Quitting sugar can help boost energy levels
Sugar is used in everything from our morning tea to our post-dinner dessert. It is a ubiquitous ingredient without which making some dishes seems impossible. But, while sugar is widely used around the world, it is linked to several health issues including diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. Excess consumption of sugar can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and liver diseases. This is the reason that many of us either reduce our sugar intake or completely exclude it from our diet. But what really happens when we quit sugar and how does it affect our body?
Shedding some light on the impact of sugar on our bodies, nutritionist Nmami Agarwal explains why we should consider giving up sugar. She says not eating sugar for straight 14 days may sound like a herculean task but can give impressive results. The nutritionist highlights that in the absence of a constant influx of added sugar, our body begins to regulate blood sugar levels more effectively. This, according to her, leads to better energy levels and reduced inflammation.
Other benefits of keeping your hands off sugar are clearer skin and improved digestion. The nutritionist adds that not taking sugar can also help in weight loss as the body starts to adjust to lower sugar intake. "So say goodbye to sugar and say hello to a healthier you," the nutritionist says.
The nutritionist shares how your diet can help control sugar levels in the body. According to her, signs such as frequent urination, excess thirst or wounds that do not heal indicate that you have high blood sugar levels. She explained that our body gets sugar not only from the sugar we eat but also from every food item that we consume including vegetables, roti, and dal. Hence, it is important to focus on whatever you eat to regulate blood sugar levels and stay healthy.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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FAQs
The nutritionist highlights that in the absence of a constant influx of added sugar, our body begins to regulate blood sugar levels more effectively. This, according to her, leads to better energy levels and reduced inflammation. Other benefits of keeping your hands off sugar are clearer skin and improved digestion.
How does your body change when you stop eating sugar? ›
When you remove sugars from your diet, the first thing that may happen is a period of craving sugar. It's also possible to experience headaches, mood changes, or fatigue. Rather than just cutting back or moderating your intake, it's best to go cold turkey and cut added sugars completely out.
When you stop eating sugar, what are the side effects? ›
Reducing sugar intake can sometimes lead to temporary detox or withdrawal symptoms. Some examples of sugar withdrawal symptoms are cravings, headaches, bloating, and irritability. Less than 10% of a person's daily caloric intake should come from added sugars, according to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines .
What happens in the body during sugar withdrawal? ›
Common symptoms in the early stages of sugar withdrawal include physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Mental symptoms include irritability, anxiety, mood swings, and generally worsened mental health. The important thing is to stick with whatever diet change you make.
What happens when you stop eating sugar for a month? ›
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.
What happens to your belly when you stop eating sugar? ›
You'll have less belly fat
This is the visceral or “deep” fat that builds up around vital organs like your liver, pancreas, and intestines. Stubborn and hard to get rid of, it's also dangerous; visceral fat is a known risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
How long does it take to reset your body from sugar? ›
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.
What happens to your face when you stop eating sugar? ›
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.
Is quitting sugar completely good? ›
From weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases to improved mental clarity and better skin health, the positive effects of eliminating sugar from your diet can be life-changing. If you're considering quitting sugar, start by gradually reducing your intake and replacing sugary foods with healthier alternatives.
What does a sugar face look like? ›
Here are the tell-tale signs on your face that sugar is the culprit aging your skin: The surface of your skin looks hard and shiny. Deep, crosshatch lines appear along your upper lip. Discoloration and hyperpigmentation mark your skin.
Your taste buds and palate can be “retrained” to adopt a less sugary lifestyle, and eventually you will not crave the same high-sugar foods as before. During this time, you can still eat foods with natural sugars, like fruit, as these are packed with nutrients and fiber.
How long after cutting out sugar will I feel better? ›
Some people find that their symptoms last from a few days to weeks. As your body adapts to a low added-sugar diet over time and your added sugar intake becomes less frequent, your symptoms and cravings for sugar are likely to become less intense .
How can I flush sugar out of my system fast? ›
Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.
What will I notice when I stop eating sugar? ›
Summary. Most of us are guilty of eating too much sugar, but cutting out sugar all at once can lead to unpleasant sugar withdrawal symptoms. Common symptoms include fatigue, mood changes, irritability, and intense cravings that may lead to overeating.
What is the best drink to detox sugar? ›
Homemade sugar detox drinks include options like lemon water with mint, cucumber and ginger-infused water, Tulsi Water, Neem water and herbal teas. These beverages can aid in reducing sugar intake, promoting hydration, and supporting overall health.
What will 14 days without sugar do? ›
Improved skin health: Cutting sugar from your diet may also improve the health of your skin and alleviate conditions such as acne, eczema, or premature ageing. Enhanced mood and cognitive function: Experience increased feelings of happiness, less anxiety and depression, and better memory recall and focus.
What are the symptoms of your sugar being off? ›
From milder, more common indicators to most severe, signs and symptoms of low blood glucose include:
- Feeling shaky.
- Being nervous or anxious.
- Sweating, chills and clamminess.
- Irritability or impatience.
- Confusion.
- Fast heartbeat.
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
- Hunger.