Sugar refers to short-chain carbohydrates that are sweet and used in food. Most people know sugar as a whitish crystal-like powder with a sweet taste that is often added to food. Each year, hundreds of millions of tons of table sugar are produced across the world. The sugar that you eat is scientifically referred to as “sucrose” which breaks down into both fructose and glucose in the body. Although sugar is a staple ingredient in many foods, some people believe that it is unhealthy.
Those who believe sugar is unhealthy may attempt to cut consumption of sugar and/or withdraw from it altogether. Despite the fact that some people claim to experience sugar withdrawals, the severity of symptoms experienced is up for debate. Those who are anti-sugar tend to argue that frequent sugar consumption can lead to mental health problems such as attention problems, hyperactivity, and foggy thinking.
Additionally some believe that sugar consumption takes a toll on their physical health – internally and in regards to gaining weight. It seems as though sugar affects everyone differently – some people are naturally more sensitive to its effects, while others may not notice much of any psychological change from sugar consumption vs. going sugar free. In any event, if you are considering the removal of sugar from your diet, below are some symptoms that people have experienced during withdrawal.
Factors that influence Sugar withdrawal
Below are some factors that may influence your withdrawal from the substance that is sugar. Things that may play a role in your withdrawal include: time span over which you consumed sugar, your average daily consumption, your individual physiology, and whether you just quit cold turkey or gradually cut your consumption.
1. Time Span
How long have you been consuming sugar? If you’re like most people, you have been consuming sugar for most of your life. The longer you have been consuming sugar, the more difficult it is going to be to just completely cut it from your life. Most average diets are filled with considerable sugar. The more sugar that you consume for a longer period of time, the tougher it is going to be to quit.
2. Daily Consumption
How much sugar do you consume on a daily basis? A couple hundred years ago, the average American only ate about 2 lbs. of sugar annually. In the 1970’s, the average American consumed about 120 lbs. of sugar per year. These days, your average American citizen consumes nearly 152 lbs. of sugar per year or 3 lbs. per week.
This is a pretty drastic change compared to what people were eating in the 1800’s. In general, the less sugar you consume on a daily basis, the easier the withdrawal process and the less likely you are to have severe discontinuation symptoms.
3. Individual Physiology
It should be noted that everyone is affected by sugar differently. Some people are more sensitive to its effects, while others won’t notice much of a withdrawal when they stop including it in their diet. Some people will have a more difficult time coping with cravings and other psychological symptoms when they withdraw.
A lot of your personal experience will be based on your individual physiology. Certain people are able to adjust to effects of cutting sugar from their diets quicker than others.
4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
Most people that quit consuming sugar do so by quitting “cold turkey.” In general, quitting the consumption of sugar without gradually weaning down consumption can lead to more extreme withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms will likely be more pronounced among people who quit cold turkey after having consistently ingested large amounts of sugar for years.
If you consume a significant amount of sugar daily, it may be best to gradually cut your consumption over the course of a week or two. By gradually lowering the amount of sugar in your diet, you are gradually adapting to this change and it is thought to be an easier process.
Sugar Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities
Below is a list of possible withdrawal symptoms that you may experience when you cut sugar from your diet. Perhaps the most prevalent symptom that people experience is a strong craving for sugar and/or carbohydrates during withdrawal. Also understand that not everyone will go through all of the symptoms listed below – withdrawal varies in severity and intensity based on the person.
- Anger: If you quit cold turkey, your mood may dip and you may notice that you are more angry and irritable than usual. The anger should not last more than a couple weeks, but may be difficult to cope with if it was unexpected.
- Anxiety: Various individuals have reported feelings of anxiety when they drop sugar from their diets. It is known that sugar can have an influence on dopamine levels and activity – which could be the culprit for these feelings. Certain individuals are more sensitive than others in regard to experiencing anxiety upon discontinuation.
- Appetite changes: Eating sugar can lead some people to experience increased cravings for carbohydrates. Additionally when you stop consuming sugar, you may notice that your appetite experiences some degree of fluctuation. Initially you may eat more or less than usual, but it should balance out.
- Cravings: The most obvious effect when you stop sugar is that you’re going to crave it. The cravings for sugar may be intense and difficult to overcome. If you stay the course and stay self-disciplined, you will eventually reach a point where these cravings subside. It may help to remove sugar substances from your house and/or keep them out of sight so that you don’t fall victim to the cravings.
- Depression: People can experience a crash in mood when they first come off of sugar. This dip in mood is typically not very extreme, but can feel like a low grade depression. Eventually your mood should bounce back and stabilize.
- Dizziness: In more extreme cases of withdrawal, individuals have reported feeling dizzy when they stop consuming sugar. Most people will not feel “dizzy” when they stop including sugar in their diets, but more sensitive people can.
- Fatigue: Sugar can provide some people with short-term boosts in energy. When a person quits including sugar in their diet, it is possible to experience some general fatigue and lethargy during the first couple weeks of withdrawal. Over the long term, a person should notice that normal energy levels return.
- Flu-like: In some cases, people actually experience a severe reaction to cutting sugar from their diet that results in very low-grade flu-like symptoms. If you have this severe of a reaction, it should subside within a few days. Most people will not experience this particular symptom when they cut sugar, but everyone is affected differently.
- Headaches: Initially some people experience headaches when they remove sugar from their diet. These headaches can be a result of tension and/or the changes you are going through by detoxifying your body from sugar.
- Insomnia: Dropping sugar from your diet may temporarily result in changes in sleep patterns and arousal. You may notice that you are unable to fall asleep at a proper time because you feel anxious or your arousal has changed; this will eventually go away. Consider taking melatonin or using some sort of relaxation exercise before bed if it’s a big problem.
- Irritability: During the acute phase of cutting sugar from your diet, you may become snappy as a result of not having the sugar that you crave. Sugar can influence dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure in the brain. When we are no longer getting the same stimulation, we may become irritable.
- Mood swings: It is fairly common to experience minor mood swings when you initially cut sugar from your diet. The mood swings may consist of some minor depression, anxiety, and/or other negative feelings. Eventually your moods will stabilize without the influence of sugar, but it may take a short while for your brain to adjust.
- Shakes: In some cases, people can actually shake when they drastically cut their sugar consumption. These shakes are usually a result of cold turkey withdrawal, but are typically not too severe; they will eventually subside. This is actually a fairly common symptom among people who stop consuming sugar that were previously consuming high amounts.
- Sleep changes: The withdrawal process may affect sleep to a certain extent. During the withdrawal you may notice changes in energy levels, arousal, and mood. All of these factors are thought to influence our ability to get a good night’s sleep. Do not be surprised if your sleep is slightly influenced.
- Weight changes: Most people notice that they lose weight when they drop sugar consumption. Weight loss is generally due to the fact that people stop eating unhealthy foods and drinking beverages that are sugar-filled.
Sugar Withdrawal Duration: How long does it take?
There is no exact science suggesting that sugar withdrawal takes a specific amount of time. The duration for which you experience withdrawal symptoms will largely depend on you as a person. Some people are able to quickly adjust to functioning without sugar, while others may have a difficult time resisting cravings and the feelings that they get when they have something sugary.
Based on various experiences, most people do notice that they go through some sort of a withdrawal period when they drop sugar from their diet. However, the length of this withdrawal period is subject to variation. Some people felt considerably better and were virtually withdrawal-symptom free within a few days, while it took others up to a full month to feel completely natural and detoxified from sugar.
In general, it is thought that the reason people experience withdrawal symptoms in the first place is largely based on individual sensitivity as well as dopamine. When you stop consuming sugar, your dopamine levels may temporarily drop – leading to various psychological symptoms. To help address this problem, it is recommended to consume lean protein, fruits like blueberries and apples, as well as nuts for additional nutrients.
It is also recommended to avoid sugar-replacement products as these substances act similarly on the brain and can also have eerily similar discontinuation symptoms (e.g. aspartame withdrawal symptoms).  Additionally if you are a big soda drinker and/or like energy drinks, you could also be experiencing caffeine withdrawals; this is something to consider.  Most would agree that it’s up for debate as to whether there is even such thing as “sugar withdrawal” in the first place.
Some people don’t experience much of any noticeable change when they drop it from their diets, while others notice significant cognitive and psychological changes. If you have successfully weaned yourself off of sugar, feel free to share your experience in the comments section below.
I gave up sugar 2 weeks ago and have so far lost 5 lbs. My skin looks better too. However, the headaches are awful; I seem to get a massive headache every time I eat anything and I also have a constant sweet taste in my mouth that makes me feel sick. I had one malteser yesterday to see what would happen and I felt really ill with a pounding headache all night and couldn’t sleep at all. I also have horrible flu-like symptoms and a bad chest, coughing up all sorts (don’t know if that’s related!) Anyway, we can do this – sugar must be really evil if this is what it causes when you try to stop it. Good luck everyone.
I’m sugar detoxing at the moment I experience the sugar shakes quite a bit and extreme fatigue. During the Halloween-Christmas season I consumed lots of sweets at parties and such I did it before I can do it again. I’m trying cold turkey but can’t deal with these shakes.
Don’t give in! Try to snack on natural sugar products e.g fruit, naked bars. For breakfast have something like porridge with 100% natural honey/maple syrup. These are natural sugars which your body will absorb right up and it will cure the shakes and cravings. Get lots of rest and this is what your body needs to detoxify, but bare in mind your body is trying to expel these toxins so the more you sweat the better!
