Every winter, as soon as the holidays begin, we brace ourselves for what we casually call “flu season.” Offices empty out, families pass around coughs at gatherings, and pharmacies stay busy. But what if a big part of what we label as flu season is actually something else entirely? What if it’s really sugar season?
From Halloween through New Year’s, sugar becomes the unofficial food group of celebration. Candy bowls on every counter, cookies at every gathering, festive lattes every morning, desserts after every meal. For weeks on end, many people consume more sugar than their bodies are designed to handle. And while the tastes are joyful, the physiological impact is far less so.
Sugar has a direct, measurable effect on the immune system. After a high-sugar intake, immune cells become less effective at destroying viruses and bacteria for several hours. That means every sugary snack, drink, or dessert temporarily lowers the body’s ability to defend itself. Stack that effect day after day for weeks, add in stress, disrupted sleep, alcohol, cold weather, and crowded indoor spaces, and it’s no surprise so many people fall ill.
We often search for the cause of our winter sickness outside ourselves: a coworker who sneezed, a child who brought something home from school, a stranger in line at the store. But we rarely look at the constant flood of sugar quietly weakening our internal defenses. The truth is, our immune systems don’t collapse overnight—they are worn down slowly, bite by bite.
This is not an argument against joy, tradition, or the occasional dessert. Celebration is part of life, and food is a beautiful way we connect. But awareness matters. When sugar becomes the foundation rather than the accent of the season, the cost shows up in fatigue, inflammation, weight gain, mood swings, and yes—illness.
This year, instead of simply preparing for flu season, consider protecting yourself from sugar season too. Balance the treats with protein, fiber, water, sleep, and movement. Your immune system doesn’t need perfection—it just needs relief. And the best gift you can give yourself during the holidays may simply be the chance to stay well.