growth and energy production.

How to detox from sugar?

8 Tips and Suggestions for You to Sugar Detox your Body
  1. Don't Quit Sugar, Replace It. ...
  2. Avoid Sugary Drinks. ...
  3. Cut Down on Sugary Desserts. ...
  4. Include Full-fat Foods in Your Diet. ...
  5. Stay Away From Processed Food. ...
  6. Stay Hydrated. ...
  7. Keep Your Stress Level in Check.

How many days to remove sugar out of your system?

Drop your sugar intake at once. The Ohio University Medical Center determined that a sugar detox will take between 3-10 days.

What feeds bad bacteria in the gut?

A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and BC Children's Hospital shows the sugar sialic acid, which makes up part of the protective intestinal mucus layer, fuels disease-causing bacteria in the gut.

Does sugar cause staph infection?

Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood glucose, renders individuals more prone to developing severe Staphylococcus aureus infections. S. aureus is the most common etiological agent of musculoskeletal infection, which is a common manifestation of disease in hyperglycemic patients.

Does sugar worsen infection?

Previous study has found that high levels of glucose may lead to impaired immune system function and pathological conditions. Innate immune macrophages, dendritic cells, and specific immune cells T cells and B cells migrate to the site of infection to protect the immune system (92).

What naturally pulls out infection?

Seven best natural antibiotics
  • Garlic. Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers. ...
  • Honey. Since ancient times, people have used honey due to its wound-healing activity and antimicrobial properties. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Echinacea. ...
  • Goldenseal. ...
  • Clove. ...
  • Oregano.

Does sugar slow down healing?

Control your sugar intake

Diabetes can lead to ulcers and other slow-healing wounds, so keep your sugar in check. But this advice isn't only for diabetics. Refined sugar leads to inflammation throughout your body, which can interfere with the wound healing process.

What will pull infection out?

Drawing out an infection requires timely action and appropriate remedies. Warm compresses, Epsom salt soaks, baking soda pastes, and over-the-counter ointments can be effective. However, recognizing when professional medical intervention is necessary ensures you receive the best care possible.

What kills bad bacteria in your stomach?

Antibiotics. If you have an infection or overgrowth of a certain gut bacteria, the standard treatment is a course of antibiotics.

How to clean stomach in 5 minutes?

Getting rid of a stomachache in five minutes may not always be possible. However, some remedies that may help settle an upset stomach include drinking water or clear liquids, eating small and frequent meals, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding tobacco and caffeine.

Are eggs good for gut health?

As part of a balanced diet, eggs contribute to a healthy digestive tract and can be helpful during acute digestive problems. In addition to being packed with nutrients, eggs are usually easy to digest compared to some other high-protein foods, such as meat and legumes.

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