Steps of Sugar Withdrawl

Cravings Kick In!

Ohhhh, those cravings. Yep, fructose is one addictive beast and it won’t let go of you without a fight. Plus, the temptation will be everywhere. Some people have actually had dreams about giving into their cravings and bingeing on sweet treats. Stay strong. Eat some protein. The best is yet to come.

Headaches, Oh, the headaches

Much like when you give up that other addictive vice, caffeine, headaches are a very commonly reported symptom of sugar withdrawal. Time to invest in some aromatherapy oils, and make sure to drink plenty of water (especially if soft drinks or juice were your main source of hydration beforehand).

You may feel some aches and pains

Some people report aches and pains, or even flu-like symptoms, in the throes of withdrawal. One remedy is a warm bath with Epsom salts, which studies have suggested may help flush out environmental toxins. Drink plenty of water but if you feel really out of sorts, check yourself out with a doctor.

 Mood swings may be… less than pleasant

At this point, your brain receptors are screaming: SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR.  Between that and the headaches and the cravings, you may understandably have some gnarly mood swings. It’s helpful to have a solid support network around you during this stage, to help you remember why you started. 

 Some people even get “the shakes”

Mild tremors are linked to stress and blood sugar drops, so try having a healthy snack or herbal tea to see if that helps. See a doctor if you are worried.

But suddenly, you’ll come out the other side feeling better than ever

It could be a few days or a few weeks, but you’ll suddenly “get” what everyone was talking about. You’ll feel brighter, clearer and better than ever, as each day without the white stuff gets easier. No more cravings, no more blood sugar roller coasters, no more sugar-related headaches or 3pm slumps.