First you need to understand that a complete rejection of sugar is impossible – this substance, which is contained in many useful products (for example, fruits and berries), is necessary for the body. But in moderation and in the correct form. As you might guess, desserts and refined sugary foods are not included in this category. The RDA for sugar is 25 grams – about five teaspoons – but we actually consume much more of it. Why you should review your diet for high sugar content and what will happen to the body and body after giving up this substance, you will find out right now.
1. Your mood will stabilize. Sugar may seem to cheer you up, but it’s actually the opposite. According to research published in 2015 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who ate high glycemic index foods were more likely to be depressed than participants who ate less high glycemic index foods. The fact is that a large amount of sugar can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, and this affects the brain and can provoke depression. And sudden changes in blood sugar levels lead to the same mood swings – if after a piece of chocolate you feel a surge of energy, this state will soon be reversed.
2. You will have fewer colds. Did you know that a high concentration of sugar (as well as gluten) in the blood causes chronic inflammation? As a result, the chances of getting a cold are significantly increased. And lowering your sugar levels diminishes those chances. In addition, in some cases, a no sugar diet can alleviate allergies and asthma.
3. You will lose weight. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, we consume about 22 teaspoons of added sugar daily. Of course, this indicator is individual, but it is worth remembering that sugar is contained not only in sweets and cakes, but also in sauces and marinades, semi-finished meat products, some low-fat products, fermented milk products, cereals, packaged juices and carbonated drinks, alcohol – and this is not a complete list. By clearing your diet of added sugar, you shed 350 extra calories per day.
4. Your teeth will become healthier and your breath fresher. Sugar fuels bacteria that affect bad breath. And we know about the effect of sugar on the formation of caries since childhood, but for some reason we neglect this knowledge.
5. You will sleep better. Eating sugar and sugary snacks before bed can lead to additional release of stress hormones, which you definitely don’t need if you want restful and quality sleep.
Quitting sugar is not easy, and for the body it is a kind of stress, so in the first weeks you may encounter headaches or other discomfort (which always happens when you refuse to eat foods that are addictive). Experts promise that all “side effects” will noticeably decrease or disappear altogether in two weeks, and from the third week you will notice significant positive changes.
