Everything that happens to your body when you stop eating sugar
We all know that too much sugar is bad for us, but it can be tricky to give it up - after all, it seems to be a sneaky ingredient in so many different foods.
According to the NHS, adults should be having no more than 30g of 'free sugar' every day.
Free sugar is sugar added to food or drinks, as well sugars found in things like honey, syrups, and unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies and purées.
While free sugars tend to be found in the kinds of food we crave - for example, chocolate - there are also sugars in fruits, vegetables and milk.
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But it's not these kinds of sugars that many of us need to curb.
If you've been having too much sugar, you might decide to give it up, at least for a period of time.
But with it being such a huge part of our diets, it makes sense that our bodies would go through quite a process in adapting to a sugar-free lifestyle.
Here are some of the things that can happen when you quit sugar.
Sugar withdrawal
It's not unsurprising to see some negative effects once sugar is eliminated from your diet.
Those who have quit sugar have reported 'withdrawal' symptoms, including depression, anxiety, brain fog, headaches and fatigue.
These side effects can make it difficult to persevere, but it's important to try and understand the science behind why it happens.
Animal studies have revealed that sugar withdrawal can be similar to that of withdrawing from drugs.
And while of course, these are animal studies and not human, it does give an indication as to why the side effects can occur.
In one study, published in the Nutritional Neuroscience journal, authors wrote: "The study demonstrates that the effects of sugar addiction, withdrawal and relapse are similar to those of drugs of abuse."
Improved dental health
It's no surprise that quitting sugar would have a positive impact on your teeth.
But even limiting your sugar intake will be hugely beneficial.
According to Brooklawn Dental, while we have a whole host of bacteria living in our mouths, some of it can be harmful - and it thrives off the sugar in our favourite snacks.
They explain: "This harmful bacteria feeds on these sugars, it creates tooth-enamel destroying acids.
"In other words, these bad bacteria create acids that eat away at the natural, protective enamel on the outside of your teeth.
"When the sugar is left on your teeth, it causes the acids to not only eats through the enamel, but to often go deeper into other layers of your teeth, and this is what causes cavities."
Energy levels
You might think that cutting sugar would reduce your energy levels, but actually, the opposite can occur.
Although sugar may give you an initial rush, it's often followed by a lethargic slump.
However, eating natural sugars, as well as complex carbohydrates, can actually provide a steadier source of energy.
Gut health
If you've been struggling with your gut health, cutting out sugar could be beneficial.
It's all about balancing the gut's microbiome. When there's a gut imbalance, bad bacteria within the gut is thriving, which can lead to digestive issues.
Dr Will Bulsiewicz told well+good that minimising sugar intake can help balance the gut bacteria, which can eliminate some of these problems.
And the effects can happen pretty quickly.
In a study by the University of California, children who quit sugar for just 10 days had a reduced risk of diabetes thanks to lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
Topics: Food And Drink, Health
Lucy Devine