As a lupus warrior and holistic nutritionist, I’ve learned the hard way how much hidden ingredients can impact our health. One of the biggest culprits? Maltodextrin—a sneaky sugar that may be wreaking havoc on your body and fueling your autoimmune flares.
What is Maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is a common food additive found in processed foods, including sauces, yogurts, breads, granola bars, and even some drinks. It’s used to thicken, sweeten, and preserve foods, making it a favorite ingredient in the food industry. Go figure.
While it may seem harmless, maltodextrin has a glycemic index (GI) of over 106, meaning it spikes your blood sugar even faster than pure glucose (which ranks at 100 on the GI scale). Here is the glycemic index scale for a comparison:
Low GI: 55 or less
Medium GI: 56-69
High GI: 70 and above
Maltodextrin tops the charts with a glycemic index of over 106, which shows how dangerous it can be for our blood sugar and overall health.
For people with autoimmune diseases like lupus, this is a red flag. High blood sugar levels trigger inflammation, and as we know, inflammation is a key contributor to autoimmune flares.
How Does Maltodextrin Affect Lupus?
The connection between maltodextrin and lupus flares goes beyond blood sugar spikes. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that maltodextrin can also disrupt gut health. It can negatively impact your intestinal environment, leading to something called leaky gut syndrome. For those with lupus, a compromised gut can make managing flares even harder.
This same referenced article states the following: “Interestingly, another study recently showed that the artificial sweetener Splenda, which contains both sucralose and maltodextrin, impacts the intestinal microbiota in a manner that promotes Crohn’s-type disease in genetically susceptible hosts.” Why is maltodextrin sold on the market? WOW.
Inflammation and leaky gut are a dangerous combination. When the gut lining is damaged, it allows harmful substances to leak into the bloodstream, triggering the body’s immune response. This can result in increased inflammation and more frequent lupus flares.
Why You Should Avoid Maltodextrin
If you're living with lupus or another autoimmune condition, avoiding maltodextrin could be a game-changer for your health. Pay close attention to food labels and watch out for maltodextrin in unexpected places like sauces, salad dressings, snacks, and even supplements.
Removing this hidden sugar from your diet may reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and help prevent future lupus flares.
Unmasking Hidden Dangers: How to Spot Maltodextrin on Food Labels
When it comes to navigating food labels, understanding where hidden ingredients like maltodextrin can lurk is key. As mentioned before, Maltodextrin is often listed under ingredients in processed foods like snacks, sauces, salad dressings, and even 'healthier' products like protein powders. It may also appear in foods labeled as 'sugar-free' or 'gluten-free,' where it's used as a filler or sweetener. Look out for terms like 'modified corn starch' or 'corn-derived additives,' as these can also indicate maltodextrin. The best way to avoid it is by choosing whole, unprocessed foods and checking labels for any unfamiliar terms. By being vigilant about what goes into your body, you take a crucial step in reducing inflammation and supporting your health journey.
My Personal Journey: Healing from a Life-Threatening Flare
After personally healing from a life-threatening lupus flare, I’ve made it my mission to share what I’ve learned with my community. Understanding hidden triggers like maltodextrin played a huge role in my recovery, and I want to help others on their journey toward flare-free living.
In Summary
Living with lupus doesn’t have to mean constant flares and discomfort. By understanding and eliminating sneaky triggers like maltodextrin, you can take control of your health and start living your best life. Remember, the more you know, the more you glow!
Let’s glow up,
Genny Mack
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