A sugary diet can lead to the development of diabetes / photo: shutterstock/Africa Studio
Arecent study from Columbia University Irving Medical Centre in the US, found that dietary sugar alters the gut microbiome, which can lead to metabolic disease, pre-diabetes, and weight gain.
The findings, published in the research publication Cell, suggest that diet matters, but an optimal microbiome is important for the prevention of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity.
Dietary research Although we’re aware that a high-sugar Western diet can lead to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, it was not clear how this type of diet kickstarts unhealthy changes in the body.
This led to an investigation by Ivalyo Ivanov PhD, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and his colleagues, into the initial effects a Western-style diet had on the microbiome of mice.
After four weeks on the diet, characteristics of metabolic syndrome, such as weight gain, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance began to emerge and the microbiomes had changed dramatically, with the amount of segmented filamentous bacteria falling sharply and other bacteria increasing in abundance.
This reduction in filamentous bacteria, the researchers found, was critical to health through its effect on Th17 immune cells. The drop in filamentous bacteria reduced the number of Th17 cells in the gut, and further tests revealed that these cells are necessary to prevent metabolic disease, diabetes, and weight gain.
“These immune cells produce molecules that slow down the absorption of ‘bad’ lipids from the intestines and they decrease intestinal inflammation, so they keep the gut healthy and protect the body from absorbing pathogenic lipids” Ivanov says.
Sugar vs fat When looking at what component of the high-fat, high-sugar diet led to these changes, Ivanov’s team found that sugar was to blame.
“Sugar eliminates the filamentous bacteria, and the protective Th17 cells disappear as a consequence,” says Ivanov. “When we used a sugar-free, high-fat diet, the intestinal Th17 cells were retained, offering protection from obesity and pre-diabetes, even though the same number of calories were consumed.”
However, eliminating sugar did not help in all cases. Where filamentous bacteria were missing to begin with, the elimination of sugar did not have a beneficial effect and obesity and diabetes developed.
“Our study suggests that for optimal health it is important not only to modify your diet but also improve your microbiome or intestinal immune system, for example, by increasing Th17 cell-inducing bacteria,” said the researchers.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2022 issue 3
Editor's letter: Salus per natura
Although great buildings lie at the heart of the spa and wellness experience, operators are turning to nature to deliver healing journeys, says Liz Terry
Spa People: Thierry Malleret
We talk to the economist behind Monthly Barometer about key trends emerging in the wellness sector, such as a greater connection with nature
Spa People: Verena Lasvigne
The founder of VLF Spa Consulting shares her learnings from a career running spas on three continents
Spa People: Kim Weller
The wellbeing director of Banyan Tree tells us about the rollout of the company's new brand, Veya – for mind/body wellness
New opening: Loisium Spa
A look at the new luxurious spa situated at the heart of France's celebrated Champagne region
Interview: Neil Jacobs
The CEO of Six Senses talks about creating an eco-system around the brand to deliver hotels, clubs, residential, offices and resorts
Project preview: Next generation wellness
We take our first look at Tulah, the new clinical wellness retreat brand about to make its debut in Kerala, India, and speak to its CEO
ISPA Research: Rate of recovery
Russell Donaldson digs deeper into ISPA's 2022 US Spa Industry Study and considers the industry's resurgence since the end of pandemic lockdowns
Sponsored: Gharieni: Delivering results
Innovation is the hallmark of Gharieni experiences, meeting the rapidly
evolving needs of wellness seekers within the spa and wellness environment
New opening: Lanserhof Sylt
Lisa Starr reports on the industry's eagerly awaited wellness experience – nestled within sand dunes on the German island of Sylt
Healing: Emotional rescue
As people increasingly seek support for their emotional wellbeing, Jane Kitchen talks to the operators who are digging deeper to deliver genuine transformation
Promotion: TechnoAlpin: Powerful contrast
Spa clients can enjoy super-cool relaxation and pain-relief at Sächsische Staatsbäder in Bad Brambach thanks to a TechnoAlpin SnowRoom
Concept: Soneva Soul
The CEO and co-founder of Soneva, Sonu Shivdasani, talks about the philosophy behind the company's new wellness concept, Soneva Soul
A sugary diet can lead to the development of diabetes / photo: shutterstock/Africa Studio
Arecent study from Columbia University Irving Medical Centre in the US, found that dietary sugar alters the gut microbiome, which can lead to metabolic disease, pre-diabetes, and weight gain.
