Sugar withdrawal can occur when you reduce or eliminate sugar in your diet.
For some people, managing the effects of sugar withdrawal can be very difficult.
However, eating less sugar is an important step in achieving good health.
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Sugar consumption is associated with binge-eating behaviors that mimic those seen in substance-use disorders.
Withdrawal takes place if someone eliminates or substantially reduces how much sugar they consume.
Before the detox starts, the body becomes accustomed to higher doses of dopamine.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for sugar addiction are like those of other types offood addictions.
Studies investigating the effects of sugar addiction and sugar withdrawal in humans are limited.
For ethical reasons, it is more common to find studies conducted on animals.
Highly processed foods generally contain added sugars and other refined carbohydrates that act like sugar in the body.
As part of a “keto” diet, you eliminate sugar and most carbohydrates from your diet.
Carbohydrates are converted into sugar in the body and are your body’s preferred energy source.
This shift comes with an adjustment period that some people say is similar to having the flu.
Sugar Withdrawal Timeline
The most acute sugar withdrawal symptoms tend to last 2-5 days.
Remaining symptoms tend to taper off over the next 1-4 weeks.
Withdrawal symptoms should gradually get better day by day.
Complications
Researchers are investigating the ways that food addiction and disordered eating behaviors are related.
In some cases, cutting out sugar abruptly may rebound and lead to binge eating.
Withdrawal can be mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing.
Don’t hesitate to speak to a therapist or trusted friend about what you are going through.
In-person and online support groups can also be helpful.
Some addiction centers have experts who are trained to help people manage the highs and lows of sugar addiction.
You might also find it helpful to speak with a registered dietitian.
There can be behavioral and physical changes.
However, the changes typically only last a few days to weeks.
Be sure to read labels carefully so you don’t accidentally eat sugar.
Recommendations continue to encourage eating less sugar.
However, cutting back on sugar can cause headaches, irritability, and other side effects.
In the long run, these fade, and you may be able to improve your overall health.
Work with your healthcare team to develop strategies for getting through the rough patch.
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