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.
Im on day 5… Anxiety, inability to concentrate and make decisions quickly, feeling teary, feeling very tired and sleep deprived, foggy head and frequent sugar cravings. Stopped smoking 5 months ago and swapped that addiction to sugar. I feel like smoking again this week, the cravings are confusing. I will get through this, lost 3 pounds in weight. Looking forward to a healthier life.
Wondering how you’re doing Louise. I’m on day 5 now too and feel exactly the same as you did. Hope you’re doing well.
On day 2 now. I feel very fatigued. I’ve lost my appetite somewhat, and I couldn’t sleep well last night, but other than that I am fine. I have cut out sugars including fruit and bread. I’m only going to do this for the next 4 days. I have done it once before for 3 days, and it completely eliminated my cravings for chocolate and sweets. I’m a chocaholic with a raging sweet tooth, so these are big changes in my diet.
I am on day 2 of no sugar and I can’t stop sweating. I haven’t read of anyone else going through this. I didn’t sleep well, but I think that was more to do with my body temperature and the amount of sweat pouring off throughout the night.
First day, 9g of sugar in the morning, that’s it. 4 PM rolls around, I feel like I need a nap; weak, tired, sleepy. Lied down, didn’t sleep but stayed there until this morning. Had a slice of spelt bread with butter, bacon and eggs. I will have one serving of carbs per day in the morning. Until I can stop completely. Labels will be my God and my guide. 20g or under per day (sugar) 20g or less carbs per meal. Onward!
Just started Dr. Hyman’s 10 day detox and had no idea I’d have sugar withdrawal symptoms! Good thing I didn’t know, because I don’t know if I would have done this, but now that I’m into day 3, I’m determined to continue. I didn’t even realize until a couple weeks ago, that my cup of milk in my daily lattes, contained 14 grams/each (so 28 grams) and my “healthy” protein bar had another 12 grams.
So already at 40 grams, without even looking at all the other foods I ate, plus desserts. etc. I must’ve had 100 grams/day! Although I’m not overweight, and in good health, but I’d heard how bad sugar is, (and I knew I was a sugar-aholic) so wanted to detox from it. First day, developed a migraine. Yesterday, felt ok when I woke up and worked out in morning, but then had absolutely no energy after that and felt so fatigued by 2:00 (felt like it was 9:00!).
Felt like I had the chills and crawled into bed by 8. After 10 1/2 hours sleep, I woke up with a headache, that turned into another migraine and have been trying to bear through it. I got online an hour ago, just to see if there was anything about sugar withdrawal and was amazed at all the information!! I knew it was a toxin and 8 times more addictive than cocaine, but had no idea, I’d feel withdrawal symptoms like this!! :(
But at least after reading many of these posts, realize these are all “normal” and I have to wait it out. Looking forward to feeling better in a few days!!
Thank you very much for all your helpful comments. Now I know what was wrong with me last week! I finished working at a garage!!! (Say no more). The first week away from the garage and boy I felt unwell. Headaches, I kept sleeping 1 1/2 hours throughout the day. I felt I had flu!! I just thought well I’ll pick up tomorrow. It wasn’t until the 6th day I was able to do normal things again! I’m never ever going to underestimate the impact it has on my health. A week later I’m enjoying my energy levels!
I’m on my 7th day and yesterday was terrible… I had fever and body chills all day and night. My head felt like it was going to explode and then into the night it got worse, I was hugging the toilet :(. Happy to say when I finally woke up this morning I felt much better! My cravings are still high but I’m feeling good.
The veggies are tasting better with every day and now my family is eating better too! I’m looking forward to the side effects begin completely gone and my energy levels getting back up naturally… Without the help of a nasty Monster energy drink or 3 cups of coffee! Just stick with it… It’s worth every bit! Garrett
I have been tapering off sugar. It’s been 2 weeks and every afternoon it’s lightheaded, dizziness, and more dizziness! Also hardening of the jaw as if I was grinding my teeth… it feels so weird. It’s so similar to a come down from party pills. The fatigue is horrible too, comes at the wrong times so I feel this is going to take a while :-\.
