Erasing a sweet tooth from your diet for a period of just 30 days can have remarkable changes to your body ranging from your brain to skin. For majority of us, our favorite foods are not-so-healthy treats which consist of too much sugar.
While sugar is almost nearly unavoidable in our modern diets, too much of it can have negative impacts the human body. Such is the case that it has been labelled the most potent drug of the 21st century.
Several studies have been conducted in the past and there is credible proof that a break from these sweeteners can improve our health and general well-being by a mile.
Furthermore, it is increasingly becoming public knowledge that eating too much sugar is related to illnesses such as some cancers, heart diseases, obesity, diabetes, depression, liver diseases, among others. It also makes one sluggish and overall unwell.
For this reason, the benefits of cutting sugar outweigh regulating amounts of sugar consumed. What generally happens to your body if you avoid sugar for just 30 days?
The first days of habit formation, in this case eliminating sugar, are the most difficult. The body experiences withdrawal symptoms as it tries to adjust against its sugary norm.
Other common symptoms during the first 7 days include headaches, unexplained fatigues and irritability.
As you continue to starve the body of its routinary peaks and valleys brought by sugar, it naturally begins to adapt to more stable energy sources while occasionally having intense cravings for sweet foods.
By the end of the first week, people report having consistent energy levels throughout the day, fewer energy crashes, better focus and concentration, improved productivity during work hours and enhanced physical endurance.
The brain’s processing capacity increases drastically as well. By toning down the body’s sugar inflammation, it allows for enhanced concentration and focus, sharpened memory and recall, decreased brain fog and mental fatigue and improved emotional intelligence.
Changes to your body
Reduction of sugar stops a process known as glycation whereby the glucose molecules damage collagen and elastin.
It is the same process that promotes premature aging of a person. In about 15 days, some of the effects on the skin include:
- Having clearer complexion with fewer breakouts
- Improved skin texture and tone
- Fewer acne and decreased skin irritation
- Skin glow and youthfulness
- Decreased puffiness around eyes and face
Other than the skin, the body will also respond separately to the cut. It begins accessing stored fat for metabolism. It results in remarkable physical changes, though subtly difficult to identify at first. They include:
- Gradual weight loss
- Reduced belly fat accumulation
- Improved muscle curvature
- Decreased stomach bloating and water retention
- Enhanced athleticism
It is well-known that the gut contains active microbiome. When glucose is eliminated from the diet, it allows for the gut microbiome to rebalance the digestive tracts which will lead to the following digestive improvements:
- Reduced bloating and gas
- Better digestion and nutrient absorption
- Frequent bowel movements
- Decreased stomach discomfort
- Improved gut bacteria balance
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The body’s insulin response improves greatly due to the subsided intake. This is related to the following benefits:
- Reduced risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
- More stable blood sugar levels
- Better hormone balance and regulation
- Enhanced fat burning capabilities
- Improved metabolism
The benefits are as much seen as they are unseen. By eliminating glucose from your diet, you will also experience emotional and behavioral changes. They are manifested through:
- Better sense of well-being and calmness
- Improved stress management capabilities
- Reduced irritability and mood swings.
- Decreased anxiety and stress levels
- Increased emotional resilience.
Once achieved the 30-day challenge by keeping away from sugar, you will notice that you have developed new relationships around what goes through your mouth and into your stomach. They include:
- Increased appreciation for natural food flavors
- More mindful eating habits
- Enhanced food choices and preferences
- Better awareness of hidden sugars in foods.
- Decreased sugar cravings and addiction patterns
Those that have walked the mile in the 30-day break from sugar can attest to receiving lifestyle changes only available from those who live without its constant need. In fact, you will begin to view it as your health’s enemy.