Sugar Detox: 9 Essential Tips You Need to Know

It’s no secret that sugar is one of the most habit-forming substances available. Giving it up can be a real challenge, especially since sugar has become a daily staple in most Americans’ diets.

If you feel like your sweet tooth has taken over, maybe it’s time for a sugar detox. A sugar detox will help reset your taste buds and control your cravings.

Are you wondering if you have the willpower to stop indulging in your favorite sweet treats? We’ve put together nine essential tips to help you detox from sugar so that you can reclaim your health and make better choices when the temptation of sugary bliss arises. But before we get into the tips, let’s talk about what a sugar detox is and how long it will take to detox from sugar.

What Is a Sugar Detox?

A sugar detox is a process of eliminating all sources of added sugar from your diet. The goal is to break the cycle of sugar cravings and reset your taste buds. This includes avoiding the obvious things like candy, soda, and treats, but it can also include food items where sugar was added to make them taste better.

You might be surprised to learn that many packaged foods, including some deemed “healthy,” contain added sugar. Be sure to read the labels, looking for sugar in all its forms — high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, barley malt, dextrose, maltose, and more. The following types of foods all typically include added sugar:

• Low Fat Yogurt
• Tomato Sauce
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Condiments
• Granola
• Sports Drinks
• Canned Soup
• Protein Bars
• Canned Beans
• Frozen Dinners

While removing all the added sugar from your diet during your sugar detox might be challenging, do the best you can. Even small changes can have a significant impact on your health.

How Long Does It Take To Detox From Sugar?

Cutting out sugar for a while allows your body to reset, sending those crazy sugar cravings far, far away. The good news is that eliminating your dependence on sweet foods can be done in a relatively short amount of time.

For best results, abstaining from sugar for a minimum of ten days is recommended. You’ll notice a difference in your cravings within a few days as your body adjusts. Try a thirty-day sugar detox for even better results and improved overall health.

How to Detox From Sugar

Detoxing from sugar doesn’t have to be complicated. Of course, you’ll have moments of intense cravings and start to question your decision, but ultimately the benefits of consuming less sugar far outweigh the discomfort you’ll feel.

When detoxing from sugar, you have a couple of options. You can go cold turkey and eliminate all forms of sugar, or you can gradually reduce your sugar intake over time.

If you reduce sugar gradually, don’t drag the process out too long. Plan to remove all added sugars within a few days. Start by replacing sugar-laden foods with healthier options. For instance, replace a sweet breakfast with a savory one, or choose whole fruit instead of a granola bar. And it should go without saying, replace your soda habit with water. 

What Happens When You Quit Eating Sugar?

Cutting out your favorite treats may sound daunting, but it’s worth it! At first, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can appear within the first few days and are a sign that your body is resetting itself from the sugar overload.

Don’t worry; withdrawal symptoms typically only last a few days. Once you get through the initial adjustment phase, your body will adapt, and you’ll feel much better! You’ll experience increased energy, better sleep, reduced cravings, and clear, glowing skin. Talk about a sweet reward!

9 Essential Tips For a Successful Sugar Detox

Now that you understand the benefits of detoxing from sugar, you’re ready to start! Implement the following nine tips to have a successful sugar detox and mitigate any withdrawal symptoms.

1. Support Your Sugar Detox with Good Nutrition

Instead of thinking of a sugar detox as depriving yourself of your favorite treats, consider flipping the script and thinking of all the beautiful foods you get to eat. Plan to fill your meals with healthy fats, protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. And just because fruit has sugar in the form of fructose doesn’t mean it’s off-limits. Choose whole fruits that are high in fiber, such as:

• Pomegranate
• Grapefruit
• Oranges
• Passion Fruit
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries

Look for organic options to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. And don’t forget the avocado! Yes, avocados are a fruit, and they are packed with both fiber and healthy fats.

2. Stay Hydrated

Water is essential for life and for keeping sugar cravings at bay. Swap out sugary beverages for water, herbal tea, and green juices or smoothies. Try adding Moringa to your daily regimen. Moringa is a robust superfood that supports healthy blood sugar levels. It’s the perfect way to help you resist the call for sugary drinks. For best sugar detox results, stay away from sweet fruit juices as they are filled with sugar without the benefit of fiber.

3. Check your Coffee

If you’re serious about detoxing from sugar, you’ll want to closely examine where you may add unnecessary sugar to your diet. It’s possible your favorite morning coffee contains the same amount or more sugar than a twelve-ounce can of Coca-Cola. The good news is that bitter foods, such as coffee, may help trick your brain into reducing sugar cravings. Try drinking your coffee black or swap it for a stress-relieving and energizing cup of Tulsi tea.