I used to drink about two cans of coke a day, sometimes more, this was a bad habit I got into over the last 6 years. I have just finished my first week coke-free and I am experiencing strange flu like symptoms but in particular the sweating is relentless. I have to change my bed sheets every morning as they and my clothes become saturated, I am wondering if this is normal?! I had to go to the spare room at about 3am just this morning as my bed was soaked in sweat… Has anyone else experienced this? Also experiencing broken sleep and some irritability/anger – not a lot and no headaches yet :)
Nikki, I don’t know anything about what is normal or not. The only thing I wondered after reading your comment is: How old are you? Could this be menopause or premenopause? Again, I apologize. I am not familiar with what the symptoms should/shouldn’t be, but that was the first thing that I thought of. Best of luck to all of us!
I’m on day 2. I had a horrible headache yesterday. So far so good today, lots of shakes. The reason I’m doing this is because I have diabetes, and I want a better life. I have also sweated all day. My doctor days I’m going about this the right way. I have been infusing water with fruit, cucumber, mint, and ginger it takes a while to get use to the taste but its a better alternative, and helps detoxify your body as well.
I stopped sugar a week ago and it sucks. I’m constantly feeling hungry no matter what I eat!! My head is foggy and my body just feels weird! Any tips????
Hi all, I am on day 6 today and had flu-like symptoms for the first couple of days and keep dreaming about sweets! I was off it for a year before and I felt so amazing, so I know I am going to get through this. I have one strange symptom though and I wonder if anyone else has this, needing to go to the toilet for a bowel movement far more regularly every day at the moment. It started after Day 2 and I am sure it’s linked. I have upped my nut intake as protein really helps my cravings so it might be that, but just wondered if anyone else has had this strange symptom?!
I think you are the only one in here who mentioned that. I noticed the same thing (increased bowel movement) as soon as I quit sugar. I assumed it was just because of all the fruits and fiber I’ve started eating but without trying to give TMI it’s not what I would have expected as in hard as rock rather than the opposite. How long have you been on sugar? (30 years here) I also had a nasty sore throat after the first few days which is extremely rare for me.
Hey everyone – day 3 and OH BOY! Headache, burning eyes, foggy head, irritable, anxious and didn’t sleep well last night! Here I go again. I did this a few years ago and was sugar free for 8 weeks and felt amazing afterwards, but I’ll feeling so awful today. It’s like all the toxins are running around crazy inside me. Sugar is so bad! was helpful reading all your posts and to see we all feel the same… can’t believe it did it once and then went back to my old ways because I felt so good!
The headache started on day 3. The first day was the worst and since then it has been getting better. I have been drinking 2 liters of water a day and going for approx 30 min walks. I think that has helped, however I still am a bit numb in the afternoons. Plus side, lost 2 & 1/2 kilos in 10 days.
My husband quit sugar 7 days ago cold turkey. He is 70 and has been addicted most of his life. He normally is very mild mannered, but… not so right now. I can honestly say that this is not good. He gets angry easily, and gets aggravated at things that in the past would not have bothered him at all. He also has a headache and leg cramps. We are both looking forward to this being over. We had no idea that he would be going through such an ordeal.
The comments I’ve read are so helpful. I am 44 years old and I never dreamed I would have an “addiction”. I’ve been researching sugar addictions and it has been an eye opener. I recently watched documentaries about sugar additions, but I’m just now realizing this is my reality and my responsibility to do something about it.
I have successfully completed Weight Watchers and the Adkins diet off and on for years. I have lost 40 lbs and gained 45, lost 30 and gained 50… etc. I have several family members with diabetes and heart disease and i was recently told I was “pre-diabetic”. So, I have decided that I will start my sugar detox on Monday and I do realize the withdrawal systems will be fierce the first couple of weeks, hopefully no longer.
I went through the withdrawals years ago when I did the Adkins diet. Although I know what’s coming, I’m still dreading it! I’m hoping this realization of my addiction will be the last straw and I can kick this habit once and for all. Wish me luck!
