While a strong immune system is no match for the power of social distancing when it comes to limiting the spread of COVID-19 , its certainly top of mind these days. As coronavirus spreads at an alarming rate in the United States, were all doing our best to stay healthy and relying on our immune system to help make that happen.

At the same time, most of us are spending our days and weeks at home now, which can mean frequent visits to the cupboards for cookies and the freezer for ice cream. Were looking for all the comfort we can get these days, so whats the harm in a little sugar?

Potentially a lot, as it turns out. The studied harmful effects of sugar run the gamut from increased anxiety to early death . Oh, and a suppressed immune system .

Yes, theres some research to back up the idea that sugar wreaks havoc on the immune system. But just how seriously should we take it? Lets take a closer look.

Your Body On Sugar

While sugar found in fruit or other natural sources can give the body a little boost (mostly because its paired with great-for-your body things like fiber and vitamins), processed sugar tends to have some unpleasant effects on the body as a whole.