If you don’t feel up to exercise get a hot bath and sweat it out. To cure the emotional battle I would try Yoga as this clears your mind and makes you feel so much better about yourself. If you can’t afford Yoga classes look for them online or Try meditation there is a lot of free clips online and some are designed specifically to help you with sugar detoxification to make you stronger and believe you can do it. Keep strong and keep going. You will feel so much better.
I came off sugar early last year and since then I have lost 37 lbs and I feel amazing, my skin and mind is clear. I did have sugar over Christmas and I have been sugar free for a further 2 months and this time it is for good as I am currently going through my sugar detox and it feels terrible and I have decided I will never put something like that into my body when it can make it feel this way. Clean, nutritious, natural foods all the way! Good luck, Well done and stay strong!
Honey and maple syrup are not the way to go for people who are truly sugar sensitive. Those two things can drive your blood sugars up really high if you have any diabetic tendencies. And some fruits, like bananas and pineapple, can also have negative impacts on sugar. I’m happy for your victories, but I’m warning others like me, that the things I mentioned will not aid you in kicking sugar. In fact, they may spark carb cravings and react in your body exactly like sugar.
I’m currently on Day 3. Yesterday I felt a bit foggy and was so, so hungry. Today I have some headaches. I find that staying hydrated helps a lot, especially with the cravings and hunger. A glass of water tends to knock them out. I also make sure I eat healthy carbs to balance my macronutrients. I don’t personally think low carb diets are healthy, and I find that not enough carbs are the main source of anger and irritability, for me at least.
What a relief I found this forum! My diet was already very good (gluten, dairy, alcohol/caffeine free, high protein) when I decided to see a naturopath last week due to persistent fatigue and hormone imbalances. She carried out an allergy test and suggested I give up all carbs, fermented foods, nightshades (white potatoes), virtually all fruit (including dried) and sugar to address autoimmune dysfunction and suspected candida and other intestinal fungi.
I’m only four days into the regime and I feel like crawling up the walls. I am extremely lethargic, foggy, irritable, anxious, on edge, and slightly depressed all at the same time. The insomnia is terrible and I’ve been getting restless legs, restless everything. I have cut out refined sugars, carbs, all fruit, except for one green apple and a handful of blueberries per day. Yesterday, I caved in and had a hot chocolate (dark chocolate). The cravings are INSANE. I only hope I can see out three weeks, which is my goal. Thanks for your inspiration everyone!
I gave up sugars and carbs two days ago. I have been waking up feeling fatigued, I get up and I’m dizzy, I feel nauseous, and I have started to feel a little cranky. I’m hoping that I can get through the withdrawals this month. I love sugary stuff and bread, but I know if I take it I’m going to go back to an unhealthy lifestyle. The temptations are everywhere, but I always keep in mind the amount of weight I seem to be consistently losing.
I have been off sugar for 18 days. Have had a migraine and sleep issues. Also, I have noticed: water intake and peanut butter, beans, nuts and dill pickles relieve the headache, somewhat.
Peanut butter has a ton of sugar in it! That’s why it helps!
We have peanut butter that is sugar and salt free, took a bit of getting used to but love it now.
I thought the problem was me! I thought was was depressed and sick but now I get it. I quit sugar 16 days ago and I started having problems with anxiety, insomnia, appetite, cravings etc. I’ll never have sugar again :/
Hey its day one of no sugar and my head feels like it’s going to explode. My sugar intake comes from having min 6 cans of monster a day and I’m literally shaking and feel sick from just Day 1. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to go on and not drink it.
I quit processed sugars 3 days ago and the sugar withdrawal symptoms aren’t that bad for me. My sugar intake wasn’t that high before I decided to quit as I didn’t drink soft drinks or eat sweets in excess but I did have my moments of weakness where I’d binge on like a liter of ice cream when I had a rough day. Just being feeling a little fatigued, but it’s manageable if I snack on fruit, nuts or drink water or some tea (without the sugar of course) and I’ve just started getting flu like symptoms today, sore head, sore throat and sneezing.
But I think I just got sick off a co-worker from last week. My mood has actually been pretty even tempered. I feel less anxiety and I’m not as restless during the day. I used to have mild insomnia and wake up in the middle of the night but by Day 2 I’ve been sleeping through the night. I’ve been more regular too and I’ve noticed my complexion has improved. I’ve saved a sh*t ton of money this week by not eating my lunch out at work and I feel and look less bloated. Only time will tell on the other benefits/side effects.
I quit sugar 17 days ago. I am really struggling with insomnia, anxiety, nightmares, bed wetting, anger, fatigue, hand trimmers, bloating, and mental clarity… Basically I feel terrible. This is one of the hardest things I have ever done. For those of you who have quit long term, how long do these detoxing symptoms last? Should I check in with my doctor? Can this be dangerous if I am overweight?
I stopped sugar about a month ago, I have been in a HAZE. I have had a poor relationship with sugar my entire life, using it as a reward system. I have been in extreme withdrawal for a number of weeks, but have found that vitamins with OMEGA 3 really help along with working out at least 3 times a week. :-)
Thanks Robert has helped me to read your post, I too have been shackled by my sugar addiction and other addictions that I’m now free of. This is proving too be just the same as withdrawing from other substances. Feel like I’m lost in a maze, experiencing most of the symptoms mentioned on here. Be good to hear how you progress. Thanks again.
I have been doing a slow carb diet off and on for about 6 months. This meant giving up all traces of sugar, fruit, grains and dairy and upping my veg, legumes, protein and nuts. I can’t believe how much more alive I feel. I did get a bit short tempered for the first week or so and while I wasn’t craving anything I would take crazy notions for sugary foods but nothing strong enough to act on because my body was getting everything it needed from my new diet.
I find I can think better, I understand more, my memory is better,obviously my skin is better and oddly enough my eyesight seems to have improved and it was never bad to begin with. I’m more even tempered and actually require much less sleep than I previously did. It’s a hard diet to stick to and I originally started it to loose weight but the noticeable health benefits have spurred me on more than the significant weight loss has. I can’t believe my mood swings and occasional depression were all caused by sugar and not crazy female hormones.
Giving up fruit is not a good idea, fruit is part of a healthy diet, full of vitamins, minerals, etc. The fibers in fruit slows the sugar spike, some fruits are better than others. Most foods will turn to sugar, but it is the speed of this process that is the problem. Nuts will also turn to sugar.
This is my 3rd week without sugar; I am usually the most active and upbeat person but during my quitting process I have noticed many highs and lows, for example: week one was hell, I was angry, tired, had no energy, my mood was swinging all over the place. Then week two I felt more clear and focused and had only minor mood swings. Now in week three I am just feeling low in general, no motivation, foggy, severely craving carbs like pasta and rice (which I haven’t cut out, just restricting to very low amounts) and I have absolutely no sex drive. I hope as week four rolls around I start to gain my energy and motivation back, this sucks!
I was working in my studio 17 days ago and had a sudden extreme pain in my left side. Long story short, after a trip to the emergency room I found out I had kidney stones and a mass in my upper left quadrant of my stomach, not attached to any organ. I am absolutely sure both problems are due to the fact that my diet was junk food and more junk food. Everyone always said it didn’t matter since I have always been thin and I burn it off, though I knew better.
I left that emergency room with full intent that I would never eat sugar again. I bought a juicer, a new blender and lots of organic fruits and vegetables. It was my wake-up call. I went cold turkey on all sugars except fruits. I noticed someone mentioned bananas. I am attaching a link to the glycemic levels for foods. Bananas are great to eat as well as any other fruits. The fiber in the fruits keep the sugar from absorbing into the bloodstream the way that refined sugars do.
I am beginning to feel good again but I had weakness, dizzy spells, and muscle spasms. As anyone would in my situation, I have read every research article on the net about disease and have found that sugar is about the worst thing you can put in your body. Kudos to all of you for taking the plunge before you had to go to the emergency room!
I’m on day three of my ‘no refined sugar’ diet. I’m not cutting out fruits or honey. All I know is that when I consume refined sugar my anxiety levels increase and I get really tired! As yet I’ve had no withdrawal symptoms, my mind is already clearer and I’m a lot less anxious. I’d love to hear more from people who have come through the withdrawals and are reaping the benefits. What improvements did you notice? It would be great motivation for us all to hear those stories!
I decided to try an experiment: go without extra sugar for a whole week (no little cake slices or mini-parfaits from the nearby Safeway bakery). Well, the last day or two I have felt like I was jumping out of my skin. I’m feeling a little depressed, but mostly anxious–so much so, I am afraid to drive. I heard that cults give their members sweets to destabilize their minds. But going off it is no picnic, either. On an up note, it helps me to read others’ stories, and understand sugar detoxification.
Hi! I gave up added sugar and sweets, chocolate, cakes, biscuits etc about a year ago now and have seen my weight drop by nearly 14 lbs. (a stone to fellow Brits). I did have bad withdrawal symptoms over about a month. At Christmas I did start eating chocolates again and had more regular desserts. In early January I cut down and despite not eating as many sugary things over Christmas as I did previously, I’ve still found I’m feeling lousy!
I try and eat more protein and savory bix and fruit to fill up. Makes you realize what sugar does to your body. I also do zumba twice a week and feel very fit, at a decent weight. The symptoms do pass after a month or so even though I’ve been doing a lot of travelling and driving during the last few weeks (mainly airport and university trips) and that’s not helped as I’m tired. The other thing is that I’m slightly over 60! Not sure if that should cause a difference. Certainly really glad I made the change and am grateful to your website, as it cleared up my concerns about how I’ve been feeling!