Off sugar for 12 days, noticed carb intake up, but my question is… I’m stuck on those last 15 grams with coffee creamer and Kind bars! Is this bad?
I have a serious sugar addiction, and will eat anything sweet no matter how full or hungry I am. I am only on my second day of no sugar, and definitely did not expect to feel this crummy. I have had a constant tension-type headache and am extremely moody with occasional dizziness. I couldn’t figure out what my deal was, and I mentioned to a co-worker how I’ve been feeling and she asked if I have cut out sugar or caffeine. After that I decided to Google sugar withdrawal, and came across this. Not knowing why I felt like this seemed to make the symptoms worse, so hopefully it will be short-lived!
Hoo…been off sugar, alcohol, went gluten free. It is day three and I almost wish I was dead. I am 49 and got away with being unhealthy most of my life. I stayed very thin until two years ago. But I have made the decision to stop acting immature and do something good for myself. I know the pay off is coming. But I currently am very fatigued, irritable, dizzy, foggy, can’t sleep. Pretty intense. Very glad I’m not alone!
Day 4 without sugar. Day 2 & 3 were horrible. Today I feel… clear! Sugar is so addictive it’s crazy. Going for a 10 day juice reboot after New Year’s Eve. After that I’m going back to Paleo with less meat though.
Folks, don’t forget to eat some carbs. Carbs can be healthy in the form of brown rice or whole grains. If you go from massive eating of sugar to veggies, fruit, nuts and meat you may be reducing daily calorie intake with 80%, which explains many of the symptoms mentioned above. Regards from Sweden
Well I quit sugar earlier in the month and had very mild flu like symptoms, a sense of fullness and tenderness in my stomach, foggy thinking and really moody. This changed into a much more positive, awake and clear thinking attitude. I then decided that for Xmas I would eat lots of sugar!
So much more sensitive to it and I felt anxiety and brain fog returning. Now I have cut it out again and feeling those same possible withdrawal symptoms again. Feeling positive though, as this has shown me, the contrast of how I feel with and without sugar. Very worth it.
I am entering my 2nd week of life without sugar. Very dizzy and legs are rubbery. I’m retired and being more mindful if eating balanced, and greatly increased veggies and fruits. Amazingly they haven’t killed me yet. I’ll be so glad when this phase is over. But I’m very excited and encouraged with my blood sugar numbers and blood pressure readings already. Your comments section here is also encouraging!
I quit soda two years ago. It was extremely hard and I kept failing. Once I finally got through 6 month I knew I was free of it and have been. 6 month ago I cut out all caffeine. That was hard but the soda was harder and I was successful. Now, two weeks ago I cut out all processed sugars… Reading other’s comments has been helpful but I’m not confident I am going to be successful.
Cutting out all refined sugars is really doing a number on me. I didn’t realize until reading here that I should also be cutting out white bread and white rice. I have not been sleeping well. I have ever increasing migraines. I am nervous at weird times. I have constant thoughts about bad things happening to me. I find it very hard to concentrate. Plus my vision is way off. It’s as if my bad habits of eating deserts after meals just built up on me year after year until I never feel like I ate properly without some kind of desert afterwards.
All snacks had become some kind of surgery snack. I didn’t realize that I was trying to cope with life by eating more and more sugar. Now I am in a situation where if I do not change drastically, I will be joining the millions of Americans with heart disease, diabetes, and other diet related health issues. Every day I wake up thinking, ‘Ok, today is the first day of my new life.’
How are you doing, Chet? I’m only entering my second week, and you’re right in that it’s not easy. Lost my husband almost three years ago due to diabetes and all that goes with it. Now his sister is experiencing the same thing. My health situation is not like theirs’, but sitting in her hospital room several days ago was the turning point for me. Best start is our food intake. Good eating to you! Luck not a factor.
I took an aspirin to get through the first round of headaches. Focusing on my senses and environment, clearing my mind, and no desire for sugar. I’ve tried quitting a couple times but this time my mind is winning. Low grade flu-like symptoms and weird sleeping behavior, I don’t care. it’s the single best thing I can do right now, immediately, is not drink a soda. Best wishes to all.
