What Causes Sugar Withdrawal?
Sugar withdrawal occurs when one abruptly stops eating sugar or significantly reduces their sugar intake. Due to the effects of sugar on our brain chemistry and blood sugar levels, this sudden decrease in intake can lead to sugar withdrawal.
When you eat sugar, your brain releases the pleasure hormone dopamine (1). Similar to other addictive substances, over time your brain becomes accustomed to this rush of dopamine and starts to crave sugar to get the same “high” (2,3,4).
To make matters worse, eating a lot of sugar can cause your serotonin to crash, making your lows feel lower and the need for a dopamine rush even stronger (5,6). This is partially why sugar is so addictive and why it can do a real number on our brain chemistry when we try to kick the habit.
Additionally, because sugar is quickly digested and can enter the bloodstream almost immediately, high-sugar diets are often linked to blood sugar spikes and crashes (7,8). Over time, you may find yourself increasing your sugar intake further to prevent the crash and maintain your energy levels.
How Long Do Sugar Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
While sugar withdrawal can be uncomfortable, the symptoms are rarely long-term or serious. For most, they will find their withdrawal symptoms typically peak within the first few days after reducing or stopping sugar intake and gradually subside over a couple of weeks.
Although, the exact duration of sugar withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's sugar intake, the duration of sugar consumption, and the extent of addiction to sugar.
Some people may experience a more prolonged withdrawal period due to a severe addiction to sugar or an underlying medical condition. Additionally, if an individual continues to consume sugar during the withdrawal process, it can prolong the symptoms and delay the body's adaptation to a low-sugar diet.
It's important to note that everyone's experience with sugar withdrawal is different, and there is no set timeline for how long symptoms will last. However, it is typically temporary and manageable with proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress management techniques. Gradually reducing added sugar intake over time, rather than abruptly stopping, can also help minimize the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms.