India, Sept. 25 -- The festive season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and of course, an abundance of sweets. From barfi and laddoos to rasgullas and pedas, these treats are central to celebrations. Yet, behind the trays of mithai often lies a hidden concern - the use of adulterants, preservatives, and chemical additives. While we may be focused on celebrating, it is important to be mindful of what we eat, especially since gut health plays such a critical role in overall well-being. As the demand for sweets surges, some manufacturers cut corners, leading to adulteration. Milk, the base of most Indian sweets, is particularly vulnerable. It may be diluted with water or mixed with detergents and starch to mimic purity. In some cases, urea is added to artificially boost protein content - a practice that can place stress on the kidneys if consumed regularly. Synthetic milk, made with soap, caustic soda, and oil, is another dangerous substitute. Artificial colours and preservatives are also commonly used to make sweets look more appealing or last longer. Those unnaturally bright shades of yellow, green, or red may look festive, but they are a result of chemical dyes that are harsh on the digestive system. Our gut bears the brunt of these adulterants as it is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad, which form the microbiome. When we consume too much refined sugar, unhealthy fats, or chemically altered ingredients, this delicate balance gets disturbed. The result is felt quickly, in the form of bloating, acidity, fatigue, and even mood swings after days of indulgence. Since more than 70% of our immune system resides in the gut, such disturbances weaken our natural defenses and leave us feeling sluggish right when we want to feel energetic. Preservatives and chemical additives can also disrupt intestinal movement and damage the gut lining, raising the risk of leaky gut syndrome, a condition linked to inflammation and long-term health concerns. Even with the best-quality sweets, moderation is important. Overeating rich foods can put strain on digestion. Practicing portion control allows us to indulge without excess. Adding probiotic-rich foods like curd or buttermilk to festive meals helps maintain gut balance, while staying hydrated supports digestion and flushes out toxins. Another useful strategy is to space out sweet consumption rather than eating too much at once, giving the gut time to process and recover. The author of this article is a nutritionist For more such stories, follow healthshots.com...