4. Herbs to Support Sugar Detox

Certain herbs and spices have properties that may assist in your detox from sugar. These herbs help support healthy blood glucose levels while reducing cravings.

Cinnamon is a warming spice that supports healthy blood sugar levels and is perfectly delicious in recipes. Try our Ceylon Cinnamon capsules to help your blood sugar metabolism.

Turmeric is the golden spice of Ayurveda and has been used for centuries to support a healthy inflammatory response. Modern research has found that turmeric may positively affect blood sugar levels.

Ginger is a zesty herb that adds a spicy kick to both sweet and savory foods. Ginger has been shown to support a healthy insulin response and blood sugar homeostasis.

For additional help in maintaining blood sugar levels already in a healthy range, try our Sugar Balance supplement. Or support the healthy elimination of toxins with our Liver Kidney supplement, which contains a range of herbs to cleanse and rejuvenate your system.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Stress is an inevitable part of our lives, and unfortunately, we naturally turn to unhealthy eating habits in times of distress. Spikes in cortisol levels can contribute to sugar cravings. But by incorporating a few easy methods for managing stress, you can stay in control and out of the treat bin.

Ayurvedic practitioners understand that practicing mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques help to de-stress the mind and body. By tuning into your inner self, you become aware of your hunger signals, making it easier to resist sweet treats and make healthier food choices. 

6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep is one of the most underrated tools for good health. Research has shown that deep, restorative sleep may help stabilize blood glucose, whereas even partial sleep deprivation can increase blood sugar levels.

If you have trouble getting the requisite eight hours of restorative sleep per night, try using adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Tulsi, and Gotu Kola. You’ll find all three of these relaxation and stress-relieving herbs in our Peaceful Sleep capsule supplement. Or end your day with the peaceful practice of a tea time ritual. Wrap yourself up in the calming warmth of Tulsi Honey Chamomile tea or the dreamy effects of Tulsi Sleep.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

Going through a sugar detox can be tricky. Powerful sugar cravings make it hard to resist the pull of a sugary treat. But it’s important to be kind to yourself throughout the process. Sugar habits are hard to break, and you might slip up occasionally. When this happens, take a moment to recognize that detoxing from sugar and adopting a healthier lifestyle is a process. It’s completely normal and doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Take a deep breath, let go of perfection, and refocus on your goals.

8. Exercise Daily

Getting regular exercise has a host of benefits. From building strength and endurance to cardiovascular and heart health, daily activity is a non-negotiable for a healthy lifestyle.

You probably already know how important exercise is, but did you know that short bouts of exercise reduce the urge for sugary snacks? Next time you crave something sweet, try going for a walk instead. Not only will you escape the lure of your next sugar fix, but you’ll also help detoxify your body and clear your mind.

9. Vitamins and Minerals That Support Healthy Blood Glucose Levels

Along with a nutritious diet, several vitamins and minerals will support your sugar detox efforts. Look for foods that contain the following vitamins and minerals, or try a supplement. You’ll find that incorporating these into your daily regimen will make it easier to resist sugar cravings.

• Chromium is an essential mineral naturally found in various foods, from apples and bananas to poultry and egg yolks. Chromium enhances insulin’s ability to stabilize blood sugar levels.
• B vitamins provide essential support by helping to metabolize sugar and carbohydrates so they don’t get stored as fat. Thiamine is a B vitamin that assists in detoxing, and vitamin B12 can help reduce sugar cravings.
• Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in managing sugar cravings by helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. Glutamine is found in plant and animal proteins such as poultry, pork, beef, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, spinach, and cabbage.
• Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fat to be absorbed in the intestines. It is a digestive enzyme produced in the pancreas, mouth, and stomach. Most people make enough lipase, but if you experience bloating and gas after a high-fat meal, consider supplementing with digestive enzymes.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body and is found in many foods. It’s a powerful antioxidant and plays an essential role in metabolism by helping to convert food to energy. Most healthy people produce enough CoQ10, but we may make less as we age. CoQ10 may improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.

Are You Ready to Detox From Sugar?

Although embarking on a sugar detox journey can be challenging, the more you remove sugar from your diet, the better you’ll feel. You’ll soon discover an appreciation for naturally sweet foods and find that a piece of fruit will quickly satisfy your sweet tooth. Using these nine essential tips for sugar detox, you’ll break your sugar habit in no time while enjoying healthier eating habits.

To learn more, read 5 Amazing Herbs for Blood Sugar Support or check out this delicious Non-Dairy Refined Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce Recipe.