What are the Symptoms of Sugar Withdrawal?

Sugar withdrawal is absolutely no joke.

I'm 20 and realized I was addicted to it when I was still young, but due to unhelpful parents and ignorance on my part, I could never really do anything about it. Frequent diets would only end up in binges since I never targeted all sugar itself and would eat mainly 'hidden' sugar, which would then lead me to terrible overeating and years of suffering.

Right now I'm on day 10 of sugar withdrawal. It feels like a lot longer. But it's also the longest I've gone without bingeing in my whole life. This is a painful diet - especially emotionally - but now for the first time I feel like I can satisfy myself without eating 5000cal or more per day (85 percent of it sugar). My body is learning once again how to work with the proper amount of the proper fuel. Because of that, the cravings are way more controllable.

That's not to say I almost didn't give up a couple of times.

Week 1 was mainly physical hell - no headaches, but extremely strong flu like symptoms. I couldn't get out of bed on days 3 and 4, and everything that was already wrong with me (back weakness, sciatica, asthma) seemed to get 10x worse. I considered going to the hospital, but after day 7, things started to get better body wise.

However that's when the mental aspects of it attacked me. I think the most difficult thing about being without sugar is the emotional dependence (I've come to realize that I truly don't know how to be happy without it) and the avoidance of a lot of socialization (I also don't know how to spend my time when I'm not eating it). All of my hobbies included sugar: watching TV shows without it feels boring, going to parties and not drinking feels like a punishment. Facing this reality was extremely alarming to me; time passes by slowly and I've come to face one the biggest difficulties of my life just by cutting off something that most people consider normal.

I've used many drugs, some with frequency. Nothing is quite like sugar, so legalized, so inside our society and taken as not only acceptable but also needed to live around it (won't you drink with us? won't you grab a bite? no pizza night?). Even so, that's also what motivates me to keep going. My brain and body truly need to learn how get by and have a decent life without thinking about food sugar all the time. This is an addiction that needs to go away.

I have finally realized that I am a sugar and carb addict. That is not an exaggeration. Sugar and most carbs are like drugs in my body. I am abstaining from sugar (including fruits), grains, and root vegetables. Six days so far. I feel much more even keeled, but have had bouts of feeling anxious, fidgety and tired. Thinking of sugar and carbs as poison and/or drugs in my body makes it much easier to stay away from them. I'd stay away from artificial sweeteners, especially if you're diabetic or pre-diabetic. Not only are artificial sweeteners full of questionable chemicals, but your body doesn't know the difference between real sugar and artificial sweeteners and initiates an insulin response with either.

I don't understand why all of you are quitting cold turkey. Unless you're in the midst of an immediate health crisis, it makes far more sense to cut back very gradually. That way, the candida die off slower and your body's biochemistry readjusts more quickly.

Yes, sugar is terrible for you, but it's not heroin. Wean, people! What is this? The Suffering Olympics? Good grief. Unless you just want to suffer, figure out a plan to slowly cut back and gradually change your diet over time. You'll be more likely to stick with it than this cold turkey nonsense.

Hello Sugar-Free Folk, I'm on day 8 of a sugar detox with no added sugar of any kind, and only half a piece of fruit per day eaten with a protein for slower-delivery into the blood.

It's such an interesting experience. It feels like I'm an onion being peeled back in layers, as I experience different sensations as time goes on.

For the first few days, I had migraines, a deep yearning and metaphysical aching that is never satiated (that feeling is just fascinating), anger, irritability, sorrow, negativity. The next phase was exhaustion, falling into a deep heavy sleep about 4 p.m. each day, and feeling weak and finding my normal hour-long walk much harder. (Perhaps the muscles are slow to convert over from using sugars to using the stored fat. My body is straining to find its new supply of energy.)

On day 3, I started to get vivid nightmares like I had when I was a child. Now on day 7 and 8, and I am experiencing deep aches and pains. I understand sugar is an opioid, and perhaps without it deadening my nerve feelings, I am now experiencing sensations in parts of my body I don't normally feel. (Those withdrawing from heroin often describe, this though more heightened.) This is deeply uncomfortable, and so I practice presence and experience all these sensations objectively. I know eating sugar has been all about avoiding such uncomfortable experiences, and I don't want to be that way anymore.

But even so, I am starting to feel better in other ways. I am waking up clearer, with no film in my mouth or in my eyes. My mood is getting more elevated, and I am feeling more positive, happy and clear. I am feeling more grateful for my life. Able to be kinder to people. My sense of taste is coming alive. Things taste so rich and sweet that have seemed bland before. And I feel full having eaten much less food, and don't crave sugar at all in a physical sense. (Though I am still craving it in a mental, emotional sense. And I am curious how long this will go on.)

This is incredibly exciting to me. Since I have been addicted, and suffering with depression, bingeing and much weight since my adolescence. Who knows what giving up sugar will change? Better relationships, more motivation to do my art and explore the world, and clarity at last, instead of fog. This can only be a good thing, all of it. Even the pain of detox has something to teach.

I am clearer than ever that sugar is a heavily addictive drug, that sugar stops me from ever feeling full, and makes me overeat; that it is an emotional crutch that stops me from growing and really knowing myself; that it was a great coping strategy once, but now I really truly don't need it. I can actually handle this current pain, and my feelings generally and feel good all by myself.

If I can quit, me, the sugar binge queen, then so can you!

My doctor told me I had a candy coated liver. Sugar was damaging it. He said he didn't care if I lost weight (which I need to do). It has affected my blood platelet count which both of these could lead to a serious condition. I had to ask myself if that cupcake was worth possibly having Leukemia one day. I have to ask myself that several times a day. He just wants me to be healthy. Cut out all sugar. I asked if I needed to follow a diabetic meal plan. He told me no, but to try Atkins. So for a week I have been trying to follow it. Not really counting carbs, but I know I need to eat less than 20 net grams. It hasn't been that hard. I've lost a couple of pounds. Today I feel bad. Headache, couldn't sleep last night, just blah. Thus the reason for coming to this site. I do have a little sugar in my coffee. I've swapped flavored carbonated water for my soda. Living on protein and veggies mainly. I can do this.

I quit sugar 21 days ago and have lost five pounds, but I really did it more for heart health benefit, etc. Try to eat non processed foods. I won't say I feel 'great' yet but am sticking with this because I have an eating disorder and have managed to get into a eating pattern now of three times per day with fruit in between. When I think of sugar now I don't think I will relapse but I know I will always have to be careful. You can train yourself to get away from sugar!

My God, am I glad to see this. My friends look at me like I'm crazy when I say I'm a sugar addict. (I am naturally blessed with a good metabolism so I have never been overweight more than a bit chubby). I am on day five of cold turkey, although I am eating fruit- kind of like a paleo thing.

I also have terrible stomach cramps, bloating, I had headaches yesterday, and I never ever get headaches! Also had flu like symptoms yesterday, including nausea and I think perhaps a little bit of a temperature. Insane. Just sugar. But my energy levels are fine and I sleep a lot anyway so that hasn't changed. If anything, I get depressed and 'hungover' when I go on a sugar binge, so I feel better in that sense.

Well, I am doing this for 30 days and I'm hoping that I won't fall right back off the wagon. I have quit drinking and smoking over the last three years and that was easy compared to this.

I am into my third week of no sugar and have not lost one ounce of weight, which is most disappointing. Also I feel terribly tired and depressed. All I can think of is food and my next meal. I feel like packing it all in if there is no result soon.

I just posted before - I forgot to say that two supplements helped me enormously: Chromium for stabilizing blood sugars; and magnesium, for relieving night cramps (you can also get magnesium from pumpkin seeds, and cashews I think). If you are already taking iron pills you might want to take them at the other end of the day as they may inhibit the others' absorption. Of course you could probably get these metals homeopathically etc as well. Chromium is fantastic!

Anon963916: Fruit does have a lot of sugar but it also has a lot of nutrients, vitamins etc, I don't eat it because it still spikes my blood-sugars, but if I were you, I would ask my doctor. Good luck with your operation.

It's been about six months since I've had any sugar - no fruit, and only low glycemic-load food. I had to because I was blacking out from a heart condition exacerbated by high blood sugar spikes, so the incentive was very strong, making it much easier for me than for those who do it by choice.

I have to say I feel amazing. I look younger, weight has steadily been falling off me and my hair and skin are glowing. I was looking very tired and shabby beforehand, but now I almost don't recognize this healthy, vital me. And my mental focus is strong.

I went through a six week physical-depression at first. I couldn't think and I had utterly no energy, but it passed. It might have also helped that I don't watch TV so there were no tempting ads.

Probably the thing I did that was most helpful to get past the cravings was to make sure I was always topped up with fresh protein - heaps of chicken, and an egg/lentil/veggie omelette is a quick goody. I always have nuts on hand ( I have lost at least 10kg so they can't be that fattening!), and quinoa for breakfast.

Good on you guys for giving it a go, it really is a strong drug that has been deeply embedded in our culture all our lives. Really, I'd just like to say that it can be overcome, and the results are amazing on many levels.

It's Day 1 for me for eliminating sugar from my diet. This was not really my choice. I will be having open-heart surgery in about a month and my doctor said I must stop all sugar intake now. He also wants me to lose a few pounds so that I'm in good shape going into the surgery. (I need to lose weight anyway.) I have a huge sweet tooth and crave chocolate all the time. I've been replacing dinner with a dessert every day for a few years now. This surgery is probably the only situation that would motivate me to try to give up sugar completely.

So far only irritability, fatigue, depression, and sweet cravings, but all of those could be due to my finding out this week about the surgery. Reading about all of your voluntary (brave people!) diet changes and struggles with withdrawal side effects hikes my anxiety up another few notches, and it was already pretty high. This seems like a very bad time to be giving up what I gain pleasure and comfort from, not to mention going through a bad withdrawal, but of course I understand the urgent need.

Unfortunately, for the next three months I also have to give up prescription infusions of a drug that controls my arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis) pain about two-thirds of the time. So I can look forward to simultaneous sugar withdrawal, fierce joint pain all over my body, and a scary surgery with a painful recovery over the next few months.

Anyway, I am seeking a way to have a bit of sweet without sugar. I don't trust artificial sweeteners, so this may be a pipe dream. I am allowed to have fresh fruit. Any ideas, anyone?

I am on day three of no sugar. I am also a recovering addict from drugs and alcohol and also have stopped nicotine. I thought I had fought all the possible addictions and now the sugar addiction has reared its ugly head. I feel nauseated and have a terrible headache and I am so tired! Who would have thought sugar would have this effect? It's pure poison! To think it is in almost every food in the supermarket is horrifying. I will beat this just like I did the others.

Well done to all of you who have had long clean time and also to those like me in the beginning, we will get through this and I look forward to the journey of feeling good again!