This has been one of the hardest things I have faced. The 3rd and 4th day were awful I felt sleepy and tired all day long (thank God it was a weekend). No headaches, but anger and irritability yes. My doctor said it was normal to feel fatigue too. Apparently the brain feeds itself off of sugar and when you quit cold turkey it will react. Of course I love the weight loss.
4th day of no sugar and I’m weak. No sugar, no processed foods, just meat, veggies and nuts. Lots of fresh air and water helps. Have flu like symptoms, fatigue, lethargy, heart racing if I do too much. This sucks! But I’m determined for my health. Plus, I’ve lost 5 lbs in 4 days and this is while consuming so much meat so I am happy about that. I’ve heard from the wheat belly doctor to add natural salt, just a little, during detox phase, so I’ll try that and the apple cider vinegar. Can’t wait until I’m through detoxing, but I’ll never go back to sugar.
My brain is addicted to Coca-Cola and sugar. When I stop with sugar, I feel like a zombie. I try to replace cola for water, not more eat candies, desserts, etc. and only do cane sugar in coffee. I get mood swings, feel empty, not enjoy more. The reason I won’t take sugar is some people say sugar feeding cancer cells.
I just finished my 21 day sugar detox and I experienced all of the symptoms listed above plus intense cravings. I am determined to get rid of my table sugar addiction for good.
Been off sugar for two weeks and feeling better (I was a butter tart-chips-chocolate-coke-aholic). A tip for the thread…when my cravings are really bad I have a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (the unrefined kind with “mother” from the health food store which has many minerals in it although even refined apple cider vinegar will do). It cuts the craving and relieves the headaches. A dill pickle will also work. I kid you not…try it!
*racing for the pickle jar*
Thank you for reminding me about apple cider vinegar. :) Day 3 and I am struggling with a headache. Hope the apple cider vinegar works.
So glad I came upon this website–I jokingly told my friends I was having sugar withdrawals b/c I’ve been having really bad headaches and feel my face is flushed so I’m pretty sure my blood pressure is up also. I started cold-turkey and am on day 4 without sugary snacks but also extremely low carb (with a lot of prayers for strength). I was overindulging constantly and seemingly with no control.
Now I know the source of my headaches and elevated blood pressure. I also noticed I am fidgety when trying to relax in my recliner in the evenings after work. I don’t sleep very well but that has been ongoing before I stopped the sugars. Thanks everyone for sharing your experience–it helped to answer some questions I had. Prayer also helps! God Bless You all!
I have been without sugar for a month now. I have eliminated all processed sugar. I still allow fruit, a touch of honey or maple syrup, and I use stevia when I need something really sweet (or dates or prunes). I have been feeling pretty foggy but I feel like it can only be doing my body good. Sugar is probably the worst thing you can eat. Apparently, cancer feeds off of it, and I had a touch of cancer not too long ago. I have also virtually eliminated white flour. I still eat brown rice and brown rice pasta and there’s a ton of things I can eat so it’s definitely doable.
What are some other things you eat?
All of the symptoms I’ve read on this site are all normal when giving up sugar. I introduced the South Beach Diet to a friend of mine and tried it myself. We both lost a lot of weight during phase one, which instructs you to remove all fruit, potatoes, pasta, baked goods, candy, bread, ice cream, cake, cookies, rice, sugar, beer and alcohol from your diet for two weeks. After two weeks they let you slowly introduce certain fruit and carbs back into your diet.
My friend is currently still on the diet and constantly goes back to phase one when she feels she needs to. I went off of it for a year. Now I’m back on it, in phase one for the fourth week. I’ve had headaches, muscles ticks and spasms, trouble sleeping and I find myself crying at the drop of a hat. I’ve been irritable as well. This happened before when I quit sugar except the last time I had the flu like symptoms and severe muscle cramps. It was a total nightmare!
It does get better. That much I promise you. I’ve been there before and repeating it again since I went back to eating whatever I wanted including large amounts of sugar. Drink plenty of e water and rest whenever you can. Also, don’t forget to take your vitamins, calcium,magnesium, iron, zinc and a good fiber supplement at least once a day. Melatonin or 5HTP can help you sleep and wake up without feeling groggy.
Peppermint tea or peppermint essential oil will help with the headaches. I’m just waiting on the teary-eyed business to subside. I already take lexapro for mild seasonal depression at full strength so I really can’t do much but wait at this point. If I can get past that, it will be great!
This article and many of the comment mention continuing to eat fruit. If you eat fruit, and any potatoes, bread, rice or pasta… you are still eating sugar. All these things quickly turn into pure sugar in your system after eating. The only way to truly cut out sugar is to stop eating all these things. (I couldn’t believe the comment from somebody who is eating several bananas a day and thinks she is sugar free).
I believe the author of this article is speaking in regards to processed sugar; not naturally occuring sugars contained in foods. (Please stop picking on those of us who need fruit to function.) And reread the article before posting on this forum.
I am a Dietetics student about to graduate, and can tell you that fruits are essential in our diet. Just like water! We need phytonutrients, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other bonus nutrients such as tannins, quercetin, anthocyanins, Ellagic acid, the list goes on, and there are still many that are newly found and researched. So yes, fruits are essential, and the sugar in them is also essential, glucose is needed for fast- yielding energy, for your brain, and the fiber in it helps it digest slowly and not cause an insulin spike.
For diabetics, some fruits such as pineapple are too sweet, so yes they would need to eat only a small serving. As far as vegetables, they should make up a diverse and hefty part of our diets, some are very low GI, such as lentils or kidney beans. All in all, I would say having a fruit free diet is a temporary unhealthy fad diet, which can be harmful and counterproductive.
There is a big difference between refined sugar and complex carbs…
I am getting nightmares, I dream that I am being raped, my family are being hurt, and that dangerous animals such as angry gorillas and tigers with big teeth are coming into my home. I wake up in such a state, crying and sweating with an anxious pumping heart. I am worried this is not a normal side affect of giving up sugar? Has any one else experienced this? It’s been 5 days since I quit sugar and I’m exhausted :-(
JESS, to share with you, I am experiencing very similar events. The worst nightmares I’ve ever had, chilling. My thoughts have been really negative, I am not myself. I have had flu like symptoms for 9 days, 10 since I have been off sugar. Sugar is death. I am going to fight this Evil with everything I have. I definitely feel better for having read your comment. -Chef OJ Roma Italia
Yes! Two days ago I dreamed I was in the middle of a hurricane and couldn’t leave the building that was falling down around me because a huge tiger was waiting for me outside. And yesterday I dreamed I was being given a lethal injection! I’m going to hang in there. Sugar is evil.
I’m day 7 of total sugar free, and the horrible nightmares started on the third night and were awful! Last night, I had vivid dreams all night, and although they were kind of sad themes, none were terrifying like the previous nights. Hopefully, this will quickly come to an end because I’ve been dreading going to sleep at night because of the nightmares. I’m also having problems during the day with anxiety and cold hands and feet.
I too have crazy dreams. I’m day 5 without sugar. In my dreams I’m always being chased by someone (anxiety when I wake up) I have flu like symptoms ( I feel hot/cold) wore out throughout the day… I feel like there is a big void inside, and when I think about it, it seems as if a nice healthy slice of chocolate cake would fill this void… Hang in there…
I just has a total sugar withdrawl meltdown. Crying for hours. I’m not sure how many days it has been, but I was drinking 3-6 mt dews a day plus a TON of candy and junk. Glad I’m doing this. Sugar sucks.
Hang in there. I’m on day 6 and keep crying at the most stupid things. I think it will pass. Also remember truly quitting sugar means no fruit, potatoes, bread, rice, or pasta, because all these things turn to pure sugar in your body shortly after consuming — which will only keep the unpleasant cravings alive. 3 bananas is going to have a similar effect on the body to a can of mountain dew, which a lot of people don’t realize.
Giving up sugar is good, but I don’t believe it’s wise to give up all sugar, like you have listed. Your body still needs energy from carbs, but complex carbs (like rice) are the choices you should go to. Fruit is still essential in your diet, but you need to moderate it to only 2 or 3 cups per day, and potatoes, especially sweet potatoes, are a great option, but adding butter and sour cream is what makes them bad for you. Don’t cut EVERYTHING out. My philosophy is that if it’s pre-packaged, or has more than one ingredient, you should generally avoid it. I hope your guys’ symptoms have drastically improved by now, and I bet you feel great! Good job for trying to change your health to something much better!
Fruit is definitely not the same sugar, fruit is natural sugar and does not have the same effects on the body. Also, bananas could never have the same sugar as a can of Mountain Dew. Please do your research.
I’m on day 13 of no sugar. I thought I was doing okay have had two headaches but where I live has just got a lot hotter than usual so I put my dizziness down to the heat. I have now as of two days ago have had flu like symptoms, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. I am not having bad cravings at all. I hope this passes soon as I don’t like not feeling well.
I am on day 8. Nice to see someone a little ahead of me on the board. Have you heard from anyone who has finished with the withdrawal phase and how long we can expect this to last? Had lots of other symptoms lay week. Today just got the sugar shakes for first time, together with dizziness and foggy thinking.