The findings, published in the research publication Cell, suggest that diet matters, but an optimal microbiome is important for the prevention of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity.
Dietary research Although we’re aware that a high-sugar Western diet can lead to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, it was not clear how this type of diet kickstarts unhealthy changes in the body.
This led to an investigation by Ivalyo Ivanov PhD, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and his colleagues, into the initial effects a Western-style diet had on the microbiome of mice.
After four weeks on the diet, characteristics of metabolic syndrome, such as weight gain, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance began to emerge and the microbiomes had changed dramatically, with the amount of segmented filamentous bacteria falling sharply and other bacteria increasing in abundance.
This reduction in filamentous bacteria, the researchers found, was critical to health through its effect on Th17 immune cells. The drop in filamentous bacteria reduced the number of Th17 cells in the gut, and further tests revealed that these cells are necessary to prevent metabolic disease, diabetes, and weight gain.
“These immune cells produce molecules that slow down the absorption of ‘bad’ lipids from the intestines and they decrease intestinal inflammation, so they keep the gut healthy and protect the body from absorbing pathogenic lipids” Ivanov says.
Sugar vs fat When looking at what component of the high-fat, high-sugar diet led to these changes, Ivanov’s team found that sugar was to blame.
“Sugar eliminates the filamentous bacteria, and the protective Th17 cells disappear as a consequence,” says Ivanov. “When we used a sugar-free, high-fat diet, the intestinal Th17 cells were retained, offering protection from obesity and pre-diabetes, even though the same number of calories were consumed.”
However, eliminating sugar did not help in all cases. Where filamentous bacteria were missing to begin with, the elimination of sugar did not have a beneficial effect and obesity and diabetes developed.
“Our study suggests that for optimal health it is important not only to modify your diet but also improve your microbiome or intestinal immune system, for example, by increasing Th17 cell-inducing bacteria,” said the researchers.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2022 issue 3
Editor's letter: Salus per natura
Although great buildings lie at the heart of the spa and wellness experience, operators are turning to nature to deliver healing journeys, says Liz Terry
Spa People: Thierry Malleret
We talk to the economist behind Monthly Barometer about key trends emerging in the wellness sector, such as a greater connection with nature
Spa People: Verena Lasvigne
The founder of VLF Spa Consulting shares her learnings from a career running spas on three continents
Spa People: Kim Weller
The wellbeing director of Banyan Tree tells us about the rollout of the company's new brand, Veya – for mind/body wellness
New opening: Loisium Spa
A look at the new luxurious spa situated at the heart of France's celebrated Champagne region
Interview: Neil Jacobs
The CEO of Six Senses talks about creating an eco-system around the brand to deliver hotels, clubs, residential, offices and resorts
Project preview: Next generation wellness
We take our first look at Tulah, the new clinical wellness retreat brand about to make its debut in Kerala, India, and speak to its CEO
ISPA Research: Rate of recovery
Russell Donaldson digs deeper into ISPA's 2022 US Spa Industry Study and considers the industry's resurgence since the end of pandemic lockdowns
Sponsored: Gharieni: Delivering results
Innovation is the hallmark of Gharieni experiences, meeting the rapidly
evolving needs of wellness seekers within the spa and wellness environment
New opening: Lanserhof Sylt
Lisa Starr reports on the industry's eagerly awaited wellness experience – nestled within sand dunes on the German island of Sylt
Healing: Emotional rescue
As people increasingly seek support for their emotional wellbeing, Jane Kitchen talks to the operators who are digging deeper to deliver genuine transformation
Promotion: TechnoAlpin: Powerful contrast
Spa clients can enjoy super-cool relaxation and pain-relief at Sächsische Staatsbäder in Bad Brambach thanks to a TechnoAlpin SnowRoom
Concept: Soneva Soul
The CEO and co-founder of Soneva, Sonu Shivdasani, talks about the philosophy behind the company's new wellness concept, Soneva Soul
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
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