I have recently stopped eating all sugars. Previously, it was not unusual for me to eat a king-size bar of chocolate following takeaways with wine three or four nights a week, and I could demolish a packet of biscuits in one sitting by myself, the thought of a day without sugar would make me incredibly anxious.

However, for the last 17 days, I have been eating only meat, nuts, eggs, and vegetables (no fruit or dairy). My experience with sugar withdrawal has been: (days 1-14) I experienced headaches, insomnia, vivid crazy dreams, heart palpations and fluttering immediately followed by dizziness and one blackout (this blackout may not be normal as I have a history of arrhythmia and entopic heart beats and was doing yoga at the time); (day 15) no more insomnia, headaches or dizziness; (day 16) no more heart fluttering or palpations, and increased strength and better breathing when exercising; (day 17) feeling like I have the energy I did when I was 17 years old, and realized I haven’t yawned during the day for ages.

How did I get through? I rested whenever I could (especially as soon as I felt dizzy) and I stopped any daily exercise until the dizziness went. I made sure I always had available raw veggies or nuts to quickly munch on if I got a craving. Some veggies are supposed to be high in sugar, but if they are eaten raw, their high fiber offsets the sugar. I never denied myself fat, and when I got desperate I would eat bacon chopped up (recent research says the fat in bacon may actually be good for cholesterol) with bulgur wheat that was moistened with grape seed oil with freshly cracked pepper (good oils in the pepper corns) and celery, another fave was salmon and avocado with bulgur wheat.

Also, roasted kumara (sweet potato), courgettes and pumpkin were nice cold the next day for a quickly available snack, or to be made into an egg frittata. Another fave was chicken and vegetable soup/casserole (it’s winter where I am).

I've given up nicotine and caffeine, and giving up sugar may have had different symptoms but it definitely had the same intensity of withdrawal. By the way, apparently whiskey (straight) has no sugar (sugar in the process but not in the product), so a healthily regular shot of a nice, expensive whiskey is going to be my new vice to daydream about.

Good luck everyone. I recommend you focus on your body's reaction closely, research and weigh up findings on good nutrition and health, have snacks prepared, get routine tests done to make sure you heart is sound and your B12 and iron levels etc are at a good level to fight this. If you fail, then learn from it and try again. Be kind to yourself. Take care. P

I've come off sugar a couple of times before, once for at least two or three years.

I came off it again a few days ago. Immediately the cold and sore throat I had had for seven weeks which I was waiting to get better before I gave up sugar) went. Victory.

I have had to stop fruit for now, as well as nuts and raisins, as they are trigger foods for me. If I have those I eat 1,000 calories of them at time at once and not because I am hungry and they lead to the trip to the coffee shop for hot chocolate and chocolate (600 calories per trip).

So the worst thing now -- about day four -- is that after lunch I feel like a truck has hit me and I want to sleep and sleep and I do. I've slept for up to an hour at my desk, and feel better later. For me the hardest thing has always been not eating after a very big but healthy lunch (avocado, salmon, vegeables, spinach, peppers friend in olive oil - my staple lunch) until dinner time. Getting that break between lunch and dinner is the hardest thing of all and when I have the urge to go to the coffee shop. Apart from that trip to the coffee shop, I have not had non paleo foods for about six years so I'm not unhealthy, but put on 20 pounds and the reintroduction of chocolate has been awful for my health.

I am hoping the feeling of being tired all afternoon will wear off soon.

I just noticed talk about Stevia as a smart replacement for sugar. I haven't spoken to my doctor yet, but I just read that Stevia can be dangerous if you're taking drugs for either diabetes or high blood pressure. I'm taking both so I'm avoiding it until I get an all clear.

But I need to ask if anyone knows if stopping sugar will disrupt sleep patterns. Three weeks ago I stopped smoking (cigars) and stopped eating candy/cookies/sweets. I figured if I had to do one I might as well tackle both together. And it's worked out amazingly well so far -- except for the last four nights. I've been waking up at 6:30 a.m. and cannot for the life of me fall asleep again. That might not sound so bad except that I work until 2:30 every night and don't get to bed until 3 or 4.

I feel like a zombie. And I also have a low-level but constant headache, but no idea if that's from the sugar having been 86'ed from my diet or the lack of sleep.

So does anyone know with some certainty whether cutting sugar might cause me to wake up after only three or four hours of sleep? Before this I could sleep through an earthquake.

Thanks in advance.

Sugar is poison. I'm on day four. I'd given up simple carbs (white breads/ pastas) a year ago and it was easy and I was doing great. I decided to give up sugar recently because diabetes and pot bellies run in the family. I also would like to avoid cancer. I watched "Sugar: the Bitter Truth" and started paying really close attention to food labels. Sugar is everywhere.

On the third day in, I found myself eating pasta which sat on the shelf untouched for a year. I threw out the box, realizing it was a way for sugar to sneak back into my life.

What has helped this time around to get to a fourth day without buying cookies or candy bars is repeating to myself "sugar is poison, sugar is poison" every time I pass a temptation and begin thinking about "indulging". "Indulging" is a nice way to say that you're breaking your own trust. Now I am training myself to realize eating sugar is killing myself, which it is.

Instead of thinking how happy I will be to eat a Nut Roll or a Little Debbie, I imagine myself dying and how sad my friends and family will be. They do not want me to die and neither do I.

Interrupting those thoughts of eating sugary foods with "sugar is poison, sugar is poison" really helps me frame this battle as one I must win.

We are all different. As for myself who has been eating chocolate since being a baby; I worked out the amount of sugar per week in chocolate I was consuming was around 200 teaspoons. I gave up a month ago tomorrow. I now only eat natural chocolate which I make myself.

The withdrawals have been dreadful, to say the least. I'm still not out of it after all this time. I am not craving sugar but having terrible head pains, no energy, exhausted, etc. I guess it may take up to three months before I see the results due to eating chocolates daily for 57 years.

For those of you who mentioned you miss sugar in your drinks, buy Stevia drops or powder. It's 300 times sweeter than sugar but it's made from leaves which are extremely good for your health.

For those of you who have sugar cravings, I know how bad this can get. I used to wake my brother up in the middle of the night to drive to a service station to buy a Mars bar. Many years ago when I was a nurse and should have known better, I ate 104 Cadbury creme eggs in three days -- the standard size, not the smaller ones you can now buy. I've been there.

Sugar feeds cancer and infections, therefore it is very important to control how much you have in your diet. If you can live on natural sugar from fruits alone and honey, that would be much healthier.

Good luck to everyone who is trying to give this addictive substance up and like someone already mentioned, it is better to give it up gradually.

We are all different. As for myself who has been eating chocolate since being a baby; I worked out the amount of sugar per week in chocolate I was consuming was around 200 teaspoon. I gave up a month ago tomorrow. I now only eat natural chocolate which I make myself.

The withdrawals have been dreadful to say the least. I'm still not out of it after all this time. I am not craving sugar but having terrible head pains, no energy, exhausted, etc I guess it may take up to 3 months before I see the results due to eating chocolates daily for 57 years.

For those of you who mentioned you miss sugar in your drinks, buy STEVIA drops or powder. It's 300 times sweeter than sugar but it's made from leaves which are extremely good for your health.

For those of you who have sugar cravings, I know how bad this can get. I used to wake my brother up in the middle of the night to drive to a service station to bar a mars. Many years ago when I was a nurse and should have known better, I ate 104 cadbury creme eggs in 3 days; the standard size, not the smaller ones you can now buy. I've been there.

Sugar feeds cancer and infections, therefore it is very important to control how much you have in your diet. If you can live on natural sugar from fruits alone and honey, that would be much healthier.

Good luck to everyone who is trying to give this addictive substance up and like someone already mentioned, it is better to give it up gradually.

Kind regards, Anna Maria

I have been addicted to sugar probably since childhood. If you crave sugar/bread, have digestive problems, chronic sinus infection/yeast infections/U.T.I.'s, are tired/cranky most of the time and have used antibiotics or birth control pills in your past, you probably have candida overgrowth.

I think a lot of what people are experiencing isn't just withdrawals, but also symptoms of candida die-off. I gave up sugar four days ago and have also experienced a headache, brain fog, tiredness, weakness, and problems sleeping, although I can tell my blood sugar yo-yoing has gotten much better. I don't feel crazy when I am hungry. My skin looks so much better and my jeans are already feeling looser.

The sugar cravings haven't been that bad (I am so fed up with the sugar addiction that I am giving it up come hell or high water!) I just really miss sugar in my coffee. Also, I really don't advise replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners. You are not a lab rat. All of them (except stevia) are chemicals that are most likely hormone-disruptive and quite possibly carcinogenic. Not to mention they cause more sugar cravings from messing up your insulin levels. Just go natural and your taste buds and cravings will adjust to good, wholesome food. You probably are OK to have two servings of fruit a day to help. The fructose in fruit is digested much differently than table sugar; it doesn't spike you blood sugar or tax your liver that way high fructose corn syrup or table sugar do.

Lastly, if you want to improve your health and lose weight you also ought to give up all things wheat. Even whole wheat products. The glycemic index is appalling. Basically, a couple slices of whole wheat bread are the equivalent of a candy bar. Best wishes, all!

A few years ago I started having stomach and bowel issues. After going to see the doctor, he said IBS. So I've spent a huge amount of time and 'trying' things out with no great success. Anyway, I started thinking and realized I have been consuming lots of sugar, sweet tea, fizzy drinks, chocolate bars, donuts, etc., so I decided to stop eating sugar.

I've totally quit fizzy drinks, chocolate, cookies etc.

Anyway, 11 days on and Jesus -- the headaches, fatigue and brain fog are intense. Things have gotten better, though. On Saturday morning I woke up for the first time in years with a fairly clear head, my stomach has calmed, my stools have improved, my stomach isn't making weird noises after eating, I'm not craving sugar or fast food...

I have still got a long way to go, but reading all your posts and information here is very helpful. Good luck and keep at it!

Has anyone experienced high energy, good health and overall feeling of well-being on a low sugar or zero sugar diet over a longer term like five years or so? Is this another fad? Is this part of the belief that something good comes via extended suffering? What if that suffering is so much, it actually makes a person worse off than before, opening up new unknown hells?

I am also so happy for this Site. Im not feeling well at all, day 3 on the Atkins Approach Diet and Wondering why I am feeling like this. I assumed its extreme withdrawals to Carbs! I was right! Ive never thought id enjoy drinking water but i can't get enough! I am extremely nauseated and foggy head feeling for sure. I am excited for this phase to pass...It blows me away at how addicted I really was to sugar. Ive been clean and sober for a year and this is like withdrawing from a drug or alcohol, its crazy. Its good to know drugs and alcohol aren't the only things we get addicted too! Who would have seen sugar as a threat?! Well now I know, thank you all for the support and Im going to keep on keeping on. Ive been emotional as well. Its awesome that We are doing this to better ourselves and not mask emotional pain in eating sugary foods! I am happy and God Bless each and everyone one of us!

