The nutritionists that I spoke with agreed that quitting sugar could lead to obsessive thinking and a disordered relationship with food. Further, the idea of sugar of being forbidden or “off limits” can create feelings of deprivation, which is a major trigger for subsequent binging and overeating.
Reducing sugar intake has clear health benefits, including reduced calorie intake, which can help with weight loss, and improved dental health. But people sometimes report experiencing negative side effects when they try to eat less sugar. Headaches, fatigue or mood changes, which are , are among the symptoms.
Reducing your sugar intake may support a healthy weight, decrease your risk of depression, and reduce your risk of heart disease, among other health benefits. The good news is that you don't necessarily have to quit sugar completely. A limited amount of added sugar each day is fine.
Stop eating sugar and you'll lower your risk of heart disease dramatically because too much sugar in your diet heightens your risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes — three primary risk factors for heart disease and cardiovascular decline.
After giving up sugar for two weeks, I lost a small, but noticeable amount of weight. Considering I didn't change any other aspect of my diet I was really surprised by this. What's more, the weight loss made me feel healthier and that is always a good thing as it can help to improve your health in other ways.
Drop your sugar intake at once. The Ohio University Medical Center determined that a sugar detox will take between 3-10 days. The more sugar you are normally taking in, the longer the detox will take. The good thing is, unlike other addictions, the intensity of the symptoms will decrease as you go on.
While there are no common health risks associated with a diet low in added sugar, restrictive eating plans can sometimes lead to unhealthy eating habits or an extreme obsession with healthy eating.
By cutting sugar out of your diet you can expect your mood not only to level out, but also to lift. So by lowering your sugar intake, you could end up raising your levels of happiness, plus you'll feel the brain fog disappear too!
Fruit can provide several essential nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, and other healthful compounds that help protect the body from disease. Including whole fruits in a no-sugar diet can still be healthful.
Nigma Talib, a naturopath who works with celebrities, has popularized the term “Sugar Face” to describe the effects that excess sugar has on the skin. Supposedly, she can look at someone's face and determine if they have a sweet tooth by the appearance and the location of their blemishes and wrinkles.
Studies show that those who reduce their sugar intake improve their complexion. Acne starts to diminish and collagen production increases, which can take years off of your complexion. Quitting sugar could be the cheapest skincare product you invest in.
Detoxing from sugar can help you lose weight quickly. “We had over 80 testers from all over the country, and they lost anywhere between 5 to 20 pounds during the 31 days, depending on their weight or sugar addiction,” Alpert said. “Many also noticed that a lot of the weight was lost from their midsection.
According to a study recently published in the journal Nature Communications, teens with Type 1 diabetes who tightly control their blood sugar levels may be able to lessen the disease's damaging effects on the brain, effects that have been shown even in younger children.
"Studies have shown that [when someone stops eating sugar] there are similar effects as when people get off drugs," she said. "You may experience exhaustion, headaches, brain fog and irritability. Some people even have gastrointestinal distress." Translation: it's a process.
Fruits like berries and starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and plantains are higher in sugar and carbohydrates, but are still welcome on a low sugar diet in moderation. Higher-glycemic fruits such as apples, grapes, bananas, and melons can also be included on a low-sugar diet in moderation.
Don't Go Cold Turkey
Because our bodies are so used to sweet stuff, going sugar-free very abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, and mood swings, said Kohn.
What are the main symptoms of sugar withdrawal? Many who experience sugar withdrawal feel intense cravings for the sweet foods they're avoiding. Others may feel fatigued, irritable, nauseated, or have difficulty concentrating. Disrupted sleep patterns may also result.
Deficiencies in certain minerals such as zinc, chromium, iron, calcium, and magnesium may lead to sugar cravings as well, Elia says. Magnesium deficiency is specifically worth paying attention to.
Cut added sugar and you could lower calories and body weight, which could improve your cholesterol. But it's not just the weight loss. Even at the same weight as others, people who got less than 20% of their calories from added sugars tended to have lower triglycerides.
"First, sugar is addictive and I notice that after I eat it, I need it. Sugar doesn't sustain you when you actually need energy, like for a workout. Also, when I eat sugar, I find that more cellulite appears. I don't drink soda — ever!
Reducing your sugar intake can help lower glycation in your skin. Glycation is when sugar molecules attach to protein or lipids in our bodies. When this happens, stored cells aren't as supportive to the skin's surface. The lack of collagen and elastin means it is hard to achieve a firm and plump look.
Natural ways to reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that eating less sugar can reduce inflammation, so people should aim to limit their sugar intake. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommend a maximum sugar intake of less than 10% of daily energy intake.