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In the short term, stopping eating sugar can have many benefits for your health and your objectives in life. If you’ve been drinking caffeinated soda regularly, stopping can make you feel tired and lethargic due to the caffeine-withdrawal process particularly if you’re experiencing caffeine intoxication (consult your doctor if this lasts more than a couple of days).Ĭan quitting sugar have long-term benefits? If these symptoms last more than two weeks it is recommended you consult your doctor for advice. Caffeine is known to increase blood sugar levels which can lead to fluctuations in mood or energy throughout the day. However, there are many other psychoactive stimulants in coffee that may induce withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. It is found naturally in such foods as cocoa beans, tea leaves, coffee beans, and kola nuts. Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world. The beans contain alkaloid stimulants known as purines which include: Caffeine (trimethylxanthine) Theobromine (3,7-dimethylxanthine) Many people report headaches after quitting coffee which is usually related to caffeine withdrawal. If it lasts more than a couple of days, consult your doctor just to be safe headaches caused by low blood sugar levels usually subside within an hour or two but can last up to three days (72 hours).Ĭoffee is made from the seeds of berries which grow on trees in tropical climates. It’s also possible that you’re experiencing withdrawal from caffeine if you’ve been drinking caffeinated soda regularly. You may also have a headache if your body starts releasing stored fatty acids instead of being provided with external sources of carbohydrates that are quickly converted into glucose. Some people report headaches after quitting sugars primarily due to their change in diet away from processed foods that contain refined sugars and toward fresh whole foods low in carbohydrates that may induce “withdrawal”. If you experience any of these symptoms it’s important that you eat something sweet like fruit juice or regular soft drinks (diet drinks contain chemicals other than sugar which are harmful).

When you stop eating sugar there is a quick drop in your blood glucose levels (sugar) and this can lead to hypoglycemia which can make you feel sick, light-headed and even lead to unconsciousness. Brown sugar contains glucose and fructose, both simple sugars that provide energy to all cells in the body. Withdrawal from stimulants can cause a range of feelings which differ greatly between individuals and include: Depression Anxiety Fatigue Irritability Mood swings Headaches Impaired cognition (difficulty concentrating) Muscle aches and pains Disturbed sleep patterns Feeling jittery or wired Paranoia Increased appetite Sweating Flashbacks to drug experiences Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world. What other withdrawal symptoms may I experience?

Some people also report flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and even muscle cramps. Users with a history of diabetics may experience either elevated blood glucose levels or unstable blood sugar levels. Insomnia, Headaches, Mood changes, Heart palpitations/skipped beats, Irritability. Cravings for sweet things can occur, which could lead to eating sugary items and gaining weight down the road.īy giving up soda, both regular and diet, you are giving your body a chance to decrease those sugar cravings and you'll be less likely to over-consume your meals.The symptoms of sugar and caffeine withdrawal can manifest themselves as follows: However, according to Harvard Health, artificial sweeteners tend to be even sweeter sometimes than the real thing, which can mess with your sugar receptors and cause you to believe that food without sweetness tastes downright awful. "Sodas that are sweetened with real sugar can also cause weight gain as sugar is a highly inflammatory and calorie-dense compound."ĭo the artificial sweeteners cause the weight gain itself? Not exactly. "The artificial sweeteners in soda have been linked to overeating in meals following their consumption, this fact alone leads to weight gain," says Best. While giving up soda can help decrease your craving for sugary foods, according to Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, it can also decrease your chances of overeating throughout the day.