I am so proud of all of you and it will get better!

When I started a highly decreased sugar food plan (when your diet goes from almost 80 percent carbs to 20 percent. It’s a huge difference to your body), I went through terrible withdrawal symptoms and moodiness the first couple of days, but once that subsides you will never want to look back at those carb-binging days. Your quality of life just gets so much better.

The program I did didn't completely cut sugar, yet I lost 30 pounds and stayed there for months. Now I'm on a diet that does cut the sugar completely out (except for some fruits and low-glycemic foods) and I’m getting headaches again, but I slept so well last night and I'm getting more nutrients with the good foods that I can eat. Just keep going! It’s worth it!

I'm on day four and I felt so great up until last night. I couldn't sleep and my heart was racing and this morning I felt nauseous and light-headed and vomited. I feel much better after I vomited but I still feel like I have little energy.

I used to have a lot of sugar every day -- in my Starbuck's fancy coffee/latte and my muffin and an afternoon chocolate bar or something and an evening hot chocolate or ice cream. I was a serious addict. I'm not craving sugar at all right now but these symptoms are awful. It's good to know they will eventually pass and other people are dealing with the same thing.

I am worried though, that it will take just one holiday cookie or goodie to make me crave sugar again. It will be so hard around Christmas with all the cookies and baked goods around. I am not looking forward to that!

It's been two weeks and I feel like crap. I have a little sugar with my coffee in the morning and that's it. I am thinking I'm going to have to go 100 percent off of sugar for it to work. The posts here are extremely helpful.

So it's not just me, then? I could inhale a giant bar of chocolate a day and not blink an eyelash. I wondered why I was gaining a kilo a month even though I live on chocolate and one large meal a day. I didn't eat much. It wasn't until I wised up and read the food stats on the wrapper. Each bar of chocolate contained 100g of fat! That's five times the fat I should be consuming each day wasted just on chocolate alone, not to mention the additional food that I was eating. That's how I was sneaking on the weight so it wasn't worth it anymore. Getting fatter, losing my mobility and quality of life in the process.

This is my second day without sugar, and I had such a bad headache that I even had the headache in my dream! That's how bad it was. My temper was hair trigger so I know it's the withdrawal symptoms. I even ate more to try to curb the withdrawal symptoms which didn't help. My stubborn body wanted chocolate and nothing would suffice.

So, I'm drinking more water, eating more fruit and making better food choices. I want to lose weight, get healthy and not let my sugar addiction control me. The last time I quit sugar for a month my head cleared. I couldn't believe it; eating sugar makes my brain feel as though it's weighed down with lead and the sad thing is that I was so addicted to sugar that I tolerated that feeling and it became normal to me. No more. I want a clear head so I can have more energy and not be a slave to my sugar addiction. Things will get better, so hang in there everyone. It's worth it.

This is the second time I have quit sugar. The first time lasted only two months, but then there were four birthdays in a row and too much cake. I know this time I am to blame and am OK with that.

The mood swings started on day two, I have had a headache for three days, have not slept properly for two nights, and the brain fog/lack of function feels like I am hung over.

I have been off alcohol for over a year now, I quit smoking nine months ago and cannot have fructose anyway. So, as I know I am in for a rough couple of weeks, I know that when it is over I will have so much energy, will stop craving sugar/replacing it with salty foods, be able to think clearly and continue on my quest to be a healthier me.

I think it is about time that food labeling laws incorporate fructose and glucose levels on packaging as glucose and fructose, like lactose are all sugars and with that knowledge perhaps we would all be better equipped to deal with it and the awful withdrawal.

I'm on day four. My body told me I was going to die a couple of times the last few days. It got scared it wasn't getting what it needed or something. I'm doing well. Still having lapses in mood and things and a couple of big cravings today. I'm eating some fruit for sugar and needing massive amounts of water.

I have read through all these posts and all I feel is relief! I stopped sugar five short days ago and have felt terrible. I didn't drink alcohol or smoke, but this felt like severe withdrawal to me. I've had stomach cramps, foggy head, mood swings, extreme lethargy (as in want to put my head on the desk and fall asleep) - tonight I have had to lie down for two hours with cramps - they have thankfully eased now. I took some chromium and have been drinking lots of water. I am not going to give up. If I feel this bad, then it proves that I am doing the right thing to get rid of it. I just hope the withdrawal phase passes soon! Good luck everyone

I cut way down on my sugar intake (compared to a few years ago anyway.) Here are the pros:

Healthy teeth! Not one cavity! More energy, lots of it they'll think you're hyper. I think most people don't realize just how bad sugar, white bread and processed foods are for them. I went and ate a McDonald's burger, felt tired and it gave my stomach "issues"

I still love sugar in my coffee though. Keep at it. It's worth it!

Thank you so much everyone. I'm on day two and thought I was totally 'losing it'. Felt so bad wondered if I should go off to the hospital to see if I had some major problem - headaches, dizzy, spacey, aches and pains, weakness, extremely anxious, palpitations the works. I feel so much better knowing you're out there suffering with me! Good luck all, hope you're all feeling better soon, me included!

It's been really good to find this website. I'm on day four of giving up sugar and sweetener and feel just like the people on here say: headaches, nausea, shaky, fuzzy and dog tired. I've been overweight and addicted to sugar all my life and I think the modern day sweeteners only make things worse.

In 36 years of dieting, I've managed to end up 35 pounds heavier than when I started and I think this is all down to sugar, so I'm hoping to lose some weight just by cutting out sugar.

I'm not an overeater and I don't binge on savoury snacks. I've already lost 1kg (that's 2.2 pounds to you Americans) and oddly enough, I'm not really craving sugar; the tiredness is the worst. I'm just waiting to feel well and full of energy. I hope it doesn't take too long!

I'm on day three at the moment. I've cut out caffeine, alcohol and all sugars apart from fruit.

The last few days have been tough, especially day one. I had intense cravings for all things bad and driving past McDonald's was a complete nightmare. I had intense headaches and no energy in the late afternoon, but managed to get some exercise in before that hit me. I spent most of day two in bed suffering from massive fatigue, cravings and headaches once again.

Today I feel slightly better. I'm going to head to the gym soon to try and release some endorphins. I spent the morning watching a documentary online called "Sugar: The Bitter Truth." If you haven't seen it, I recommend watching it. It gave me some much needed motivation to stay away from sugar.

I just want to say thanks to all who have posted on here. It's good to know what I'm experiencing is real and will come to an end. --Dave

Day 2: headache, nausea, tired.

It's great. Everyone is posting saying that they feel dizzy, nauseated, etc., also. But, when does it go away? When does the dizziness subside? Help please!

I quit coffee, diet soda and refined sugar all at once. I had really bad withdrawal symptoms. I quit on Tuesday and called in to work sick on Friday. Friday ended up being not such a bad day, but after three days of feeling awful I needed a break. I did take some pain reliever with a bit of caffeine in it and that help me cope the first two days. I do think caffeine increases my craving for sugar as I have been coping pretty well without the sugar. I have been drinking a ton of water.

After five days, I'm feeling a bit better, but expect the next week to also feel the effects. I've been completely off of refined sugar, caffeine and sugar substitutes before and I remember after about 25 days I felt this surge of energy and really felt great. I'm eating fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole wheat bread and lots of water.

I came off sugar a few years ago, felt great and am trying again now. I did it gradually. I cut it down to only immediately after lunch (chocolate 500 calories).

I am nearly 48 hours into giving up that one daily sugar hit (I have no other sugar) and it is like I have been hit by a ton of bricks. I slept in the afternoon yesterday. I slept for hours last night.

I woke (day 2) feeling tired. I keep crying - so obviously, I have very low beta endorphin levels. If it feels this bad what is the point I am thinking but will keep at it.

I am on Day 7, and I want to say, keep faith, stay strong, see this through.

I definitely took an extreme no-sugar approach and am going to stick it through for 30 days to cleanse my system before slowly and gradually re-introducing some natural sugars (e.g. the occasional fruit).

To give you some idea of what I used to eat, and what I eat now.

I used to eat chocolate, candy, cake, brownies, cookies, ice cream, candy, chips, buttery popcorn. I'd drink really thick fruit juices, slurpees from 7-11, milkshakes, soda, and I regularly drank 10 liters of milk per week.

On my new meal plan, I have zero simple sugars. I literally haven't touched a single one of those other items in seven days. My diet is six small meals a day, balanced with fibrous carbs (green vegetables), complex carbs (rice, quinoa, organic shredded wheat), protein (chicken, salmon, nuts), and essential fatty acids (nuts, Udo's oil). All I drink is water.

I started the meal plan seven days ago weighing 257.0 lbs (but I'm a 6"4 guy so I am just built like a linebacker). Today, one week later, I weigh 244.2 lbs.

The fatigue is starting to pass, the headaches have become less severe, the cloudiness is turning into clarity, the cravings are subsiding, the nausea is fading, and I see myself thinning out.

One thing I'm wondering: is that healthy weight loss for a seven-day period? I feel like the answer is "probably not", but I am still eating a lot. I make my meals the night before, and I usually can't eat all of the food I've prepared the next day because I just feel "full".

Anyway, as you can see, I've made a pretty drastic change from a high-sugar diet to a zero simple sugar diet (no fruit, no milk, no fruit juice, etc.) and I am on day seven and still going strong. Stick it out, guys.

One of the keys to success is not telling yourself, "oh I'll never have sugar again". Personally, before I started this plan, I bought four boxes of cookies and they have been sitting in my cupboards ever since. I haven't had a single cookie, but it's nice to know that at any given time, I can have one or two if I really want one. And it's nice to know that once I get a regimented workout routine going, regular exercise, and an otherwise healthy/clean diet, I can gradually re-introduce healthy sugars (so it doesn't seem as doom and gloom as "no more sugars forever").

Stay strong, guys! Tell yourselves you'll stick it out for 30 days and then go from there!

Day 6: No real cravings, but headache late afternoon. Joint pains and body aches. Anxiety and irritability. Work is worse when the anxiety hits.

Day 7: Craving was worse last night, just because with the weekend comes free time, and usually snacks.

Fewer headaches -- none today, so far.

I'm so glad I found this blog post, and everyone's responses.

I am at the end of Day 5. I cut all junk food. I've kept eating cereal (with medium levels of sugar), fruit (which I'm still researching as far as its sugar content since it's not "added sugar"). Overall, I'm trying to stick to the recommended 24g of sugar/day.