O.M.G. I had my last coke last night and this afternoon/evening are truly torture!! The pressure in my head, slurred words, I can’t think through the fog, the ‘ton of bricks’ feeling in my shoulders and I could go on about the fatigue, lethargy, irritability etc. I consumed between 10 and 20 12 oz cans a day. So, I think I have a double whammy of sugar and caffeine withdrawal. However, when I’ve tried other caffeine sources like chocolate or coffee, I don’t get the same buzz. So, my conclusion is that my body is addicted to sugar and I have to find some alternatives. Any suggestions would be welcomed as I want to feel better. Thanks!
Heather, if you were drinking 120-240 oz of soda a day, you might want to taper down rather than go cold turkey if you get to a point that you can’t handle the withdrawal symptoms. Like do a week of 60-120oz, then the next week do 30-60 oz, and then the next week just 15 oz a day… THEN try to quit? But if you can handle the current withdrawals, it’s worth it! :) Don’t give up – find some method that works for you! (I’m on day 6 of my eliminating added sugar – again… LOL). Pepsi and chocolate are my downfalls, so I’m with ya!
Heather, if you’re not also trying to cut out caffeine along with the sugar, at least not at the same time, talk to your doctor and find out if it’s safe for you to take caffeine supplements, such as NoDoz. I used one each morning the first time I cut sugar and simple carbs from my diet, and it helped a lot! It kicked in, for me, in a half hour or less, and helped curb my appetite some, as well as cravings.
My headaches weren’t as bad either. Other things that might help during a detox, or to get past cravings:
*Drink lots of water!! I can’t stress that one enough! You can even add lemon, lime, fresh mint, cucumber, or berries if you’re allowing yourself fruit. I like frozen (unsweetened) berries since they also help the water stay cold.
*If a craving hits, try taking a walk, (take a dog if you have one – he/she is probably sensing your stress and could use the fresh air and exercise as well! ), do some stretches, sits ups, ride a bike, or any exercise you like. Take a drive or motorcycle ride and enjoy some music, if you can safely. (Just avoid driving near Krispie Kreme, Starbucks, or any other tempting places!) Keep your hands busy with a craft, write in a journal (Maybe jot notes down about your detox process in case you’re tempted to get addicted again!), brush your dog, play a game or read with your child or go to the park, get frisky with your significant other (increases dopamine, and helps relieve headaches at least temporarily!), read a good book, organize a closet, clean something, wash and wax your car, browse the internet some more, cook a healthy meal or snack, etc.
*Brush your teeth as often as necessary! Food usually doesn’t taste good with fresh, minty breath! Don’t forget to replace your toothpaste and mouthwash with sugar free options, found at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Natural Grocer, etc., if you’re going to extremes! Most commercial brands have dextrose or other sugars added.
*Keep in mind when choosing foods that the following are just some examples of ingredients that are other names for sugar, some may be from natural sources that you may still allow: dextrose, glucose, or terms ending in “ose”, any kind of “syrup”, HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), cane juice, and there are many others.
*If you haven’t already, clear out all sweet temptations from your home, office, car, purse, briefcase, gym bag, etc. Better yet, ask someone else to if possible. Box up or give away anything worth saving, and toss the rest.
*Challenge a friend or spouse, your children, etc, to detox along with you. Set a specific goal, and clarify what’s allowed and what’s not, and decide on a special reward for anyone who is successful. The reward may be different for different people. My 12 year old daughter is doing this with me for 3 weeks, (Except she’s still eating unsweetened fruit, and I’m not until after the first 3 weeks, or until my cravings and symptoms subside) and she chose for her reward to be a trip to a nearby amusement park. I offered $100 cash to my 19 year old son, but he refused. (He’s addicted to sweet tea.)
*Be prepared. Have grocery items you’ll need for the next several meals and snacks. Cook (or have enough leftovers) for tomorrow’s lunch at work if necessary. Have plenty of veggies and healthy snacks handy in an obvious place. Make sure when you open your fridge and pantry, you see the healthy stuff.
*Tell your family and friends what you’re doing, and ask them to help you avoid temptation – especially any great bakers you know!
*Try to get enough sleep, and not too much. I’ve had trouble sleeping myself during this process, but I’m confident it will get easier to sleep. Melatonin helps me, but I only had the gummies, which have sugar, on hand, so I’m waiting for the capsules I ordered online.
*Make sure you don’t allow yourself to become hungry, if you have the option! That leads to making poor decisions and over-eating, not to mention bad moods! Unless you have to restrict how much you eat, don’t. Eat slowly if possible, trying to taste and enjoy each bite. Going slow gives your body time to activate the hormone that signals your body that you’re full. That takes approximately 20 min. If you scarf your food in 10 min, you may hurt later when you realize you overate.
*Use a smaller plate or bowl. It tricks your mind into thinking you have more if you fill a smaller plate instead of having more space showing on a larger dish.
*As silly as it sounds, try making your food look pretty, or use a plate or bowl that looks appealing to you. Garnish! If it looks appetizing or artistic, subconsciously it can taste better. If you’re not a visual person, this may not apply to you.
*Reward yourself as you meet goals – daily, weekly, or whatever works for you. Get a massage, buy a pair of shoes, earn an afternoon without the kids, or whatever works for you and your budget!
I quit added sugar 8 days ago I am having flu like symptoms nausea, severe gas frequent bowl movements. Also anxiety even though I am on prozac. I quit smoking a few months ago and as hard as that was sugar is harder. I am committed to my health and believe the withdrawal is better than the various diseases I can get with continued use. I noticed my iced coffee had 47 grams of sugar! Sugar substitutes are also gone. What is helping is my spice rack. Cinnamon and nutmeg are a life saver.
I have completely cut sugar from my diet for the last two days and I am on a protein only phase for three days. Today is my second day and I am experiencing extreme nausea, headaches, shakes and mood swings. I can relate to most of the side effects listed! Let’s hope it doesn’t take too long.
I’m 10 days into a cold turkey. Suffering is not the word. I can deal with the anger, anxiety, cravings, everything, but 4 days in I’m zapped with fatigue and I can’t do anything. My legs and arms just refuse. I’m normally at the gym 6 days a week and lead a very active lifestyle otherwise, this is killing me…is it normal?
How long should it last? My mind is also completely clogged, I expected the opposite. I’m starting to think I’ve gone too extreme (no fruits either) but I don’t want to go back now! I’ve got a great diet now of just veg, meat and nuts plus fish oils, magnesium, Vit D, probiotics and a good multivitamin. How can I get my muscles moving again?! Help!
Hey Sophie, could be more difficult being that you went off of it cold turkey. If you’re at the gym a lot, you may need a bit of sugar (of some kind) depending on the exercises, intensity, and duration. This article is more aimed at those kicking refined sugars from their diet.
You may want to reintroduce some fruits into your diet (e.g. mixed berries). Your overall diet may be a bit too extreme as well (like you suspected), but since I am not a dietitian and nor do I know all the details of your diet, this isn’t really the platform to give advice.
OK, anyway thank you for the advice, I’ll try that.
Hey Sophie, I may be wrong but I see nothing wrong in getting your sugar naturally with a little fruit. Fruit is full of micronutrients. I’ve been following Dr. fuhrman’s eating plan and I have headaches but other than that I’m good. There’s lots of free info on the web. Just google him. Good luck and hang in there!
Omg, me too. My arms feel like lead weights. Just washing dishes, I have to stop a minute and rest my arms.
I am so happy I found this site I gave up sugar 3 months ago it was so hard! Has flu like symptoms irritability and severe headaches lasted about a week. After my skin looked so much better and I felt my mind so much clearer like a veil had been lifted I could not believe it. I fell off the wagon during the holidays. My biggest problem is soda and juice. My husband says he will give it up with me so we will start tomorrow so we can go through the worst part during the weekend. Wish us luck! So hard but so worth it.
Quit sugar 3 days ago. Still consuming lots of fruit & veggies and increased nuts/legumes which seems to be helping. I have been getting headaches early afternoon which is when I would normal have a sugar binge! Plus side, I have been sleeping better & have a sharper mind for sure. Let’s just hope I can keep it up…having serious cravings so that will be the hardest part of this challenge.
In the last couple of days, I have been getting headaches in the early afternoon as well, also around the same time I would usually maow on chocolate and sweet treats! I work a desk job and I used to munch out of boredom and now I’m trying to make healthier choices mostly for my weight. This is day 4 now and I sure hope that I can push through the headaches, turning stomach, cravings and exhaustion. I know I will be better for it in the end.
I’m on day two of no sugar and I’ve been so sick and lacking energy. I’ve had a headache too. I’m hoping it’ll be worth it.
Today has been such a bad day. Day 2 of low carb and no sugar. I am so happy I found this website. I am experiencing flu like symptoms mostly like I have a sore throat. My head is aching but the more water I take, the better I feel. I have no energy at all and my boyfriend had to make dinner. Good luck everyone. We can do this.
I have had the exact same symptoms and am on day 2 as well. Hoping that it gets better from here. Today I have felt achy, sore throat, and crashed from fatigue this afternoon.
Omg… me too. I having the same things as a lot of these posts. I thought I was dying from some mysterious illness. I’ve even been to the hospital and they said nothing about this. I didn’t think to mention that I had completely changed my diet and eating habits. I have hope cause although this is bad I can deal with it for 2 weeks. I thought I was gonna have to be like this forever. I was even thinking of having myself committed. It has been so bad!
