In today’s era of growing health and fitness awareness, many people decide to quit sugar suddenly. Whether it’s to lose weight or out of fear of diabetes, individuals often cut off sweets, sugary drinks, and all forms of sugar from their diet. However, this sudden step can sometimes harm the body. If not done gradually and properly, quitting sugar can lead to several problems. Here’s a look at the disadvantages of quitting sugar suddenly and the symptoms of high blood sugar levels.
Five Side Effects of Suddenly Quitting Sugar
- Feeling tired and weak
Sugar provides instant energy to the body. When you suddenly stop consuming it, your energy levels may drop, leading to fatigue. The brain also needs glucose, which it gets from sugar. - Mood swings and irritability
Sugar triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, which makes you feel good. When you stop sugar suddenly, you may experience mood swings, irritability, and even signs of depression. - Headaches and brain fog
As your body withdraws from sugar, you may suffer from headaches, dizziness, or brain fog—a condition where your thinking feels unclear or slow. These are early detox symptoms. - Sleep disturbances
Sugar affects melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. A sudden drop in sugar intake can impact sleep quality, causing insomnia or frequent waking during the night. - Strong cravings for sweets
Giving up sugar all at once can lead to intense cravings. This might cause a shift toward unhealthy snacks or baked goods, which can be even more harmful.
How Much Sugar is Safe to Consume?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an adult should get less than 5% of their total daily calories from free sugars. This is about 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of sugar per day.
Note that “free sugar” includes table sugar, sweets, baked goods, soft drinks, and packaged juices. It does not include natural sugars found in fruits and milk.
Also Read-: Early Symptoms Of Diabetes Via These 8 Bodily Signs
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):
When blood sugar levels rise too high, it may show up through symptoms like:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches and irritability
- Increased hunger with weight loss
- Slow-healing wounds
What Can You Do?
- Avoid quitting sugar suddenly; reduce intake gradually.
- Use natural sugar alternatives like fruits, dates, and jaggery in moderation.
- Stay away from processed foods, sweets, and sugary drinks.
- If you crave sweets, try dry fruits or fresh fruits instead.
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to keep blood sugar in check.
Completely cutting out sugar is not necessary for everyone. It’s more important to consume it in moderation and manage it wisely. Sudden withdrawal can negatively affect your body, so it’s best to reduce it slowly. If you have diabetes or other health issues, consult a doctor before making changes to your sugar intake.