I was fine the first day or two, with just some headaches, which I attributed to exhaustion. The third day was horrible. I almost went to the hospital.

On the third day, I experienced: dizziness, terrible headaches, swelling of the face and limbs, and joint pains. I had back aches that would move from my lower back, to shoulders and neck, and all along to the point I thought I had sciatica.

Day four did not get any better, I felt pain that would move from all over my body. I felt very dizzy and the headache. There was a time during the day when I wondered if I had had a heart attack and didn't notice it because I felt pain all along the right side of my body.

Day five has been less painful, but I noticed my legs were swollen. Also, this headache just comes and stays.

My concentration has also been affected, as well as my memory.

I'm really looking forward to feeling better, but I mostly never want to go back to feeling this way again, so I sincerely hope not to go back to eating sugar like before.

Thank you all for your posts! I seriously was going nuts wondering what was going on with my body until I read everyone's experiences here.

Wish I had a sugar-free buddy to deal with this with me! Has anyone who previously posted survived this? I quit sugar five days ago. I pity anyone who has to be near me. I must quit due to candida -- yeast issues.

I do not recall quitting smoking as being this difficult. It is day two and I have all the symptoms listed. The depression/anxiety is not nice. Had been so grateful, for years, of discovering how to make and consume small amounts of kombucha at home and the peace of mind it brings so I know this is a temporary downer disturbance. The nausea may be from trying to consume coconut oil. It's a nice replacement. Water addiction will have to take me through this.

I'm wondering if perhaps the sugar in my coffee was especially activated by the caffeine. Many drugs depend on this type of catalyst action. I am indulging in extra cream in my coffee to distract me. I very much appreciate all who post here and even attempt this. Time for another good cry but with renewed hope for the light on the other side of the sugar bowl.

This website has helped me. I had no clue why I was feeling sick with a headache, dizzy, nauseated, moody, and emotional. I have been in the process of getting off everything with corn for the past month. I have not eaten as much sugar as I usually do lately. I know I am having a hard time not craving cookies, cakes, and chocolate. I am addicted to chocolate.

I stopped eating everything that contains refined sugar like cookies, cakes etc. However, I still eat fruit. I really don't think eating fruit is the problem since it's natural for us.

Today, I've been feeling a bit dizzy. I guess it might be because of this.

After removing sugar entirely, I had one sleepless night (second day) and one terrible day of headaches (fifth day). I am not quitting any other carbohydrates and I feel very well and I am losing weight -- 200 grams per day. I eat plenty of other carbs like potatoes, never going hungry and I have more energy than ever.

I started spontaneously to exercise much more. Up until now I have been forcing myself to go to the swimming pool and to swim even 30 minutes, but after quitting fructose and sucrose, I swam spontaneously and very vigorously for 1.5 hours. The last time I did that was 15 years ago when I was 25. After that day when I lost 1 kg of weight (scary) I had the terrible headache. I think it may be caused by depletion of carbohydrates in the blood. Brain needs them as fuel and it takes time to change the metabolism. So I speculate that a headache can be a sign that the brain is starving and some cells may be even dying (can be also caused by dehydration or toxins from burned fat).

If I am right, then a headache and quitting suddenly from all carbs to all fat in a very short time can be a bad thing and unnecessary, but I am not a pro. Also, if this is true - then eating coconut oil, which nourishes the brain directly, should help to get rid of headaches. I can't check it because I don't have the headache anymore for now (but this is my seventh day after quitting sugar).

So I decided to quit sugar suddenly and entirely. After some time and after some stabilization, I can decide to gradually decrease other carbohydrates if necessary. The scientist Richard Johnson who studies the effects of fructose on rats says that to stop obesity, fatty liver and so on, it is not necessary to quit other carbohydrates than fructose.

Perhaps if you already have diabetes II, it is good to lower other carbohydrates as well, and try not to have too many insulin spikes, but I don’t know. Even though I would remove other carbs gradually, you cannot remove them entirely for long, anyway. He says one should quit fructose and sucrose entirely for two weeks so the fructose metabolism “resets itself” to what normal people have. Otherwise, you are somewhat sensitive to fructose. After that, you can eat small amounts from time to time with effects on the body like healthy people have.

At the beginning I had terrible cravings for sugar. My method for dealing with it was to take some glucose (dextrose) on the tip of a teaspoon and keep it in the mouth for about 30-60 seconds and spit out the rest. (Wash the teeth afterwards or flush with baking soda some minutes after that to prevent decay). Glucose instantly goes to the blood this way and unlike fructose does, it elicits the insulin response so the craving disappears quickly and entirely in my case. And glucose is always in the blood (about 2 tablespoons all the time in the blood) and is not toxic like fructose/sucrose which we are primarily getting rid of.

After two or three days of taking glucose, I can now go without it. The craving is much milder, so you can easily go over it. If you had most calories from the sugar, you may want to reconsider if a sudden switch to a no-carbs diet is good for you. I really doubt it. I would even temporarily increase other starch type carbohydrates so you have energy to exercise and feel well, because losing weight without exercise is not healthy. It eats away your muscles, and it is not optimal for many people to starve your body and feel lousy for weeks.

You may go from one problem to another this way. For instance, I know a girl who started losing hair. So think for yourself and good luck with quitting sugar, because this can be the biggest positive change for your health for years.

I am very happy I found this site. I eliminated sugar four days ago. I have not had a drink or drug in 6.5 years, but I have become addicted to sugar. Yesterday was day three and I was having flu like symptoms, nausea, tired, aches, was cranky and dizzy. Also today I did not get up to go to work because all the above symptoms still present, plus I'm feeling depressed. After reading this, it made me feel better that when eliminating sugar, these symptoms seem to be normal with many people. Thank you all for sharing!

I'm obsessed with chocolate! I'm talking a couple of bars a day, and if I didn't eat chocolate I'd munch on biscuit after biscuit after biscuit.

I'm not overweight, but I have recently looked at my diet and realized how appalling it is, so I decided to make an effort to eat better (and I was spending a lot of money on unnecessary chocolate binges).

Even though I've still been munching on a couple of biscuits, I've resisted chocolate completely over the past six days, swapping it for fruit, or just just not snacking at all.

By the second day, I had a splitting headache that hit me about 4 p.m., and again on Day three. By the time I leave the office, around 6 p.m., I feel like I'm starving. I've had the worst mood swings, I've been getting really down, angry and snapping at people. It was so bad that I thought I was having some sort of odd reaction to my brand of pill, as it feels like PMS on steroids which is quite disturbing.

But after finding this page, I think it's clear it's my body missing the sugar. I've heard of chocolate addiction, but I can't believe that cutting it out of your diet can be as drastic as giving up an actual drug. I want to carry on, but I can feel the cravings getting stronger. I think I might crack soon.

I'm on day 19 of no refined sugar or white flour and am feeling great! A little moody at times, and I have had some cravings over the last few days, but I try to think of sugar as a drug I'm addicted to and it helps.

The first two weeks, I was light headed and had a few occasions where I swear I thought I was going to pass out. I ate a piece of fruit, I was OK. I felt, and still feel on occasion, dehydrated. A few mornings, I woke up and my eyes were so dry, they hurt. My skin also got itchy and I had flu like body aches. I'm still suffering from early morning thirst and joint pain, but the benefits are huge.

I lost 24 inches off my body after the first 12 days. I have a ton of energy. I am saving money because I don't eat out. And my tastes are already changing in favor of vegetables. I tried an apple the other day - it was too sweet to eat.

Go no sugar or white flour! It's so freaking worth it.

I'm on day three of a no sugar diet. I've cut out everything that contains refined sugar like ice cream (I'm an ice cream monster), cookies, honey, juices... Right now, I'm in bed, can't keep my eyes open and just feel plain weird! I've always been in great shape with radiant skin, never drink alcohol nor coffee, exercise regularly, take vitamins, but I thought I'm way too dependent on sugar so I decided to quit it.

I know the fatigue, depression, headache, craving and mood swings are temporary, but I really do not wish to loose any weight. I will look like a walking skeleton. Is there any way to cut sugar and not lose weight? I still eat lots of fruits, carbs, veggies and dairy.

I just started reducing my sugar and carb intake. It's day three and I feel awful. I'm sweating, shaking, have anxiety, and rapid heart beat, but no cravings as such. I am trying my best to follow a high protein good fats diet with some fruit, so I'm not going completely cold turkey. I still feel terrible and need to know I am doing the right thing. Please can someone tell me, does it start to get better and when will I feel normal again as I'm quite scared.

I usually don't post comments on websites, but what the poster before me (anon241912) said cannot be left as is.

I would love to know where the poster got that idea about cancer. What he/she is describing is either an overreactive immune response (like allergies) or rejection from organ/blood transplants. Or maybe heating plastics. I'm hoping the poster was specifically referring to charring things to a crisp, which does release cancer causing agents, but really I don't get that impression.

Heating does denature enzymes and break apart complex molecules such as vitamins (and no, this does not happen at the same temperature for all of them), and in general, it is better to eat raw vegetables and fruit to get maximum nutrient intake, but it has nothing at all to do with cancer. In fact, there are foods such as tomatoes that are even more nutrient rich after heating.

Oh, and good luck finding non GMO soy! If you really want to be health-conscious, you shouldn't be eating tofu or any high soy products in general. Of course, I myself would never go that far. As long as you take everything in moderation and exercise a fair amount, there's no reason why you'd be less healthy than previous generations.

I have quit sugar and wheat many times over the years and I always used to get crazy mood swings, horrible headaches, cravings, etc. The last couple times I have tried to stop sugar consumption, I supplemented the loss of sugar with a high intake of healthy fats and proteins, especially in the morning because they turn into long lasting energy throughout the rest of the day. After trying this, I found that none of the side effects of cutting sugar out of the diet affected me. I also keep to alkaline rich foods.

Some healthy fat and protein rich foods include: first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil (use on salads), hemp seeds, avocados, cacao nibs, fish oil, non gmo soy lecithin, hard boiled organic free range eggs (only eat two yolks, max, per week because of high bad cholesterol content. The whites can be consumed all the time and are very high in protein), healthy raw nuts and seeds (sesame seeds are the most mineral and vitamin rich, but pumpkin seeds, walnuts and almonds are good as well), coconut oil/butter.

Also, a cooking tip: anything that is cooked higher than 40 degrees will mutate and will be recognized as a foreign particle in the body (the way cancer starts), so I would recommend keeping your diet as raw as possible for maximum mineral and vitamin intake. This will help the cravings because you will be giving your body everything it needs.

Good luck and remember: healthy fats and proteins are essential in the early part of the day as they take a longer time to process, but will give you long lasting energy throughout the day to avoid cravings for quick, fake energy (sugar rich foods).