I feel your pain! I woke up this morning after no sleep last night because one minute I was hot, the next I was cold- I actually went and ate half a muffin and a glass of cordial just to see if things would calm down, and they did, to the flu like symptoms this morning, just like you mainly a sore throat. I now have a killer headache (I’ve never really had headaches but I think I’m going to rip my head off) to no energy and lack of being able to focus on anything. Makes me wonder how much abuse I have actually given my body. I said to my partner today I feel for anyone addicted to something because these side effects are pretty crappy. Stick at it! You’re doing awesome! Look forward to hearing how you go!
Are you still sugar-free? I am on day 3 and I feel like crap! It helps to see that I’m not alone and my symptoms are real. I’m not having bad cravings, mainly because I feel like I have the flu. UGH!
I’m glad I found this website, I honestly feels like I’m slowly dying and I’m only on my second day of no sugar. I can’t stop thinking of cupcakes and chocolate but at the same time I feel so disgusted that I’ve allowed myself to become so attached to it. I’ve been sleeping for most of the day, my mind is foggy, I feel drained just from typing right now. I feel like a zombie, or hungover or something. Someone mentioned they had dark chocolate to curb their cravings so maybe I’ll try some today.
I am experiencing the same thing right now; day 2 and I can’t even think straight. I need to persevere though, something that is this hard to get off of needs to go. How’d the rest of the time go for you?
It’s been a month of no refined sugar. I still eat some carbs. I had the same wild symptoms just like all of you did. The lingering symptom I still have is no desire or energy to do anything. Got the B and C vitamins going. Gonna start magnesium today. Been in my house dress for a week. This is so not me. I want my active self back!!! Wondering if the carbs are prolonging my withdrawal symptoms. Does anyone have a word on that??
Heya Lisa B., There is no need to cut on carbs so much. What’s important is that you stay away from the refined sugars. If you want to be active you are going to need carbs. Instead of going for the short chain carbs, go for the long chain. Brown Rice, Beans, Oats, Chickpeas. Hummus is a great way to get your carb intake up, also full of good fats (but be wary for the added sugar in some brands).
For an active life you are going to need around 40-50% of your daily caloric intake from carbs. So yeah… you’re undercutting that by a bunch. Hope this helps. Greetings, Ori.
I consumed 1.5 Liter of coke per day for about a week. Jumped down consuming more healthy meals & half a glass of coke per day. I experience severe anxiety about things I’m stressed about normally. I feel tired to the point where I think my life will be miserable forever. I experience increased irritability. I feel extremely fatigued during my weight lifting workouts. I experience mood swings about twice per day. I feel as if my mind is a mess that I cannot use in my favor. I experienced headaches the morning I mostly quit the sugar. I feel sadness. I feel no cravings, I feel good about this and it’ll all be worth it!
Went cold turkey three weeks ago. Before that, consumed 3 liters of coke per day plus sweets on top of that. Feeling much happier, lost loads of weight, but mood changes are pretty severe still. I get irritated easily, but it’s definitely the withdrawal. Still craving for sweets & cola, but holding on strong! Still have my last soda in the fridge (I was planning to drink it if going gets bad).
I had to cut sugar due to being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. I’m 33 weeks pregnant and was eating a cup of noodles for lunch almost everyday before and hamburger helper or fast food for dinners, with cereal as a snack. (Totally unhealthy I know). So now that I’m limiting total carbs to 15g per serving with no more than 3 servings per meal and having to eat protein to balance them I’m getting the worst headaches. I cut all sweets and am being good about which carbs I eat but still, it’s bad. I’ve also had mood swings and have snapped at my husband a few times (sorry honey). Tonight when the headache was relieved by eating a little I thought I should look into possible sugar withdrawal symptoms and sure enough. Makes me scared to feed my child sugar when he gets here. I plan on eating much healthier from now on. Silver lining to the diagnosis I suppose.
Ariel the stuff you’ve been going through certainly makes you think about the little kids in the supermarket who chuck a major spaz-out when denied a sweet treat. Yes, it’s got a behavioral component – what little kid doesn’t… but the behavioral component is not just parenting; it’s chemical. FEEEEED me Leroy! (Little Shop of Horrors). Good luck with your new non-addicted baby!
LOL it’s Seymour :) – Feed me Seymour
I gave up sugar last December after seeing my Dad die due to complications from Diabetes. My withdrawal symptoms lasted for almost two weeks; headaches, fatigue, anxiety, and just a feeling of coming out of my skin. I kept 86% dark chocolate and fruit on hand to calm my cravings. Let me tell you…it was the best thing I ever did for myself! Almost every aspect of my life has improved! I highly recommend it! Now, I only have sugar occasionally. Good luck to those of you trying to break your sugar addiction! Your efforts will be rewarded 10 fold!
Thank you Kathryn! Your experience and words of encouragement are really needed right now!
I recently was quite sick with bronchitis and it destroyed my appetite, when I started getting better I decided that I would focus on eating healthy and getting my fruits and veggies and vitamins. Unfortunately, I had been eating really badly for the past year, having sugary snacks pretty much every night and I didn’t realise how addicted I was.
These past two weeks have been a mess of irritability and mood swings, and the past few days I’ve definitely felt something akin to a depressive episode (but very mild). I’m glad to hear that I’m not going crazy, a friend of mine told me I seemed to be going through sugar withdrawals but I didn’t realise they could be so strong.
I didn’t realize they could be so strong too!
I’m on day three of giving up sugar (again). I stopped eating it last year but it krept back in and I got totally addicted again. I have young kids so it is easy to go to coffee and chocolate for a much needed energy boost. But I know it leaves me drained, grouchy, stressed, and is awful for me. So now I am putting my foot down, again. I am feeling grouchy, tired, having restless sleep at night, even feeling out of breath and tight in my chest. I know it gets better though…stick it out and you’ll feel and look so much better. My skin already looks better and the cravings aren’t as bad as when I was eating sugar all day. (Eating it makes you keep craving it). Eating yams and sweet potatoes help-good, complex energy.
I just stopped obvious added sugar 3 days ago. I had a splitting headache all weekend. That along with nausea, fogginess, and homicidal irritability is enough to convince me that I am one of those who truly has a physical addiction to sugar.
I’m so glad to see someone besides me with nausea!! I was worrying there was something else wrong with me. It’s almost like a stomach flu. Hope you feel better soon
I have had IBS symptoms for so long, I can’t remember when they started. I’m slim but could look 7 months pregnant by the afternoon, no matter how little I ate. The constant constipation, bloating followed by diarrhea and never having energy made me feel there was something seriously wrong. I went to have a few colonics and found out I was battling a sugar over growth.
I used to eat a few chocolate bars a day, roasted fruit to go with my yogurt, I thought the amount of chocolate I ate wasn’t too bad… For the last 3 weeks I have been taking Olive Leaf Extract to help get rid of parasites feeding off sugar in my system causing the bloat, coconut oil also helps. Last week I shocked myself – I saw chocolates and cake at work in the staff room for everyone to have and I actually didn’t have one thing and didn’t crave any of it.
A month ago I would have vacuumed half the chocs. I haven’t had sweets for two weeks, except 85% dark choc and the odd mango. I don’t even fancy my usual cup of tea with one sugar in the morning any more. On the downside, at this stage I feel depressed, my brain fog is strong – walking around the house like I’m on tranquilizers. No appetite, just a kind of hopelessness. I’m still constipated and bloated, I hope this will regulate itself in time.
Simone, sugar addiction is pretty common, but please also go talk to your OB/GYN about the symptoms. IBS is not the only issue that causes these symptoms. It’s rare enough, but ovarian cancer has very few symptoms. The symptoms it usually causes: constipation and diarrhea both, bloating, fatigue, urinary frequency, unexplained vaginal bleeding/spotting. It can also make you feel full quickly when eating in later stages and pressure or pain in the abdomen (also later stages).
Look, whenever anyone has a physical issue, we all look on the internet and think “wow, I’ve got cancer!” Likely, your IBS symptoms could be an allergy, or celiac disease untreated, or just IBS. But, if you are female and having symptoms like these just go see your OB/GYN and ask them to rule it out. One ultrasound could be important to you.
Simone, have you tried taking a daily probiotic to help with IBS? I don’t have it, but started having similar digestion problems over the past year. (Probably from poor diet and maybe aggravated by my Multiple Sclerosis). I started with Culturelle, but didn’t really see any improvement.
When I went through a couple of weeks without gluten, and later went without soy, I worried about soy being in so many supplements, so I found the Renew Life brand called Ultimate Flora (in a blue bottle). I take the 50 billion formula, and hardly ever experience any upset anymore, when I had daily issues before! It’s expensive, but worth it! If I miss a day or two, I feel it.
I buy it on Amazon, which is the best price I’ve found. Check out the reviews. But I’ve also seen it at Natural Grocers (in the refrigerated supplements section at my local store), Walgreens and WalMart. (Not refrigerated, on the shelf – just be sure to refrigerate after opening to get the best results). I hope you’ll stick with your detox and feel better soon!
I stopped sugar completely 4 days ago. Had the headache for a day or so and now I am experiencing flu symptoms. I am achy all over, irritable, easy to anger. More so on the weekend when I am able to take off my mask. I find that eating protein helps and I allow myself a sugar-free cocoa at night before bed. Sleeping is fine and I think that is due to weekly acupuncture. I’ll ask my acupuncturist to treat the withdrawal symptoms tomorrow and post again if it helps. I’m looking forward to getting this monkey off of my back! Hopefully forever…
I am two weeks in and have flu like symptoms along with the anger. My body temperature runs from 98 to 101.6. My joints hurt and I feel bloated. I consumed around 400 g of sugar daily and I quit cold turkey because of going vegan. Dairy has a lot of sugar. Glad I am doing it, but hoping I get through it in the next week. Never had to quit anything before and now have a better understanding of addicts.
