Why Sugar Sabotages Your Immune System (and What to Do Instead)

’Tis the season for that aching, scratchy, sandpaper-feeling throat. You know the one—it sneaks up right after an office party, holiday gathering, or birthday celebration.

And the first thought is usually:
“Someone must have brought a bug.”

But here’s the surprising truth: it’s often not the germs—it’s the sugar.

Why Does a Sore Throat Show Up After Parties?

Holiday treats, desserts, sweetened coffees, and sodas may feel harmless, but they can temporarily weaken your immune defenses.

What Studies Show About Sugar and Immunity

Consuming about 100 grams of sugar—roughly:

1 can of soda + a cookie
OR a large sweetened coffee + dessert

…can reduce white blood cell (neutrophil) activity by up to 40%.

Even more concerning?
That immune suppression can last 2–5 hours after consumption.

That’s a big window of opportunity for irritation, inflammation, and discomfort to take hold.

My Personal Wake-Up Call With Sugar

When I was a young mom, I noticed something strange: I’d run a fever after every one of my kids’ birthday parties. ☠️

The cake was the only time I indulged heavily in sugar—and my body simply wasn’t strong enough to handle that immune dip. While my defenses were lowered, my environment stayed the same… and my body paid the price.

For me, eating birthday cake was a recipe for physical disaster. I wasn’t healthy enough to lower my immune system—period.

Today’s Simple Immune-Smart Tips ✔️

You don’t have to skip every celebration—just be wiser about how you support your body.

✔️ Eat Protein Before Dessert

Protein helps slow sugar absorption and gives your immune system more stability before the sweet hit.

✔️ Support Your Throat Early

If you’re in “sandpaper throat season,” don’t wait until it’s miserable.

Thieves® Lozenges – Use daily during sick season for immune-supportive comfort.
Thieves® Cough Drops – Reach for these when your throat already hurts. They contain menthol for that cooling, numbing relief.

✔️ Dress Up Your Coffee

Drop a Thieves Lozenge right into your coffee or tea.
It’s surprisingly delicious—and you still get the soothing benefits.

How to Use Thieves® Lozenges & Cough Drops

Thieves Lozenges:
Suck on throughout the day during seasonal challenges for immune-supportive comfort.
Thieves Cough Drops:
Use liberally when your throat feels raw or irritated.
Menthol cools on contact while the Thieves essential oil blend provides comforting support.

Why We Love Thieves® Cough Drops & Lozenges

Fast Throat Soothing

Menthol cools irritation on contact, bringing quick relief to scratchy, raw throats.

Supports the Body—Not Against It

Cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus radiata, peppermint, lemon, and rosemary oils offer comforting, cleansing support—without harsh chemicals.

Gently Coats the Throat

Pectin forms a soothing barrier, giving irritated tissues time to rest and recover.

Helps You Breathe Easier 🙌🏼

Peppermint and eucalyptus support open airways, especially helpful during congestion or nighttime discomfort.

No “Medicine” Taste or Sugar Crash

Clean, pleasant flavor—no artificial burn or sticky aftertaste.

Family-Friendly Wellness

Gentle enough for kids, effective enough for adults.

Simple, Everyday Support

No measuring. No mess. Just wise, easy comfort when your throat needs help. ✨

Final Thought: Support Before You Suppress

Sugar lowers your immune defenses—but simple habits can help offset the impact. Eat protein first. Be proactive with throat support. And give your body what it needs before irritation sets in.

What’s your go-to immune-boosting habit?

Stay well and thrive this winter,
Terri ❄️✨