Thanks everyone for taking the time to post your experiences! I am so glad to know that I am not going crazy nor have some weird disease process. I'll forge through the withdrawal symptoms, knowing they are temporary.

I've been "sugar-free" for years. I put that in quotes because every now and then I'll have a little sugar. Which leads to a little more. And then a piece of pie, and and and after about a week (like around the holidays) of indulging, I start getting irritable and moody. I know I've had enough sugar when I start getting bad anxiety. Then I think, OK, this has to stop.

When I stop the sugar, the first couple of days are horrible. I get so depressed. Like today. I spent most of the day crying. I know it's from the sugar withdrawals and I know it will pass. I just try hard to avoid alienating people by being mean or a pain in the neck. It really hurts me mentally more than anything else-- anxiety, depression, hopelessness, feeling that everything is impossible, doom and gloom.

I do get headaches, but I've found that half a banana helps without setting off a binge. I know from experience it will just take time to work it out of my system.

I started a detox yesterday because I was suffering symptoms similar to celiacs and lactose intolerance. I decided to cut out all sugars (except for a tiny bit of honey), processed and packaged foods, meat, dairy, gluten and caffeine.

I am finishing day two and I have a huge headache, neck pains, and I am having crazy hot flushes. Being a uni student, I was relying on short bursts of energy from refined sugars, empty carbs and caffeine. This is hard! But I am looking forward to my recovery. I have kept myself healthy with apples, oats, gluten free bread, soy, avocados, nuts, salmon and all great wholesome foods. I just need to tell my body to stop craving bad energies!

I have only been off (refined) sugars for a day, and even though I eat fruit to help with cravings, I have a massive headache, my eyesight is abnormal, and my mouth is dry. The reason I am trying to go off sugar and dairy is because I have moderately severe acne. I hope the symptoms improve soon!

I'm on day three of no refined sugars! My Gynecologist has told me to cut out all refined sugars in order for some vitamins she has given me to help my terrible PMT. Day one wasn't so bad. Day two was horrible. I felt disorientated, weak, starving, had a migraine (which continued all day and night and into day three) and I feel hungover. I keep having hot flashes and woke up many times in the night on day two due to hot sweats!

I cannot believe sugar withdrawal can make you feel so utterly like rubbish.

Day three (today) I have felt like I am going to pass out and have felt very upset and low, along with the completely debilitating fatigue! This is crazy. I just hope it's worth it in the end because nothing is worth feeling this bad, ever. I was a sweet addict before, eating chocolate every day, if not several times a day along with cakes etc. I am very slim and really hope I don't lose any weight because of going sugar free. My gyno did not mention how hard this would be.

@anon192572: Right on. We need some carbs and healthy fats in our diets. It's elementary. I know this because I actually saw an episode of "Bill Nye, the Science Guy" and he was talking about nerves in general, and the brain in particular. These are composed of about 90 percent fat, and we need some fat to keep our nerves healthy! So I learned something new from Bill Nye!

People need to remember that, when they cut something out of their diets, that they are replacing it with something healthy. You should analyze what you're eating after you cut something, and make sure you're getting enough protein, fiber, healthy fat, good, complex carbs, all that sort of thing. Our bodies weren't designed to run on a single fuel source. We are omnivores.

I happened to find this site because I was searching up some symptoms described by a few people here. I don't want to sound like a narc but you are hurting yourselves to the extreme by cutting out carbs. Our bodies use sugars for virtually every cellular process; that's why you feel horrible. You crave sugar because you actually need it. If you're looking to lose weight, try low-cal foods with moderate carb/sugar levels.

By the way, don't cut out all fat either! "Good cholesterol" is a must for everyone who is, well, alive. Good luck, guys.

I've been off of sugar for about five days now, and I feel terrible. Not too many headaches, but I'm constantly sleepy. Like, can't-keep-my-eyes-open-while-doing-important-tasks sleepy. I hope this ends soon. And for the record, I was a smoker for four years and I quit a month ago. I didn't have nearly as much trouble quitting smoking. After three days, the physical addiction was no more, and I only had to deal with occasional urges. Having stopped eating sugar, though, I just feel like crap 90 percent of the day.

Glad to see these posts! I am 16 5'5" and 134 lbs, and I know it sounds crazy but I decided to cut out sugar, and am eating very low carbs. I'm on day three and my mom is laughing at me because I'm craving everything!

But I chose to start this because my dad's side of the family has diabetes, and I don't want that.

So I started the diet, and I started losing weight, and I am very happy, but at the same time I'm always angry so I yell at my little brother for no reason, but he is understanding so he doesn't mind. Thank you so much. Now I know what's wrong with me!

Need help regarding quitting alcohol and other effects of sugar, like what may help withdrawal, what is wrong. I know this is not working. Body cannot accept food. Any help? I feel understanding types of sugars may help.

I am an alcoholic who has recently experienced complete elimination of alcohol with no other food. What is the best course of action? Do other forms of sugar help (i.e. chocolate/candy)? My body does not accept any other forms of food. I lost 17 pounds in four weeks. I Don't want to go through detox. I know I need to quit and don't need lectures. Thanks.

@anon182808: If you're feeling that hungry, I can almost guarantee you're not getting enough fat and/or protein in your diet. To eat a healthy diet, you need both. Obviously, go for healthy fats, like those found in olive oil or nuts, but also make sure your protein -- and fiber -- intake are adequate.

Don't try to eliminate *all* carbs from your diet. You need some carbs for energy.

Fat and protein take longer to digest and therefore, the body's hunger signal doesn't go off as quickly.

I'm on day nine of giving up sugar. I'll admit to eating carbs but I've cut out all processed food, chocolate, junk, soft drink, added sugar etc. The first few days I had a massive headache but that seems to have passed. But now I'm starving all the time. I'm eating so much food because I just feel ravenous. Especially in the morning, I feel really light headed and weak, like my muscles are too weak to even do daily tasks. I can't even exercise like I used to and it's driving me crazy!

I generally feel really tired and exhausted -- and hungry! Has anyone else experienced this? Maybe I should give up carbs as well, although I don't really eat that much white stuff anyway?

I, like some of you, began a new plan of eating about8 days ago. Mine was a low carb (< 30g), lower sodium (0, 140 mg) low sugar (<5 g) (and sugar to carb ratio (3 to 1), and non-existent saturated fats and transfats. It sounds good, in fact perfect, but by entering information into an online calculator, it calculates all the above contents of my food. It is showing me things I thought were just fine that turns out to be way over some of the dietary restrictions I'm trying to follow. It's a good tool.

I do not need to lose weight, but rather I was doing to this to lower cholesterol and keep my blood pressure acceptable and decrease sugar to prevent anything from happening with that in the future. Well, perhaps coincidence, but after about day two I am feeling what appears to be anxiety, have increased heart rate (some times), feel drained on energy (sometimes)I did have about three headaches which was weird because I never have headaches.

My biggest concern is the anxiety feeling and occasional increased heart rate. You would not believe the cravings. Look out. What I wouldn't give for a bowl of cereal or a baked potato or a slice of whole wheat toast with my oatmeal (and I have had perhaps one baked potato in a year and a half, so what's up with that?) And at certain times, I have a slight feeling of being 'starving'. I'm hoping it is, from reading your comments, just an adjustment to a new way of eating. Has anyone experienced a light-headed sense of being starved and a feeling of anxiety?

wow. 25 years of depression, and this week i cut sugar out of my coffee and suffered tremendous headaches every time i woke up. this went on for a week to ten days. i tend to have little faith in the doctors, so i neglected to go.

anyway, today having run out of sweetener i returned to sugar and the headaches stopped. now having researched sugar addiction, i realize that my need to drink 40 cups of coffee is sugar-based, not caffeine-based as i deal with decaf coffee quite well. i will be seeing my doctor next week and i have to say i'm relieved i finally found whats wrong with me. --Chris V.

Eliminate coffee? Well I do not know about that? Research from "Ori Hofmekler" showed that coffee can be helpful to reduce sugar craving. If you like coffee, drink organic coffee black, no sugars or cream.

Because the caffeine is an "Opioid Receptor Antagonist,"

drink in the morning before exercise, limit to two cups.

Research it.

I have insulin resistance. I found out the other day. Doctor's advice? High protein diet, very few carbs (like maybe one slice of brown bread twice a week and maybe some brown rice once in a while, very few vegetables/fruit).

Also: No sugar.

This has been hard. Harder than I thought possible. I haven't had any sugar, at all. I've hardly had any carbs (just that brown bread). No caffeine either.

How am I going to get through this? I'm so anxious and all I can think about are pancakes, white bread, sugary cereal, cake. Feels like torture.

I've been trying to give up sugar and fruit juice since watching Lustig's 'Sugar: The Bitter Truth' video online. I had a bad sleep last night, but it could have been caused by other things.

Hello 158: Hope you're doing o.k. Well done on starting your sugar detox! Were you drinking a lot of diet coke before, and do you drink other caffeine drinks at the moment? if you were drinking a quantity of caffeine before and then cutting down to two drinks a day that could be the reason for your headaches (like withdrawal symptoms), but I had very bad headaches on and off for two weeks or so after giving up sugar.

if you have cut down on the types of drinks you were having before, remember to increase the amount of liquid in line with whatever plan you are following. --Annie

I started the zero carb diet four days ago. My doctor said I should do it for at least twi weeks. I'm feeling very weak, having many cravings, nausea and intense headaches all day. The doctor allowed me to drink two diet cokes a day, but now I'm wondering if that's the reason for my headaches! Does someone know?

I have given up sugar for about two months now. Initially it was everything that contained sugar, and it's been a week since I have also given up fruits.

Initially, I did feel low, and had headaches, but I never went through any depressed phase.

Since giving up everything fructose, I still feel a little tired sometimes, but I feel great! Better than I have felt ever in my life. Do not forget to drink a lot of water, and eat enough. I feel awesome! Good luck!

@anon165939: This is just a guess. I'm diabetic, not a doctor. I'm betting your blood glucose level is bottoming out in the morning, but after lunch, is rising to a more normal level, so you feel better.

If your blood sugar has been running high, then even a normal level may feel low until your body gets used to the new normal. Some people have their highest readings in the mornings (often referred to as "Dawn Phenomenon"), but this is not the case across the board. If you tend to bottom out in the mornings, then that may what's going on with you. You might consider getting a meter from Target or Wal-Mart and checking your blood glucose when you get up in the mornings, and then two hours after lunch. If your morning reading is below 70, there's your answer.

The Glycemic index diet is a good, sensible diet. Good luck!

Sugar addiction left me feeling shamed, ugly and fat. I was able to eat whole cakes and if there were sweets of any kind I could not leave them alone until the last one had gone. People used to joke about it.