Ok. I did not realize the headaches were from trying to quit sugar… SO… I quit sugar for 2 days, including bread/rice/fruit/pasta. I tried to stick to meat and VEGGIES. Lots of them. I started feeling like CRAP! No energy. AT ALL! So I googled the symptoms of sugar withdrawal, and apparently, like coffee, SUGAR is so addictive our bodies may or may not have a REALLY hard time letting go of it. I mean I have been brain dead, not to forget I totally lost my appetite for food AND life mind you. I did keep taking my iron supplements and vitamin D.
I couldn’t take the DEAD no ENERGY feeling anymore. So I “experimented” with a single serving of homemade PECAN PIE. OMG… I know, I failed this round, but now that I know the symptoms of severe fatigue may/were related to quitting sugar, maybe I can find some coping secrets and actually succeed this time? I am dead set on beating this DRUG addiction. I am usually an extremely high energy person. I bet it will all come back once I am done with the withdrawal period. I’ll keep you posted.
This is all amazing what I’m reading. I am realizing too that every time I stay off sugary foods for a few days I feel like crap. Head-achy, foggy, no energy. Today I just had a few semi sweet chocolate chips and my headache went away and I feel “normal” again. Hard to believe. I’ve read that sugar addiction is worse than cocaine addiction for some. I tend to be a very sensitive person about my environment, air I breathe, etc. Amazing.
YAZ, How are you doing? I am 15 days in and I am struggling with the fatigue. My cravings are subsiding and manageable, but this lack of energy is killing me1 I have 2 jobs, 2 little kids, and a husband who works A LOT. AGH! Just curious if you stuck with it. Thanks, Shauna.
10 days in and SO tired. Headaches, insomnia. Glad to be rid of this addictive drug. But looking forward to getting energy back. I do miss my sugar rush!
Yes, keep us posted Yaz, I’ve just completed day 5 and still getting day long headaches and insomnia. Stay determined!
I am 4 days into cutting sugar and carbs from my diet. I have felt extremely fatigued also. I have found that a vitiman B supplement helps me some. Hope this helps you too!
Try taking a multivitamin and exercise at least 30 min a day, walking after a meal, or free weights. I’m just on my first day and I’m doing this for 16 weeks. Sounds like a lot of people are having a hard time. But you can eat fruit make a smoothie. Good Luck Everyone!!
I went sugar free about a week and half ago. No headaches or anything like that, but for 2 full days–I felt like I was going to have some sort of fit just due to stress, it felt like I had a real heavy ball of stress sitting on my chest and balling up in my stomach. Day 3, it was gone. Other than that, by day 5 my cravings had went wayyyy down, and I dont feel like I’m craving it now, and I feel physically and emotionally GOOD.
Best of all, the brain fog I usually suffer from is GONE! I would like to add here that I have been eating like 1-3 bananas a day, it really seems like the bananas are so sweet they do the trick, but maybe thats too many bananas? I don’t know, but they can’t be worse than a doughnut, a couple pieces of cake, etc (which would have been my normal daily sugar!).
I have been noticing a pattern whenever I drink soda, my fibromyalgia pain would increase. So I have been without sugar for 2 days and am experiencing: headaches, fatigue, and feeling crappy!
The body pain gets worse at first, but then it stops when you completely withdraw from sugar.
How are you feeling now, Paula? Are you still sugar free, and how long has it been? (I couldn’t find dates on this link, or the comments) I have Multiple Sclerosis and experience chronic pain in my chest wall, right shoulder, neck and back from Costochondritis. I’m on day 3 (still morning) of my sugar detox where I went cold turkey, and somewhat extreme – no fruit or simple carbs (no white bread, white rice, etc) for me for the first 3 weeks, then I’ll add fruit, but will stay away from simple carbs.
So far my pain levels haven’t changed, but I’ve had more energy! I’ve also had hot flashes for the first time starting on day 2, but not too bothersome. I’ve had headaches and bad brain fog, but that started before I quit and may be MS related. I also suffer from frequent migraines anyway. I’ve lost a few lbs, which doesn’t hurt!
Last night (night 2) I found a family member’s stash of Girl Scout cookies, in my 2 favorite flavors, and it was the first real temptation I’ve had. I stayed strong, but was grouchy for most of the evening. I was actually a bit hungry, so I ate a bowl of puffed brown rice cereal with a little bit of milk and unsweetened coconut flakes, and it helped. Dairy products have natural sugar, as do tomatoes, so I’m limiting those.
Everyone detoxing: be sure to drink lots of extra water during the process!! It helps flush out the toxins, may help you feel less “hangry”, and avoids dehydration, which also leads to headaches. If you can’t stand the taste, add a little lemon juice and force yourself. I know from experience that once you get used to water, and go without soda/pop, juices, milk, etc. – you won’t miss them.
Water tastes clean and refreshing to me now, and I rarely drink anything else. (Desserts & candy are my weakness!) I couldn’t stand plain water for the first half of my life. Anyone else with autoimmune diseases: if you haven’t read about Dr Terry Wahl’s story, Google her! She went from running in marathons, climbing mountains, etc, to being diagnosed with MS that progressed rapidly, despite the best meds and top medical treatments.
When she was confined to a zero gravity chair most of the time she started researching how diet can contribute to autoimmune diseases, and she experimented and found that a strict paleo diet pretty much reversed her symptoms! She’s now active again and no longer taking MS meds! That’s what motivated me to go sugar free, to start. I was eating way too much junk food. I may try paleo if I can handle SF long term.
Best of luck, all! I believe it will be worth it in the end!
Jen D! Talk to me! We have been living parallel diet lives! I cut out sugar and wheat and most carbs (besides some berries and milk) went through about a week of “low carb flu” and now I am feeling so much better than I have in years and so much energy. Loved reading your comment. I hope you are still doing great! Thanks for your sharing.
There are 14 grams of sugar in a medium banana so if you are trying to quit sugar, that is not a good thing to be eating.
The difference is that whole fruits have fiber that changes how and how fast the sugar is broken down. Natural sugar in whole foods compared to natural sugar in juices, refined sugar and sugar substitutes are very different.
I was told to avoid bananas and watermelon.
Bananas and watermelon have higher glycemic index. The riper the banana, the higher the sugar. Eat greener bananas. I’m on whole 30 day 8 and I have the worst headache!
It is recommended to eat a piece of fruit after your meals when kicking sugar because the type of sugar found in fruits convert differently than processed sugars.
Bananas are fine! The body knows what to do with these natural sugars!
Every 1 teaspoon of sugar is 4 grams just to put things in context. I am on day two and so far only symptom is not sleeping. I have melatonin if I need it. Also Holy Basil sometimes called Tulsi is herbal and great for anxiety and as someone said above, chetelated magnesium. Solar is a good brand. Excellent for both digestion, nerves, and helps absorption of calcium. Pot barley is excellent also as it removes cholesterol from the body.
Thanks for the good info… I will try the Tulsi for anxiety.
Actually, it’s perfectly fine to eat any and as much fruit as you like when quitting sugar. The sugar in fruit is fructose, and combined with the fibre and nutrients in fruit your body metabolizes this in a completely different way. I went through sugar withdrawal when half my diet was fruit. Not all sugar is the same. Eat as much fruit as you like!
The Sugar Buster diet has bananas off limits but they do say green bananas (less ripe) are okay because they are lower in sugar. I agree, they are better than cake or doughnuts but be careful as they do still contain a larger amount of (natural) sugar.
Hi Ang- While bananas are certainly not a donught they are high glycemic load meaning they turn into glucose in your blood stream quickly. Apples, pears and cherries are better.
I’ve recently cut out all sugar, grains, and dairy, all of which contribute to Candida overgrowth. About three years ago I started gaining quite a bit of weight, and then starting getting heartburn quite frequently. It got so bad that just about anything I ate created acid. I went to an Internist, had an endoscopy and colonoscopy.
They found ulcers in my esophagus and the lining was starting to thicken, which can lead to esophageal cancer. The internist gave me a prescription for Pantoprezal and that seemed to briefly cure the acid, but after a short while it came back. The internist didn’t help very much with the CAUSE, on fixed the SYMPTOMS temporarily. I was starting to be depressed and lethargic.
Even though I’ve always eaten a fairly healthy diet, no sodas, junk food, not much red meat, I’ve always had sugar cravings and would eat sugar mostly late at night after getting the munchies – chocolate ice cream, Trader Joe’s ginger snap cookies, etc. Feeling a bit hopeless, not fitting in to old clothes, dealing with the acidity, and being moody, anxious, and not to mention higher blood pressure which can be dangerous, I’ve finally decided to get to the root of it.
Candida overgrowth can adversely affect your body in so many ways. Research it and you’ll see what it does to your overall health. For the past week I’ve cut out all sugar, except for fruits that have a lower glycemic value like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and kiwi. I also cold-turkeyed dairy and grains for the time being and have been having all of the withdrawal symptoms, flu-like aches and pains, brain fog, lethargy, bloating, and the night before last I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like the top of my head would explode.
