What Happens When you Give up Sugar

By Ashley Chapman 

You may not realize this but sugar is in almost everything that you eat. From juices to pasta sauces, it may feel impossible to avoid sugar on a daily basis. However, it is important to be aware of the amount of sugar that you eat as it can lead to unhealthy living habits. Read more to find out what happens when you give up sugar and healthy alternatives.

Consequences of Excessive Sugar

When it comes to eating sugar in large quantities, it is vital to know what may happen to your body if you do not cut back.

One health concern could be weight gain.  If you are eating an excessive amount of sugar throughout the day and your body does not use it, it ends up being stored as fat. Depending on how active you are, the amount of sugar you take in may not be visible with your weight, but it could show up elsewhere.

Diabetes is a serious health condition that influences how your body regulates blood sugar. The onset of diabetes is caused by diets that are high in trans-fat, saturated fat and sugar. Avoiding these types of foods can help prevent developing diabetes.

Other health concerns may include risk of heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure.

Initial Sides Effects

If you are planning to give up sugar, be aware that you may experience side effects. One of the main reasons you may experience side effects is because your body is no longer getting a substance that it is used to.

The following are some possible side effects of eliminating sugar from your diet:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Loss of sleep

How to Avoid Sugar

The first step in eliminating sugar in your diet is to read nutrition labels before buying groceries. There are foods that have added sugar and foods that are naturally sweet.  Some common foods that have added sugar include candy, cookies, sports drinks and juices.

Healthy Alternatives 

If you cook or bake, it is good to know alternatives to using sugar that you can use. One healthy alternative is stevia.  This can be found in both powder and liquid form. This sugar alternative has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels.

Another sugar alternative you can use is xylitol.  This sugar alternative is made from corn or birch wood. It has lower calories than sugar, so it does not raise blood sugar.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Jacksonville, Fla.