I still feel so unattractive I rarely go out socially. My ex used my addiction to keep me under control, buying stuff that he knew I would never be able to resist, moaning about any diet or exercise plan I took up, keeping me fat, tired and unable to think clearly.

Since stopping sugar (and alcohol) slowly my faith in myself and my self-esteem and are beginning to build,although some days it all comes tumbling down, but regardless, I have no intention of eating sugar ever again.

I'm on week one of a low GL diet and I'm suffering from headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness, feelings of unreality and poor memory. The funny thing is I feel like this up until after lunch when all the symptoms begin to subside. Anyone have any idea why this is?

I am on day three of the no sugar diet. i am so relieved to have found this site! I have given up sugar before, but never to this extent - no fruits, etc. I cheated today and had a diet coke and some sugar free gum but felt even worse after.

The first day I had a severe headache, yesterday I had lower abdominal cramping and today, severe nausea. i hope this passes soon! This site has given me comfort since I thought i was crazy. I have brain fog and can't concentrate.

Please give me the strength to continue this fight. i do not want to slip up. thank you all for your comments - I see that i am not crazy!

I used to smoke cigarettes. It took me several tries before I finally succeeded. For those of you who think that quitting sugar will be as hard as quitting smoking, don't worry. It is not as hard. There are similarities though. One thing I find is that I can think quite a bit more clearly without the permanent sugar rush.

Started my no sugar on Saturday. For seven days now, I feel depressed, my body aches, i feel nauseated, cry for no reason, snap for no reason, my skin is itchy and I worry about everything. I had headaches earlier, but these seem to have gone now. Thank you everyone so much for posting. I thought something very bad was happening!

I cut off sugar and carbs when I seemed to "magically" develop eczema at age 26. I kept having this skin problem that totally messed with my sleep, my confidence (eczema marks on neck), etc.

So about two weeks ago, I cut out sugar and carbs to try to fix my problem from the inside. Jeez, I was tired all the time, despite eating loads of veggies and drinking lots of water. I had to peel myself out of bed every morning. Then, a few days ago, I actually woke up feeling human. I felt great. I feel great. Now, I've introduced apples and grapefruit to my diet, but I will definitely stick to no sugar and no carbs. I haven't had any "eczema" incidences, and am no longer mortified whenever I look at myself in the mirror lol.

Anyway, stick with it! The rewards are greater than giving up! Of course some will suffer more/longer than others (although I used to eat sugar and carbs, I wasn't a big fan of desserts, never drank soda, and mostly got my carbs from crackers), so all those who suffered from a "sweet tooth" in the past have a real fight ahead of themselves. Good luck!

I'm on the first day of Stillman Diet. Here comes the nausea! With the Stillman Diet, one can expect to lose 20-40 pounds a month. Some have lost more. It's supposed to be a short term thing. You stop when you are within 30 pounds of your ideal weight, I believe. There's a Facebook page for it.

Good luck! I know this sugar and all these carbs are doing me no good. I'm preparing myself for the next three weeks. Some people snap out of it within a week.

I am so glad I'm not going crazy. I have coffee, because I tend to add a seriously dangerous amount of sugar to it along with a flavored creamer. I have gained a large amount of weight. I just decided to give it up, thinking I could loose weight with that alone.

Since I now know that my symptoms were withdrawal, I can call them that. I went through major depression, I cried for the silliest of things. I don't want to be around people. I have been feeling ill, lack of energy, really bad memory almost like short term memory and headaches and I'm angry. I have been having problems with an upset stomach as well.

I now only use Agave nectar in fresh ginger tea, which helps. My energy is slowly coming back to me. It helps to take a short walk. What I want to know is if Agave nectar is even good for me, the calorie intake seems more than sugar.

Just started the no sugar, dairy, and grain regimen three days ago. I've been drinking only water for two months and am in an isolated camp so no sweets other than baked goods which are the devil.

I've eaten a plate of veggies and fruit along with every meal (proteins) and everything was fine until i cut the grains, dairy and sugar three days ago. then all hell broke loose!

Since I've quit the above, I've had headaches / migraines lurking for three days. Today I've been a bit nauseous and disoriented. yesterday i had a sore throat that went away by noon. The headaches come and go as with cravings. every time the headache gets bad I've eaten a piece of fruit, and the pain and cravings go away for a bit. i look forward to the clarity that most notice afterwards as i was having immense brain fog, with days where i couldn't think straight which felt almost like I was comatose.

Anyway, that's my story so far. I also regiment my health with special vitamins and colloidal silver and haven't seen a cold in years.

As a response to - michele34 on post #49, i would highly recommend taking a second look into garlic, more specifically as a poison and a neurotoxin. Dr. Bob Beck did some amazing studies and the results were quite alarming. Dr. Beck is highly credible and his techniques have cured my mother, my sister and several family friends from over 26 tumors in my mother, ovarian cancer in my sister, and lymphatic cancer in friends.

Anyway, that's a different topic. cheers. Chris P.

I quit refined sugar 13 days ago. I have a little bit of fruit here and there. I've been really tired, have bags under my eyes, breaking out on my face. I couldn't sleep well the first couple of days. I've been moody for years but I think because of diet, so the moodiness now is normal but I have faith if I stick it out it will get better.

I've been sitting with the uncomfortableness instead of eating and breaking through, crying more than usual. Some people say the tiredness has lasted for 11 weeks or so, so I'm in this for the long haul. Overeaters Anonymous online has helped a lot, online meetings are great.

Post #91, melatonin is good, but be careful not to take more than you need. I get a melatonin hangover over 1mg. I've read the suggested dosage is .3 mg.

Godspeed, everyone!

A quick comment on here just to confirm others are experiencing what i am experiencing.

I can't sleep (4fourdays now), tired all the time, sore muscles, and emotionally alive but intellectually dead! after reading 50 or so of these posts, I see what a common theme this is. Keep at it. It's the sugar!

I quit for five days and went back to eating cookies -- lots of them. How do I get past this?

I haven't quit sugar yet but have purchased two books on how to and yet I will eat an entire batch of cookie dough. This is day 5 in a row of eating an entire batch. I missed work three days in a row due to massive bloating. I want to stop but the cravings are so bad. No one seems to understand.

This site is a godsend. Any suggestions? Going cold turkey is freaking me out and the thought of never having any sugar ever again is freaking me out.

i am on day six of not drinking alcohol and cutting out sugar. i had just been on a bender the two days before ( and honestly been partying since christmas) and still had valium in my system so for my first couple of days i didn't feel any effect.

i eat tons of greens (kale,spring greens). i make fresh goat's yogurt smoothies with strawberries, kiwis and blueberries and add manuka honey and omega 3,6 9 oil, i make juices with spinach,pineapple and mango and fresh aloe vera from the plant. i also eat chicken and fish. Well, it all hit me on day four. i have had terrible mood swings, headaches, blurry vision, awful memory loss, feeling depressed, feeling cold and waking up with nightmares or just really busy mental dreams, i have no energy and am a complete bore to be around.

it's mad how the body reacts. i still am taking the sugar from fruit but it's natural so i imagine all these effects are from my liver and kidneys flushing out all the toxins? there must be loads in there. I'm giving myself two weeks then I'm back on the booze but will try and keep off the sugar because i was enjoying life before. i look at pictures of myself and I'm always smiling and happy -- not like the miserable worrying bore i am now. my husband says he hopes it's all worth it! nice!

I stopped eating sugar two days ago (but am still eating 'natural' sugar in fruit and vegetables). I have had the worst migraines ever.

I stopped caffeine a couple of months ago but have stopped drinking black tea this week. Maybe it is a combination of both? I'm so thankful to have found this website, as I was worried something bad was happening but I guess it is just part of the process.

Can anyone tell me how long these headaches last for? Or is is just case by case? I had to sneak in a tiny piece of chocolate yesterday as it was getting so bad. Ooops.

I am so glad to have stumbled on this site. I feel less of a crazy person and have vowed to stick with it as I see that it too shall pass. I am now on day 6. The first two days were the severe headaches and the shaking in the morning and the afternoon period.

By the third day those symptoms has subsided but were taken over by that spaced out feeling, high irritability, feeling cold (tho I live in a warm climate) and a slight nauseous feeling. At day 6 I just feel depressed and although I am not specifically craving sugar particularly (i.e. cakes, bread, chocolate) I want a large plate of food with sauces and creams etc. It is worse when I am away from home and in the company of others who are indulging. That being said, my homeopath has discouraged even fruits so it is really hard!

I am looking forward to all this ending because for right now I don't like feeling unenthusiastic about life, not wanting to be around people and generally weak and tired. Definitely not my personality.

Ohm apparently for those who want a sweetener, there is a vegetable substitute called Stevia. I have not tried it yet but it is supposed to be good, though it has an aftertaste.

I have recently made a conscious effort to cut out most/all of the rubbish in my diet - crisps, chips, take-aways, chocolate, cake, sweets, gone from two to one sugar in tea and coffee etc.

I eat lots of fruit, however, and mainly things like cereal, rice, lean meats and fresh vegetables.

After two days I felt dizzy, sick and tired, and I am putting this down to the lack of sugar. I had no idea it would have this kind of effect! I never ate that much to begin with, really. I'm not overweight or an addict by any means, but it seems I still have been hit hard by the change.

It's reassuring to know this is common and will pass!

this is day seven for me. yes i did experience head rushes and headaches on day one and two, but i don't understand why all of you are depressed though! maybe you're just sad because you're grieving over donuts!

i feel very happy because i know I'm treating my body as i should be, and i feel relaxed knowing i couldn't be treating it better if i tried!

i didn't eat much sugar to begin with though, which may explain my lesser withdrawals!

good luck everybody and remember to eat your complex carbs at dinner!

I have tried this over the last three three years and each time I have given in/up after a short time. I am now going it again and I am on day 14. I can say we should all feel better if we can stick with it. I also had the headaches and feeling sick. I also am having a hard time sleeping due to sweating and feeling anxious. I feel like a monster, very moody, and a little depressed.

The cravings are not as bad, but lingering. I eat all the time – like every hour. I am getting my seven fruit and veggies a day as well as protein. I find eating a small amount of fish or chicken is the best. As well I am eating no gluten and no dairy and have found my guts feel better and I am not bloating as much. Also I drink about 3000 ml of water daily, I rinse off in the shower a few times a day, mostly to keep warm.

It feels like I have the flu and I cannot get warm. For me this is the worst. I am glad to see I am not the only one attempting this, but I know I will feel better in the long run. Also I take a multivitamin, cod liver oil, 1000 mg of vitamin d. I have a warm glass of water with a tsp of lemon at night and in the morning. So to all: keep up the good work. All things feeling nasty should pass.

I'm on day three. Thank you to everyone who posted here. I was seconds away from eating something sweet to kill this headache. I've done it before but i don't remember it being this awful.