It was the worst headache I ever experienced. I panicked and thought that I had messed with my body’s PH balance or something. I took to Advil, drank water and tried doing deep breathing techniques. In the morning I was so tired and feeling horrible, but stuck with the plan, drank lemon water, had some strawberries and blackberries, and also ate some chickpeas that I had in the fridge marinating in lemon and garlic with a bit of salt thinking that the berries would help my blood sugar levels, and the beans with a little salt would help my electrolytes. It did.
I’ve been trying to drink as much water with lemon as possible, and for two nights in a row have had a cup of Smooth Move tea before going to bed to help my body rid itself of toxins as quickly as possible. That is KEY, getting the toxins created by the old diet out, and getting rid of the Candida fungus as they die off as quickly out of your body as possible, and those herbal teas help tremendously.
The Candida die-off can get into your bloodstream, brain and wreak havoc. The dead fungus creates a chemical reaction, again, research and you’ll see. I’ve ordered Candex and Candistat online to help me detoxify and kill the Candida that feeds off of sugar, grains and ANY starchy carbs. Today I’ve woken up feeling much better than yesterday.
I’ll continue eating all of the vegetables that I want excluding any starchy veggies, fruits like the ones mentioned earlier, no dairy for the time being but I will add yogurt and/or kefir at some point to help rebuild good gut flora, but not until the Candida is gone. I also am eating almonds, walnuts, and avocados, coconut oil and olive oil for healthy fats, chickpeas and mung beans for protein, temporarily until I decide whether or not to add healthy meats that are organic, grass-fed, or free range without hormones and antibiotics.
I use only herbs that are anti inflammatory for the time being – lots of garlic because it is a blood cleanser, and ginger root are my go-to herbs. Turmeric is also good. Read about the health benefits of ginger. You’ll be amazed. I will continue to drink lots of purified or bottled water with lemon – I cut up lemon and put it into my water and keep it in the fridge.
By the way, I’m not drinking any alcohol or caffeine. I know it’s a lot to give up but this time I’m determined to get my health, energy, and beauty back. To sum it up, the goal is to detoxify and rid the body of Candida, get rid of inflammatory acids by eating ant inflammatory diet, then work on building good gut flora using high-grade probiotics and continuing on with a healthy lifestyle. Exercise it is a key component after going through the initial detox.
I hope this long-winded post inspires you to keep fighting the fight. Stay strong. The withdrawal and healing process can be tough, but if you stick with it you’ll change your life. Peace and love to all.
Hi! Well done! The only thing I’d say is to be careful on the amount of bananas you eat as they contain potassium and I’m sure I’ve read somewhere that too much potassium is bad for you? I’m not certain but it’s worth checking out? Good luck! :)
Actually, potassium is a necessary nutrient and people don’t get enough of it. Bananas are a good source.
To much potassium can cause a paralyzed effect as that happened to my mom, but she was on potassium pill which I am sure is stronger then bananas. I feel it is good to drink plenty of water to aid in coming off sugar.
Hi Ang – I’m thinking the potassium in the bananas is helping you feel better! What a great thing for you to discover and share here as we all suffer from sugar/caffeine withdrawal!
I’m on week number one of having completely stopped eating sugar. I am currently experiencing daily headaches and having problems falling and staying asleep. The headaches are so consistent that I am taking 2 pills of Advil every fours-six hours. Last night, just to ensure that the headaches are being caused by sugar withdrawal, I purposely ate a half spoon of sugar and immediately my headache went away. I am staying the course and will endure these headaches, which are not severe, just annoying, and hopefully I will stay sugar free from now on.
Hi Manuel, I just wanted to say about your having problems falling asleep, my sister and I have started on sugar free diets, my sister is one and half weeks ahead of me I’m in day 2. Over the lat 2 years though we have radically changed our diets and found that a good grade Magnesium will help you sleep, most people are lacking in magnesium in a big way with muscle cramping, muscle ticks, general nervousness, try it out you may find this helpful, sweet dreams.
Hi. You mentioned taking magnesium for sugar withdrawal, I suffer with anxiety and when I have stopped eating sugar in the past I get more anxious and nervous than normal. Should I buy magnesium in tablet form? Do I need to consult my GP as I am on loads of tablets? Thanks, Alison
Definitely take Magnesium and Chromium which also helps with sugar cravings. I previously went without sugar for 3 months, but fell off the wagon and am 6 days in, been OK, but headachy today. I drink a glass of water with half a teaspoon of Pink Himalayan salt in it for the headache, works every time! I also have a bath with Epsom salts once a week, it’s a godsend!
Natural Calm is a magnesium drink that my OB recommended for headaches in pregnancy. It is supposed to be a good product. I got it at Whole Foods.
If you are going to take Magnesium, then you have to take the High Absorption 100% chelated Magnesium with glycine and lysine. Otherwise you are wasting your money. I got this from a specialist who gives this advice (along with much more) within a $300.00 evaluation to set you on the path to health.
The tablets are not very expensive, I get mine online with Amazon prime for around $15 for 240 tablets and I imagine most stores have it. I didn’t take it for sugar withdrawal (though I have quit sugar) but for a healthy heartbeat, more metabolic energy, enhancing nerve function, and to help my muscles relax. All of those should help your anxiety and nervousness Alison. Best of luck, Jimmy
How much Magnesium should one take?
I am tapering my sugar. I first cut out as much processed food with added sugar. For example I normally have vanilla creamer in my coffee. It was hard but I quit that and now have a tsp of sugar. Gradually I hope to drink it without any sugar.
Hi Gigi. That’s how I’ve started as well. Cutting out processed food. I have found a great soy milk – Bonsoy – which is very drinkable but I still can’t drink tea without some sugar. After six weeks I still feel terrible. Most headaches are gone but I still get some. I have terrible mood swings that I’ve never had and I sweat a lot. I feel like ripping out of my skin and of course, then I get anxious and irritated. I was ready to quit but after reading all these comments, I’ll keep trying! Good luck to you too.
Please do not give up, Robyn – or any of you! We can all support each other in ridding our bodies of great harm by reading & rereading these inspiring posts & this site when we’re tempted to give up. ALL SYMPTOMS ARE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS. My reminder is cocaine & heroin addiction which hit the same “sweet spots” in our brains.
It’s really, really terribly hard to quit, but we are actually quitting the destruction of our bodies. So the answer to craving is “NO! NO WAY!” with determination to win the war, our only path to Freedom. I’m struggling with a very strong enemy & sometimes lose a battle, but I return. On Day 8 now – with symptoms of sleep disorder & flashes of panic, but I’ll get there. I pray all of you will too!
This is how I feel. Want to rip out of my skin. Feel depressed and claustrophobic towards evening. I need to exercise or keep reading, watching movies till I’m exhausted enough to fall asleep. Never want this phase to return.
I am trying to eat a more healthy diet for dental health reasons. About 4 days ago, I stopped eating sugar..and this is a person that had no problem eating a swiss roll for breakfast. I am experiencing headaches as of yesterday. I decided to check the Internet and came across your site. I have no plans of eating all that crap anymore. Hopefully, all these symptons will go away soon.
Hi, I halved my sugar intake last week, felt ok, but this week have cut it out, and have a massive headache, glad that it’s not just me.
I also stopped all sugar consumption because of dental health reasons. I think I had a pretty good dental health routine but I guess I just consumed way too much sugar (per week 10 oz of chocolate + 1lb ice cream). So it got to a point where I had to get 2 root canals and that just was a horrible experience at the age of 28. At that point I stopped all sugar consumption and basically also the consumption of processed foods and carbohydrates (except for lots of vegetables and a little bit of fruits).
Now two weeks of sugar which did not feel so bad. I tried to get of sugar before but I think I first had to have some really bad consequences before I could deal with it. Right now I think I can stay off of sugar for good :). (Sorry, not a native English speaker).
I went sugar and gluten free 9 months ago. I had extreme withdrawal symptoms for nearly 2 weeks. I had anger outbursts, extreme fatigue, and headaches.
I had anxiety and panic feelings when I quit coffee and sugar (fast food) in the first week. Finally after 2 weeks I started feeling very calm and happy, with a lot more energy.
This is my second day without sugar and my head is aching almost to a breaking point. Hope I can cope with it.
I feel like I could have written this statement. I’m on a day two as well and I have the worst headache the goes from the inside of my eye, through the top of my left side of my head. I feel like someone is shoving a pole in my head, through my eye. It hurts so bad! It feels good to massage it and to close it. My throat is sore too and I have flu like symptoms. I’m breastfeeding and was eating a lot of chocolate. It was a quick fix for when I was hungry. I’m hoping that the withdrawal process won’t take too long. I’m hitting the gym again, doing medications and eating right again. Feels good. Yay!
This is day five of no sugar for me and the fatigue is driving me nuts. The headache lasted about three days and now I feel like I could sleep for days. I’m looking forward to getting over the hump.
Jess, How are you doing now? I am on day two I am breastfeeding too and have been craving chocolate ALL the time! Feel rough today, but then having a young baby doesn’t help!
I stopped all processed carbs and sugar 5 days ago. Doing the 10 day detox blood sugar diet. My headache is mild, but I’m getting horrible body aches, in back, hips, large muscles. No way to get comfortable. Did you get these too?
I am on day 3 of a major reduction in coffee, and sugar consumption. I’ve gone from about 20 cups, and .25 lbs sugar a day to .5 cup, and 2 teaspoon sugar. Severe neck cramps, headache,nausea; I drink the coffee w/ sugar in the morning after that I’ve been drinking a caffeinated green tea with honey for the rest of the day. I do not feel very good this morning either. Never realized how bad sugar is. Reading these post is encouraging. Thanks.