I’m on day two of withdrawal. I have a horrible headache and am vomiting. Does anyone else vomit?
I have quit sugar twice before, just doing it again this weekend (like others said, it creeps back in, usually combined with caffeine!). YES all of those symptoms happened and went away… entirely gone two months after stopping the first time, two weeks after stopping the second time. Am on nasty headache step right now, trying tapering this time instead of cold turkey last two times, but same side effects. All I can say is hang in there!! After your body detoxes you will feel much better and less likely (each time) to go back to how it was.
Hmm… the withdrawals look more like serotonin reduction to me. Of course you get cravings since sugar is essential to serotonin synthesis. YOU need sugar, but not over 90g a day. Your body only really utilizes it for brain energy.
Its my fourth day fortunately with no severe side effects as such. Just a little bit sugar craving. I hope it wil go away in couple of weeks. I have been suffering from a yeast infection for over 4 years with many unsuccessful treatments and now after giving up sugar I can already feel a great improvement. Vaginal discharge has reduced by 80% only in 4 days.
Yeast and parasites feeds on sugar, so I decided to give it up. And I am so happy now getting rid of this disease. And all the people who are having flu like symptoms please understand that it is a way your body is getting rid of toxins. So please don’t get worried about it.
Today is my second day tapering off sugar. Though I did have a fruit in the afternoon because I was craving something sweet, I still feel weak. I’m slowly getting the flu-like symptoms, and I’m easily annoyed. Hopefully this won’t go on for too long.
Yep, I am 4 day in and I feel rough! Being sick after workouts and feeling sick most of the time. But looking to the future.
It’s certainly encouraging to read all these stories. For a variety of reasons, I decided to cut back on sugar. I’m not a bread person, but cake, cookies, brownies…I *love* to bake. And candy. Thing is, I’ve got four littles to keep up with now, and I’m the biggest I’ve ever been in my life. Diabetes does run in my family, and thus far I’ve dodged the gestational diabetes bullet…but…for my own sake, my children, and my husband, I need to stop.
I’m only on day 3 and it’s hard!!! I am much more snappy, and irritable with the kids than usual. Even my husband has commented on it. I told him he’s married to a junkie going through withdrawal, so bear with me. I don’t know how long this will last. Eventually I plan to quit refined sugar altogether. Given the severity and duration of my sugar consumption, I figure starting slowly will be safer for all parties.
Mornings aren’t too bad. By Three in the afternoon though I’m frequently snarling and dying for something sweet. I want to be free of this.
I made the mistake of going cold turkey on BOTH caffeine & sugar (I ate about a box of Nips everyday). Oh my god. Yesterday, day 2 after eating a turkey sandwich I went comatose including a low grade fever. It seems I react differently to different sugars. Today, day 3, I had a nibble of cake and started feeling sweaty & irritable. Later in the day I had some chocolate & voila I feel like a normal human.
It’s good to know I am not broken. I am extremely sensitive to all foods ever since I had gastric bypass 6 years ago. Guess I will take it slower by staying off the coffee and gradually tapering off the sugar.
I am a vegetarian since birth and gluten free since 6 months. I don’t consume any packaged food and avoid sugar. Today I had a whole glass of sugar cane juice and boom I am feeling lethargic, brain fog, and totally depressed. I have never noticed this before but this time I paid some attention and I noticed the changes soon after the sugar cane juice. I do have milk with some added sugar often, but I never get this feeling which I got today. Maybe sugar cane juice has lots of sugar.
I have tried to quit sugar many times, and have up to now been unsuccessful. I have tried as part of a diet, or just quit sugar and the pattern is always the same. After a couple of weeks I fall off the wagon, and start eating more and more sugary foods (coffee, sodas, chocolate, cereal, whatever). This is a pattern I have had for YEARS. Sugar is addictive. Sometimes I temporarily substitute it for cigarettes. But it’s the sugar not the cigarettes.
