What Happens If You Stop Eating Sugar For 14 Days

What Happens If You Stop Eating Sugar For 14 Days Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com Background photo: Pixabay (PD)

Sugar Facts

Research has shown that around 90% of Americans usually exceed the recommended daily sugar intake. ^[1] The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend not more than 9 teaspoons of sugar for men and 6 for women—yet the average daily intake among Americans is 17 teaspoons. The USA is a major culprit but this is a global problem and most other countries have a similar problem. There are several reasons for this.

For one, sugar is “socially accepted” and very widely available in many foods—from obvious sources like confectionaries to unexpected ones like bread or sauces. And even when you know where the sugar is, shaking off the habit is not easy. Sugar is a pleasing taste to most and research shows that it affects the brain’s reward center—making you crave it despite the potential negative consequences. ^[2]

But if you’re looking to give up the sweet stuff, it can lead to noticeable changes in your body in the short term and long term. Here’s what you can expect from cutting sugar out of your diet:

1: Reduction In Sugar Cravings

Consuming sugary beverages and foods stimulates the brain’s reward center by triggering dopamine release. ^[3] This fuels cravings and may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and headaches.

However, the cravings should reduce after cutting down on sugary foods for a few days. Consider stopping your sugar intake gradually to ease the transition and minimize the side effects.

2: More Energy

A steadier energy supply is one of the first health benefits you’ll experience after you stop eating sugar. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. It gives you a quick burst of energy followed by an equally quick crash, leaving you lethargic and tired.

Cutting out added sugars and replacing them with proteins, complex carbs, and high-fiber alternatives facilitates a steady supply of energy throughout the day. You may also get more restful sleep, which contributes to your feeling of well-being and energy. ^[4]

3: Better Appetite Management

Cutting out added sugar may improve your body’s glucose management. This could help restore healthy leptin activity, which is adversely affected by conditions linked to high-sugar intake, such as insulin resistance and obesity. ^[5]

Leptin is a hormone that plays a role in regulating your appetite and metabolism. Restoring its function reduces appetite and hunger.

4: Improved Mood And Reduced Risk Of Mental Health Issues

If you tend to reach out for a sugary treat following a stressful day, you may want to reconsider it. According to a study published in Neuroscience & Behavioral Reviews, sugar is not the boost-booster some people assume it to be. ^[6] It’s more likely to leave you feeling “down” and fogy-headed.

Other studies suggest that added sugar’s high glycemic index may contribute to a greater risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. ^[7] This may be linked to increased inflammation in the brain.

5: Healthier Skin

Yearning for youthful, healthy skin even as you age? Kicking added sugars to the curb is a good place to start.
A study appearing in Clinics in Dermatology reports that eating too much sugar may impair your body’s ability to repair collagen. ^[8] Collagen is a protein that helps strengthen your skin and support good elasticity. Hindering its repair may contribute to premature wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

A high-sugar diet also increases the production of AGEs (advanced glycation end products), which are linked to accelerated skin aging. So cutting out added sugar may help slow your skin’s rate of aging. ^[9] Some studies even link high sugar intake to an increased risk of developing acne. ^[10]

6: Healthier Heart

You may love your sugary confectionaries and desserts from the “bottom of your heart,” but your heart is not too fond of the habit.

As mentioned earlier, eating added sugars spikes your glucose levels. Your body may increase insulin to compensate for the high blood glucose, which then increases blood pressure. This is a major concern because high blood pressure is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

In fact, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people who consumed the most added sugars had a higher risk of fatal cardiovascular disease than those who ate less. ^[11]

7: Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of reduced life expectancy and mortality—with its prevalence continuing to soar. ^[12] Research suggests that excessive sugar consumption may be associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes—either directly or indirectly through increased body fat. ^[13]

Conclusion:

Excessive consumption of added sugar has a long list of negative health effects. Research suggests that you’re better off without added sugars. One of the best ways to limit your intake of added sugars is by making smart purchase decisions. If you don’t have it in the house, you can’t reach for it when you get that sudden snack craving! Swap sugary foods and beverages for healthier alternatives. You can also consider eating whole, unprocessed foods by making meals at home.

=====================================================