I'm really exhausted and can hear my brain thumping away in there. Granted, this time i also gave up processed milk/milk products and alcohol. I guess last time I'd organically cider the pain away, thus sneaking sugar.

Off sugar day four. I've had a headache for three days. I will try and make it. I have to work tomorrow. Yes, it seems they are poisoning us.

I am eating fruit, protein, veggies and lots of water and I feel like I have the flu. If I am sick in the morning, I will break down and have oatmeal. I need to make it through. It wasn't this bad last time.

I have always felt that sugar was bad for me. I'm always bloated, have spots, dry skin, severe candida, depression and I cannot concentrate. I am addicted to chocolate, alcohol (once I start drinking it) and cakes! I always have very bad mood swings when I binge and I know this will happen before I even start eating/ drinking but I can't stop myself.

I have been fairly lucky with my weight despite my sweet tooth (size 10-12) so find it even harder to motivate myself to give up sugar although I'm convinced it is the cause of all of the above.

I decided to try and quit sugar. I have now replaced my sugar addiction with trying to eat five servings of fruit and vegetables, with no added sugar/ chocolate/ sweets.

Since giving up sugar, I can't stop shaking! I feel sick, giddy and have a burning cold feeling in my chest. I feel like crying and I'm craving sugar like mad.

It's been five days and already I am less bloated and have glowing skin. I also feel a little bit better (healthier) which is strange because I am physically knackered. I feel shaky and also cannot sleep.

I hope this is worth it.

I have actually kept my carb intake the same and am eating more, if anything, with the extra veg I used to avoid. I'm trying to eat a varied diet but it feels like the weight is pouring off me which I can ill afford.

Hopefully these symptoms will go away soon! And I hope I can stick to it long enough to find out.

Day five of no sugar or white flour, though I still eat whole grains and fruit.

I've been feeling kind of out-of-it in general since day two but it's the nausea that is killing me! I also feel pretty light-headed starting after lunch, probably because lunch used to be when I did my daily carbo-loading. At least I haven't been experiencing the headaches others have described.

I've been thinking of taking a one-day-a-week "freebie" where I allow myself a small amount of sugar and/or white flour. Has anyone had any experience with cheating like that? Does it cancel out your progress completely or is it an acceptable way to ease into the diet?

Grateful to have found these posts! I am on day three of no sugar/white carbs. I was excited at first thinking how I would feel so great but so far I have felt only just okay, a little emotional/anxious which I can deal with.

What I cannot deal with is the terrible insomnia! I have had two nights of pure hell, falling asleep by 5 a.m. Only to wake soon to take care of my small children or go to work. This is killing me as usually I need and usually get 8 hours. I'm starting to feel physically I'll and am terrified this will continue. I am making sure to eat healthy fats (almond butter, olive oil, avocado) and some whole grains in the morning and 3 servings of whole fruit and plenty of veggies. I am also eating nonfat Greek yogurt and some chicken for protein.

I have one small cup of coffee in the morning. Oddly, I have zero sugar cravings which is highly unusual for me. I'm guessing it's because I'm getting some healthy fats which usually in the past I have tried to give up but this leads to extreme hunger which leads to: donuts! Any people experience the insomnia? How long does it last? Thanks for any help you can give.

I posted below that I was starting the Scarsdale Diet and was on day two of no sugar. Well I have completed the two weeks and lost 12 pounds. I am now still eating healthy and staying low carb, no sugar.

I want to say that I feel I have been set free. I am not hungry on a fraction of the calories that I used to eat and that never satisfied me. And I don't have unending cravings for sweets. Really, I don't crave at all-sometimes I think about it, but I don't physically crave it.

It's a little hard because it is now December and I will have to wade through the Christmas season, but I am really committed to staying really low carb and no sugar, and I feel much better! The bad patch only lasted the first couple of days. I am using Splenda sometimes, I am wondering about that. I made hot chocolate using 1 percent milk, fry's cocoa and splenda and it's good and legal for my program, but I'm wondering whether it will give me any chocolate/sweet cravings, I hope not.

I have 20 more pounds to lose, so after two weeks of Keep Trim plan, I'm going back on the regular Scarsdale diet. Good luck everyone.

I have been on the Candida Diet regime for a year now, after many years of health issues which led to heart problems, and spells in hospital.

Having not known why I was feeling so ill and knowing that certain foods/drinks had a bad effect on me, such as, caffeine, aspartame sweetener, white bread, pastry, sugars etc., etc., I was finally told about cutting out yeast and sugar due to an overload of yeast in my body.

Now, I will be totally frank about this. You cannot cheat at all when you are trying to cut out yeasts and sugars. You have to stick to it strictly in all forms. There is only one cereal without sugar: shredded wheat. You cannot eat any processed foods, as they nearly all contain sugar and yeast or one of them. Check out the Candida diet and what you can and cannot eat and stick to it. Don't be tempted to buy any products that are advertised as beneficial or necessary, as it is only a change of eating that will sort out the sugar/yeast problem.

I have followed it strictly for a year, and lost four and half stone in weight, which I had bloated with over the past few years and could not shift, my blood pressure now is as it was when I was 20, am now in my 50's, my cholesterol level is low, even though I eat loads of meat, but I don't eat dairy, except natural or coconut probiotic yogurt. Give it a go, but if you don't lose weight or feel healthier, then it is because you are either cheating or eating something you don't realize has hidden suger/yeast in.

Keep reading all articles on candida diet and you will get used to it. good luck all.

I have done the low carb/no sugar diet before. The first three days are harsh (especially at night for me when I really fight the cravings). But, if you are not seeing results, you may still be getting some sugar/easy carb so be more strict for a few days.

I feel incredible on day four every single time i do this. Candida (Sp?) is very real or I would not always feel abundant energy and general well being after 4 days of this. Be patient and it will pass.

When I hear someone say we 'need' sugar/carbs, this is true but nowadays it is in far too much abundance. We have been spoiled and it feels depriving to have to prepare meats and salads or to eat fruit with so many goodies around. How can we know if nature intended us to eat like we do now as it has only been like this for a century or so. We need to get back to basics and be mindful of what is put in.

Yes, there is a definite withdrawal (emotional, mental, etc). I am a psychologist and see no empirical evidence that cutting carbs out for a few days will lead to depression. In fact, from my experience, it lifts my mood. Too much sugar/bad carbs causes a psychological dependence and actually makes us more tired and therefore dependent upon it. Good for you everyone. Keep plugging away.

I am on day two of no sugar. Had a terrible headache in the night and feel extremely weak today. I am doing the Scarsdale diet for two weeks to lose some weight. I'm glad I found this place.

One thing I want to say though, if you have not personally experienced heroin or cocaine addiction and withdrawal, please do not compare your sugar withdrawal to drug withdrawal. This is a cakewalk in comparison. Please, people.

Well, I'm glad this is all normal. I feel less crazy now. I can't stop thinking about sugar since I've been trying to avoid it. I usually eat reasonably well for meals - brown bread and rice, salads etc, but have a serious chocolate habit. I'm talking those huge slabs - gone in two days, at least once a week. Plus supposedly healthy cereals which are still full of simple carbs, any treats that are lying around at work (I tend to see this as fair game!), desserts in restaurants...

I'm doing well on the chocolate - only one slip in two weeks, but it's killing me. I've noticed I am cheating with honey on brown toast, so today I quit that too. I have never obsessed like this over food until now and it's quite upsetting. I'm determined though - it is now clear that it has to stop!

I've been able to be lazy about this because I'm lucky with my weight, but no more.

Fellow recovering sugarholics: My experience is similar to what many of you have gone through. Almost three months ago (August 2010) I finally took the plunge and removed most sugary things from my diet (cookies, chocolate, cake, muffins, soda, etc) while still eating a reasonable amount of fruit (mostly grapefruit, bananas, pears, and apples) and occasional white flour (but mostly whole grains).

I still occasionally eat a few things that have added sugar (Light Kraft peanut butter is kind of my vice right now) but I plan on phasing those out soon.

My withdrawal symptoms were similar to many mentioned here: I had a sore throat and flu-like symptoms (went away after a few days), joint pain and stiffness (went away after about 10 days), extreme fatigue and muscle weakness to the point that my legs would shake when lifting up my 32-pound son (went away after about two weeks), and finally moderate fatigue (for 11 weeks on and off, and it's still happening!).

The good news is that (A) I was afraid I'd miss sugary things but I don't miss these at all, and (B) my mood has significantly improved over when I used to eat more sugar (things don't upset or bother me anywhere near as often, and when they do it doesn't last anywhere near as long as it would have before).

I wish the fatigue would go away though, but honestly it’s not so bad that I can’t manage a full-time job, help run the house and raise one kid.

Good luck to everyone, it is definitely doable, just stick to it! --Pierre

I have struggled with sugar/flour addiction for many years, as have many who posted on this site. A friend brought me to an 'FA' meeting (food addicts in recovery anonymous, not to be confused with FAA which is a different program).

This is an unbelievable support group for those suffering with food addiction. If anyone is seeking that kind of help, just go to one meeting. It is a truly remarkable program for sugar addiction and all sorts of eating problems. good luck.

Wow, it is really hard to quit sugar. I was told that I have candida and I have been recently suffering from anxiety due to a fatal car accident.

My counselor suggested quitting sugar and coffee both at once because they go hand in hand. It is day four and I have had neither. I have had a couple cups of black tea unsweetened and also some carbs like rice and crackers, but that is it. I feel very weird! Tired and out of it.

I was feeling dizzy quite a bit also. I feel like I can't function or socialize with people. I think this is showing me that I did have a problem though, because if I wasn't badly effected by these substances than I would just be feeling normal right now.

Many people do fine without sugar, but I am feeling crazy, so it must be true that it was having a neg. effect on my body and mind. I am going to keep trying. Oh Lord, please help me to overcome this problem!

My name is nell. I'm on day three of my no salt/sugar/white/fried/soda diet. it's extremely hard doing it alone. All of your posts have helped me a lot. I was told I was pre diabetic and had to change my ways of eating so here goes.

I was at a conference where sweets were available all the time on the hospitality table, but I chose not to have meal desserts or drink soda pop or any other sweets. My body felt totally different after 2-3 days. My hunger cravings for huge amounts of food was gone. My body felt lighter and less bulky.

My energy has remained very high along with my mental state. My thinking is clear and I am so pleased that just to look at sweets, does not make me want to reach for them in any way.

I grew up craving candy, love ice cream, soda pop, and lots of cake, pies, cookies, fudge, etc. It is off of my radar. I still remain overweight, but know that since my body's reaction is so overwhelmingly in the plus column, I will continue to stop the draw to sugar based items.

