A new study from India’s Tata Institute of Fundamental Research dives deep into how sugary drinks wreak havoc on your body.
The findings reveal disturbing insights about how even moderate, long-term consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) can lead to serious health issues.
The Small Intestine Plays a Bigger Role Than Expected
Researchers found that the small intestine isn’t just passively digesting sugar — it’s actively contributing to the body’s glucose imbalance.
It absorbs way too much sugar, pushing out vital nutrients like fats and amino acids in the process.
Chronic Sugar Intake Creates a “Molecular Addiction”
Regular exposure to sucrose seems to rewire how the intestinal cells behave. Over time, they prioritize sugar absorption, making the body increasingly dependent on glucose for energy, even when it’s not the healthiest option.
Nutrient Imbalance Starts in the Gut
This sugar-first behavior in the intestine throws the body’s entire nutrient absorption process out of sync.
Proteins and healthy fats get sidelined, disturbing the balance your body needs to function optimally.
The Liver Doesn’t React the Way You’d Expect
You might think that all that extra sugar would send the liver into overdrive. But surprisingly, liver cells don’t significantly change their glucose-processing genes — they just keep producing sugar, contributing to insulin resistance.
Insulin Resistance Is Triggered Systemically
Instead of adjusting to sugar overload, the body becomes resistant to insulin. That means sugar stays in the bloodstream longer, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
Sugar Alters Muscle Metabolism Too
Mitochondria — the energy factories in muscle cells — become less efficient. Muscles don’t use glucose properly, which means energy levels drop and fat storage increases.
Fed vs. Fasted States Make a Big Difference
The body doesn’t process sugar the same way when it’s hungry versus when it’s full.
The study showed that sugar causes different kinds of metabolic stress depending on whether you’re in a fed or fasted state — and both can be harmful over time.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction Spreads Across Tissues
It’s not just the muscles. The energy-producing systems in multiple organs slow down, making the body less efficient and more vulnerable to chronic disease.
Public Health Risks Are Growing
With global consumption of sugary drinks rising, especially in places like India, these findings add urgency to the call for better public health strategies. Awareness campaigns and sugar-reduction policies are more important than ever.
New Therapeutic Targets May Be on the Horizon
By identifying how different tissues respond to sugar, scientists now have specific targets to aim for. Treatments could one day block sugar absorption in the intestine or restore energy function in mitochondria.
It’s Time to Rethink Your Sugar Fix
This study makes it clear: sugary drinks aren’t just empty calories — they’re actively damaging your organs at the cellular level. It’s not just about weight gain; it’s a total body issue.
Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra News Medical