Just got off most sugar a week ago…Feeling anxious and irritable with little energy. My nutritionist told me to eat a little dark chocolate 85% & honey/or maple sugar when things get really hard. This seems to help. Also, I eat a apple with a tiny bit of low sugar peanut butter. This helps. I’m staying off bread and pasta as well. I’m going to give myself a pat on the back. Can’t believe that I have made it this far! I ate so much junk previously & Starbucks got way too much money from me. My nutritionist told me that they are the worst in adding so much sugar to all their drinks.
I have been on and off this no sugar diet for a month and have recently been hard on it for 2 weeks. I have noticed my attitude and grumpiness at a all time high and feel bad!!! I work with a wonderful group of people who I love at heart and I feel I have let them down with these side effects, very different from my cheeky bouncy self. I hope with in a week I will return to my happy self.
I am on week 2 and its really day 2 of 100% NO SUGAR, I have the same symptoms as you all and I also need to go to the little girls room (#1) like 20x a day. Has anyone else had this? Please note I normally go a lot but now its a lot more regular. Maybe because eating more protein makes you thirsty and you drink more?? Sorry I know its a bit awkward.
First couple hours into my sugar detox. Found this website and have read all the comments. Its good to know what to expect. I liken sugar to a drug if it has such a negative affect on your body when you stop consuming it. Very scary. I’ll check back in in a couple days to update my progress. Just ate a bowl of steel cut oats plain with tons of water and grabbing an apple. Also drank my coffee black.
Don’t think I can do away with the sugar AND caffeine at the same time! I’m doing this by the way because I am 38 years old with a career that requires me to be on point mentally and physically and I am not. In addition, I have a two year old son who I need to stick around for. I don’t want to die from diabetes or cancer or anything I can prevent. Cutting out sugar is a huge step to becoming healthier for him and for myself. Good luck everyone!!
From reading all your comments it sounds like I am having it easy so far. Never been one for fizzy drinks but eat a lot of sweets and desserts, but also an insane amount of things like crisps which I had no idea has sugar in them. Anyway this is day 5 and last night for the first time I had a slightly disturbed night’s sleep (which never normally happens) and I have experienced mild headaches all day since day 2. I find that my energy levels are fine throughout the day but as soon as it gets to early evening I really start struggling to stay awake.
Also on day 2 while at work we had a pretty hectic shift, at around 9pm when things started to calm down I noticed that my whole body was shaking, which I found totally bizarre. Still can’t quite believe things like bread, crisps and mayonnaise have sugar in them but having read all your comments about how you’ve dealt with such severe symptoms I know I can do this :) Good luck everyone quitting sugar.
I forgot to mention that my main issue has been constant hunger. No matter how much I eat, I still feel hungry. Has anyone else experienced this? How long did it last for you? As an example, yesterday for breakfast I had two apples and a banana (I had nothing else in the house), a vegetable stir fry with a small amount of egg noodles for lunch, it was a MASSIVE plateful and took me over 30 minutes to eat (I usually wolf everything down, and for dinner I had beef stew with mash potato and a massive raw veggie salad.
I also had a “snack” which consisted of almost a whole pack of tomatoes, green beans, salad onions and a pack of mozzarella right before I went to work. I am not trying to starve myself at all, I just eat as much as I want as long as it’s healthy, but despite all of this I still went to bed hungry!!! I should mention with the fruit, I am giving up refined added sugar, but still having fruit in my diet. Normally I would have less fruit than yesterday but I had stuff in the house I needed to use up.
Today is just my fourth day and I felt like I was going crazy. I have mild depression and anxiety problems. As if my whole world came tumbling down. Hopefully the organic chlorella powder I just ordered online will help!
I’m on day 5 of the HCG diet – very limited on what I can have, but no added sugar, very little carbs and my fruit selection is minimal. I surprised myself with very little detox symptoms. I’ve found that a little extra protein mid-day helps get me through any slump. But I feel TONS better.
I am 1 week into eliminating added sugar from my life (cold turkey). Yesterday the headache started. I don’t really notice a craving for sugary foods, but my Birthday is Thursday, so kind of curious if I will even want cake and ice cream, or anything sweet at all. Still have the headache. Haven’t stepped on the scale yet, so not sure if I’ve dropped any weight. Maybe too early to tell. I have noticed an afternoon slump around 2 or 3 o’clock the last few days.