Mark, when I quit coffee about three years ago I had the same symptoms for a long time, really challenging for the first couple of weeks and then feeling slightly vacant for the following 4 weeks. It does get better and before long you won’t need that coffee just to feel awake in the morning, keep it up!
I can’t believe this…wow. I quit most of my sugar intake 2 days ago including all simple carbs. Today, I’ve been so dizzy and lightheaded that I was worried. I also have pain in the back of my throat like I’m about to get a cold, which I might, but maybe it’s “just” withdraw. I have a dull headache too. WTF… are you serious… this may all be because I’ve quit sugar? Things just got real.
That’s exactly how I feel. It’s my second day as well.
I’m so glad to be reading these. I’m on day 2 but feel awful… Headache and just feeling rotten… it’s going to get better… thanks everyone… nice to know we are all going through the same reactions. DARN SUGAR.
I was diagnosed with diabetes a week ago last Tuesday, and I cut out almost all sugar immediately. What Tray is going through is exactly how I’m feeling yesterday and today. So much so that I frightened myself into making a cup of tea and putting 2 sugars in it. Am I trying to do this too quickly?
SAME! I have had a huge addiction to sugar, eating cookies or donuts every day along with tea or coffee. I’ve quit it all for only 3 days and I’ve had pounding headaches the entire time, along with low energy and with less ability to focus at work.
I quit coffee gradually: I reduced caffeine intake by 25mg per 3 days, aiming at a total daily dose below 75mg. It worked perfectly. It took me more than a month to taper off, but since anecdotal reports say that cold turkey causes headaches for around 40 days, tapering off is necessary.
It’s been months since then and I now enjoy better quality of sleep, with fewer hours, immediate energy in the morning for like 4 hours without even eating anything and so on. And the most important: through gradual reduction I had no withdrawal symptoms. No headaches. I was drinking coffee since 10 years old, for so many years, and I am finally free.
When I want a boost, I prefer green tea or cocoa. Sometimes I drink a weak afternoon coffee if I feel really tired and it works as it should. For smokers: if you greatly reduce smoking, make sure to simultaneously reduce caffeine intake by half or you may get anxious and crave a cigarette. The reason is caffeine.
Second week of no COFFEE or SUGAR. I am dizzy lethargic and weak. This is terrible! Never knew the damage it was doing.
I’m on day 7 and I’m glad that I read this. I’m feeling lethargic today just like yesterday. I hope that in a week or two I’d be able to regain my energy.
I’m on Day 3! I’m glad it’s not just me. Headache is starting to fade. But definitely lethargic and having difficulty focusing and staying motivated. Good luck all!
I’m glad you said that… I just got pregnant and have been so sick and depressed, lethargic, and headachey. But if I eat sugar I puke, so knowing that part of my symptoms might be from withdrawal helps my outlook a bit. Its been about two weeks since I’ve had any and I feel the anxiety lessening.
The Comments here are a great help. I Have experienced very similar feelings and emotions. Keep it up everyone as the benefits far outweigh the efforts made. : ) : ).
I am a kid I am 9 years old and I have celiac disease I have a major headache right now and it’s really hurting I’ve been starting to cry and I feel very dizzy. I hope you guys can make it through it. Just pray to God and you guys just remember he is always with you. I have cut off sugar for four days and still feeling really bad, you guys should try bone broth it’s really good for you. For dinner and lunch but for breakfast add fried egg to bone broth soup. On the road to healing recovery.
Hi there! How is your journey going so far? Your comment made me smile, as you sound like a very smart young lady! Hope all is well… happy New Year!
Kayla, Thank you for your kind words. God is the only way we can do anything…right? I am praying for you and speak blessings into your life in Jesus name. God bless!
Your comment is my favorite. Your faith in God and your positive outlook is so refreshing. You have my prayers.
Thank you for your comment. I was feeling down, but your bravery & trust in God gives me strength. Keep holding on. May your life be blessed.
Hi Kayla I have just become diabetic and I am scared coming of of regular Pepsi as I panic every time I try to. Your words are a great inspiration. One verse I always remember in the Bible is “with God all things are possible.” I pray that you and me and everyone else is successful and never gets trapped in the sugar cycle again. In Jesus name, Amen.
Kayla, thank you so much for your post! I was so blessed by reading it. I think God brought me here just to read your comment because it was so encouraging. I am on my third day of no sugar, and it’s really hard. I actually just got a cup of bone broth, haha!
Kayla, your comments inspire me to keep going on my sugar detox plan! This morning, I felt like all my blood was drained while I slept! So listless & it’s only the 2nd day without sugar! Heart palpitations, weakness, headache. With God’s help I can do this!
I have been a sugar addict since a baby. My poor mother without realizing what she was doing fed me with sugary drinks (Delarosa at the time, I am a 60’s child) sweets, desserts etc. At two years old my front teeth came through black, and I was bereft of my teeth for a number of years, needless to say, I have spent my life in the dentist chair, and suffered psychologically for it.
When I had my own children, I decided that I would not feed them sweets or fizzy drinks, controlled all of their sugar intake whenever possible. I didn’t deny them completely, but interestingly as they have grown up, (all 4 of them) they all have beautiful teeth, keep regular 6 month checks and have no fillings. I was not so lucky.
Interestingly, my mother when visiting would constantly bring bagfulls of sweets and chocolate, feeling that they were missing out. I am now the other side of 50, have kept ultra fit for most of my adult life and never been on a diet. However, I have now decided to give up sugar (not completely but 99%, I have honey and Xylitol) and follow a ‘Paleo way of life. I have never felt better.
I would recommend everyone find out more about this way of eating. I recently met a woman who had lived ‘Paleo’ for the last 20 years. She was a young, fit, spritely 65 years, or so I thought. You can imagine how speechless I was when she told me she was 80 years old. For Diabetics, and celiac’s you will be amazed at what you can eat if you check out Paleo recipes. Thank you for reading.
Your story made me feel so good! I come from a lifetime of sugar addiction and am 21 days into quitting. I am also a new mom and my inspiration is my baby and wanting to ensure a healthier way of life for her and also be a healthy, active mom! I want to be that 80 year old!!!!
It’s interesting that you call it Paleo diet. I work with a lot of indigenous people, and they call it decolonizing their diet. Anthro-archeology shows that the vast majority of ancient indigenous peoples did not have cavities, their bones were incredibly strong and dense, no signs of any of the diseases that plague them today.
I think for all of us, an industrialzed diet is just plain unhealthy and unnatural. I can’t even shop without going to a speciality store for “natural” food!!!!
I have been sugar-free for six days now and it’s been pretty tough. I’m 30 years old and at least one or two cans of sugar drinks a day throughout my life. How did you feel after nine months of going gluten and sugar-free ?
I’m glad to read this BC I was beginning to think something was wrong with me. I was going to call my doctor on Monday actually and ask her to check my thyroid and to be checked for Lyme. Then I got wondering if it had to do with kicking sugar 6 days ago. Funny thing is, I’m not craving it at all. Just extreme fatigue and almost a depression/PMS type feeling.
Me too, Carli! I’m on day 3 and can’t stay focused at work and last night I went to bed at 7 pm and slept in a little bit (5:30 am). I was one of those who would eat straight sugar cubes and have a Dr. Pepper every day. The headaches the first day subsided when I got some unsweet tea, so it must have been the caffeine. However, I am super-antsy today and not sure how long I can be at my desk! Been grouchy too. Hope it clears up soon!
Same here!! I’m no refined sugar, no dairy and inadvertently no gluten (going for a if it hasn’t had a life I don’t eat it way which means pastas etc. are out because they’re processed). The anger and tiredness is just making me want to cry. I’m only on a solid day 3 (I started this 19 days ago but had slipped up at least once a week until I made a decision on Tuesday that I just need to stop being a baby and do it) although I don’t feel like I want sugar (there was even a cake sitting in front of me yesterday that I completely ignored!).
I am eating a lot of fruit and also raw cocoa, raisin and nut treats to stave off the cravings so maybe that’s why I’m not craving chocolate so much.
Just going to hit the gym and hope the natural dopamine will help today. Just goes to show how bad sugar actually is for you if these are the withdrawal symptoms after a few days. Can’t wait until I’m over this hump and in the clear! It’s been so hard I don’t think I’ll ever turn back now.
I’ve been contemplating giving up sugar for months and finally made the commitment today. Psychologically I am not doing well. It’s only day one and I am not feeling well. I have made the decision and am determined not to give up as I have suffered a lifetime of being overweight and not feeling well so this is a big step. My breakfast was scrambled eggs with spinach and avocado.
I had my coffee with half and half and no sugar. I’ll pick another day to give up caffeine. I suspect it will not be as hard to face as giving up sugar. I just hope I can get through the withdrawal period without too much trouble. I have a fear of giving up. Your comments are all worrisome and comforting all at the same time.
I’m day 6 into sugar withdrawal and having the most horrendous anger issues and tearfulness – this is awful can’t believe this is just from sugar.
Keep going Claire, things will improve. I quit caffeine well over a year ago but felt for awhile that I needed to detox sugar and processed food. So, day 7 now and I have muscle cramps all over, arms, shoulders, thighs. The sporadic headache has subsided, fatigue is moderate to high, and the foggy head comes and goes but I’m seeing flickers of light at the end of the tunnel!