I went cold turkey several days ago and feel lightheaded, disoriented, and have headaches. I have high BP.
I’ve been off sugar + gluten for 16 days so far already feeling so much lighter, more calm and balanced emotions. It was tough in the beginning stages because of the sugar withdrawal symptoms but I feel confident I will continue this dietary change and live a much better life as a result. It’s hard in the beginning but worth all the pain.
Really needed to read all these comments and the article above. I have gone off sugar before, and it was bad then, but this time I have two young boys and having migraines, being exhausted, angry, and depressed is really packing a heavy blow. I will keep going because I need to be free of this attachment to sugar. Thanks everyone for posting their experiences.
Hi! I am really encouraged by all of these posts…I decided I needed to do something different because I just couldn’t continue to eat/binge eat sugar, then do juice cleanses every few months to feel better…I needed a lifestyle change and decided to try no refined sugar or grain products. It’s been three days and I have a throbbing headache. I keep drinking water, but it is not going away. I have also been having trouble falling asleep at night. Now I am convinced it’s the sugar withdrawal… it really is a poison we are putting in our bodies!
I am satisfying my sweet tooth with a different set of foods: last night, I processed dates and figs with some roasted almonds and made date bars. Make sure your dried fruits do not contain any added sugar (only natural!). I have been eating lots of fruits too (apples, grapefruit and raspberries are my favorite). Stay with it people!! My skin looks AMAZING after just 3 days; imagine what it will look like after 3 months? (Just in time for my wedding).
I am currently on day 2 of no sugar. I am experiencing severe headache, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability. However this is not my first rodeo and all of the pain is temporary. Prior to this I actively trained as a body builder and had NO sugar or refined carbohydrates in my diet. The occasional stevia addition, oats, sweet potato, and brown rice were all I had as far as carbs go. And I had amazing energy, clarity, and clear and youthful skin.
My withdrawal was not nearly as bad the first time I cut sugar out in comparison to this go around. Just this past year I was pregnant with my second child and splurged on my cravings. This means I over indulged in watermelon and LOTS of peanut M&M’s, literally LOTS. 4 weeks now post birth I have cut sugar and am amazed at the difference on how my body is reacting. It’s truly amazing and a nuisance but it’s totally worth it. So hang in there guys! It’s only temporary.
I have been on a clean and vegan diet for 4 days now. I have been eating: fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains (quinoa, farro). I have also been taking a multivitamin, fish oil, and probiotics daily. My motivation came after watching That Sugar Film and Fed Up. I have always been a “healthy” eater and fit, but I think our physical appearances can be deceiving. I found myself in the past few months eating more and more unhealthy foods (e.g. a bag of chips at night, a cookie at lunch) and I especially found myself reaching for these items when I was tired or feeling out of it.
The worst symptom so far has been this out of it feeling/brain fog. My body from the neck down feels great. I have been getting a lot of sleep, been able to keep up with marathon training in the morning, and feel overall energized. However, my head is a mess. My eyes feel tired but my body doesn’t if that makes sense. I hope this symptom ends soon – I am not sure how much more I can stand it! Thanks to everyone for posting. Your comments have helped me so much and I will continue to read them in my moments of weakness!
OMG I have been sugar free for 7 days now and I have had NO SLEEP. Feeling so tired, craving sugar every second and very moody!!
Day 2 on no sugar and I am so angry! Hungry too! Ugh!
I am on day five of no sugar. I would normally eat a lot of junk food like cookies, little Debbie snack, Fritos, Cheetos, cakes, pastries, ANYTHING you name I have are out of proportion. For years and years and years! I’m 22 years old. This is the hardest freakin thing ever. I’m getting angry and annoyed of everything literally. My anxiety has came back. My heart rate increases, I have major depression. It’s only day five! Omg? I’m trying to lose weight and been working out everyday since day one and been eating good. I can’t wait to hit my goal weight. I also can’t wait till I’m done with this withdrawal.