I am 65 years old and feel like my "old self" that was many many years ago. I am blessed to have this off of my back and hope the weight will be reduced bit by bit. I am very happy with my cravings, my mood, and my self esteem after stopping on my own. It is so good. -xfch

This is a great post. I just posted the information on giving up dairy, gluten (wheat), corn and sugar. I have been off of the dairy and gluten for over a month. This is because of chronic sinusitis. I am happy to see all of these great comments.

I have learned that these foods are toxic drugs. It isn't easy, and you do think about the food all of the time (especially the sugar). Sugar is like alcohol. I need to find some energy foods. I have found that being off of sugar now makes things that have a lot of sugar taste too sweet (that's a miracle considering my diet).

I would like to know how long does it take body to realize it is being detoxed and is no longer being poisoned? Any comments? --Maria

I have omitted dairy, gluten, sugar and corn (most of it) from my diet. It has been hard, but I have chronic sinusitis. I have not been miserable, because I think my body has been desiring this. It is difficult to find something to eat (other than vegetable and salmon).

I started my no sugar two days ago and am dying. Im sore tired, moody and just want to sleep. Can I have artificial sweeteners on this no sugar kick like atkins candy bars our does your body think of it as sweets still?

Day two of no refined sugar of any sort. I am a monster.

Thank goodness I found this website and can read these posts and see that others are in the same boat.

Post 101. That is exactly how I feel right now. I was wondering what that was. I also decided to quit refined sugar (today is my second). Last night, this feeling got REALLY bad. Anyway I will soldier on.

I have just finished my second week of giving up refined sugars. I ate way too many sweets and often went on sugar binges that could last days at a time.

By about day three of giving up sugar I started to experience depression and anxiety to the point where I am having trouble coping and functioning at home and at work. I honestly feel like I am going insane and on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Today, for the first time, I actually contemplating binging on sweets just to take the edge off the depression and anxiety, but I resisted, not wanting to set myself back and having to start over with the withdrawal symptoms.

When I came across these posts tonight it was very comforting to know that I am not alone and that these symptoms are related to sugar withdrawal and are likely temporary. This is really tough and will not be easy, but I have hope from other people's posts that this will get better and the health benefits will be worth it in the end.

I came across this web site accidentally but could not tear myself away from the posts. Since all carbohydrate is digested to glucose, the simplest sugar of them all and since glucose is essential for life, why would anyone want to eliminate nature's own energy source?

It isn't necessary to eat sugar because all carbs are digested to sugar. But I wonder how many realize that the brain chemical, serotonin, which keeps them emotionally stable and energized is not made when carbs are eliminated. And since women have less serotonin than men, the effects of decreased serotonin are felt quickly after sugar deprivation (or carb deprivation) and the effects feel like a bad case of PMS. The remedy is to eat measured amounts of healthy carbs like oatmeal and whole wheat pasta without protein (protein prevents serotonin from being made).

Nature intended for us to eat carbs; otherwise it would not have linked serotonin synthesis to their consumption. So why eat unnaturally?

From post below. It seems like yesterday was the last day for me for the withdrawal feelings I was having. I finally feel like a million bucks today. Of course, I still want to binge on cookies, ice cream and cereal but I don't feel so out of whack like I have been without it. I will post again soon.

On day 11. Just stayed home from work today. Felt so depressed and lonely, also dizzy and foggy. I am glad for the posts and am amazed how very real going off sugar is.

It is a real commitment on our part and not just a "I want to lose weight fast" gig. I did this because my sugar/food addiction was off the charts. All I thought about was eating and I wasn't thinking of overeating carrots and broccoli.

I hope to goodness this doesn't last 90 days. I am going to an Italian dinner party this weekend and then going on vacation so a little stressed about giving in.

I will post again to give encouragement to those going past the two-week mark at a later date.

I get really tired when I don't eat sugar, and I get scared that I won't get my energy back if I don't eat sugar. Reading everyone's comments and knowing that this happens to others really helps. I also didn't realize that it took so long to get off of sugar.

Currently, I'm eliminating cane sugar, HFCS, fructose, honey and maple syrup. I'm still eating breads and pasta, although I will choose grains over white.

I gave up sugar, wheat, flour and soda three days ago. I am edgy but I read from a Ob/gyn that v8 with salt helps the energy loss and it has been working for me. I am eating small meals every two hours and drinking lots of water and things are going pretty well.

She says you can drink the small cans which equal 5.5 oz as much as needed throughout the day until symptoms disappear then just twice a day later on. I know the salt thing scares people but that is where you will get the energy to carry on. I just have some irritability. I have already lost three pounds and I know this will be worth it in the end. I have done Atkins in past and lost 30 pounds.

I wish I had never started back on breads and sugar because I was so much more healthy then.

I a am healthy 42 year old who has always put sugar in my tea every morning. When I have cut the sugar out I always feel lightheaded and shaky. I feel like this is a withdrawal. Does anybody else feel this? How long will this last?

I have been sugar free (am avoiding high sugar veggies as well as fruit) for five weeks. The benefits are that my mood is more stable, I haven't experienced any migraines (although for first couple of days had headaches) - and I usually have at least a migraine a week.

My question, though, is that I am absolutely exhausted. The tiredness is not going away. I didn't experience any tiredness initially (for first couple of weeks) - it's the last couple weeks where I'm just feeling exhausted - like I could go and sleep at any time. Is this normal? Is it part of the detox? I'm eating really healthily - dark greens, avos, nuts, lentils, beans, oats, etc. Please, any advice would be great. Thank you.

I didn't really think sugar had any kind of withdrawal. Then I went into the army and was forced to eat their food, and in basic you don't get things like soda or anything.

I didn't realize how hard it was to not drink or eat much sugar until that experience.

I am on day six of no refined sugar, since I have quit simple carbs a while ago. The problem is that I ate too many sweets, cakes, muffins etc. every single day of my life, two or three times a day. Eating sweets was a life force of some sort for me, something to wake up for in the morning. The more sweet I ate, the more I wanted.

I concluded that if this goes on, I will get some nasty disease like diabetes type 2 or worse. The withdrawal symptoms started the second day of refined sugar free life (I still eat fruit): feeling lightheaded; foggy thinking; feeling like I am out of my body; no strength; weak and wobbly legs; chills; flu-like symptoms; hot and cold flashes; lassitude; sweating.

I am not craving sweets because I am determined to get rid of this addiction. Maybe sugar was not as bad in the old day, but nowadays they use poisonous chemicals. Good luck.

Sugar withdrawal is really difficult! I've read a lot of the posts above and I can relate to almost all of them.

On the upside, I don't feel bloated anymore, and I haven't had bread, pasta or rice, flour, for almost two weeks. I'm still experiencing anxiety, muscle and back pain, and I feel unsatisfied like I still need to eat. I'm caffeine sensitive all of a sudden and my chest feels heavy. I'm thinking its the anxiety, but, this is just miserable. God, I miss chocolate and baked goods!

Anytime i hear that sugar withdrawal is relatively easy I have to laugh. It is the most devastating

thing I've gone through in my life. I quit a 20 year heavy drinking and smoking habit within two months. I immediately started getting hooked on sugar. That was 22 years ago. I have been on and off miserable ever since then. It takes monumental emotional toughness for me to get off the heroin-like stuff.

The kicker is that even after some three to four weeks off, there's no real feeling of "reward" for my heroic efforts(!) "Is that all there is"?

It's not worth the effects, I tell myself after a month or so, so I go back on. It's a special kind of misery that kills the will. It's a hellish effort that takes too damn long to pay off. Back pain, serious depression, tremendous fatigue. as if the life in me has been extracted and I'm much more dead than alive.

I have been on Weight watchers for five weeks and gotten back to my weight that i was two years ago (215). I am continuing to lose more weight. I have cut down on sugar in take and felt depressed. I didn't know why. I also see much clearer, which is weird, because i would see pretty good 20/20 but now things have been more clear.

oh thank God for this website. I'm on day two of cutting sugar out of my life. I've been sober from alcohol and drugs for 5.5 years and feel that sugar is the next thing to go. Each meal that I eat is high in sugar, in addition to the snacks consisting of cookies, chocolate covered this and that, etc.

Every day at work I'd take a break to get some dessert and would alternate between three different cafes because I was embarrassed to show up at the same one every day to satisfy my sugar addiction!

I'm 27 but fatigued all the time. Often have bouts with Candida overgrowths, and constant GI problems. Today was an absolute emotional rollercoaster. I feel like I could cry over a pin dropping. Your posts have really helped. Try getting some "bed time" tea - Yogi Tea makes some as well as Trader Joe's for those having trouble sleeping. Good luck!

I found this site when I was trying to find out why I have been feeling so bad for three days now. I stopped eating sugar and white bread, rice and pasta and replaced it with whole grain.

The interesting thing to me is that I thought I was going crazy! Mood swings, feeling of despair, depression and bouts of crying. My husband says it is menopause, my son thinks I'm crazy, and until I saw the posting on sugar withdrawal, I was going to find a shrink! I hope they don't have me "taken away" while I am going through this.

Thanks for all of your posts. They really helped!

I am 28 years old and i decided to remove the next bad habit, the white sugar. Interestingly i noticed that the withdrawal feelings i got were similar (if not identical) to that of smoking cigarettes.

It feels like an annoyance, irritation, anger, frustration type of feeling. And the feeling seems to be around the chest or so. i decided to call the feeling "chest scratch". I'm doing OK though. Over the last month i only had about six cups of coffee/tea with sugar. not perfect, but I'll get there! I know that this is a common experience of withdrawal. By the way, thank you people for the posts. i feel more normal.

I would like to warn people about stevia. I had been putting it in my tea and about 20 minutes or so after drinking it I would start to feel weak, dizzy and shaking.

I did some research and it seems that stevia can cause your blood sugar to go lower. This was creating a big problem for me and there was nothing on the label of stevia packets that warns about this, so please be careful.

I have cut stevia out of my diet and just drink my tea plain with no sweeteners at all. The weakness, dizziness and shaking has not come back since stopping the stevia so please be careful with this sweetener!

i am on Day 10 of giving up refined sugars, and also high-GI carbs. However, I still have fruit, and dairy. Generally, I'm not getting any cravings, but I just feel very depressed and confused which is unusual for me. I've been crying a lot, even though I exercise (swim) three times a week. I hope these symptoms don't last much longer.

I have been feeling horrible for a while now and went into the doctor. they tested my blood and found that i am hypoglycemic/ border line diabetic.

I am told to cut out sugar, pasta, white bread, milk. I am on day five of doing this and it has been pure hell! I feel worse. Headache, nausea, sweating, dizzy, confusion, foggy thinking, flu like symptoms. Could this be from the sugar withdrawal?

I have been on a sugar free diet for a couple of years now. I knew I had a problem because other people could eat one biscuit and stop and I finished the plate.

I used it for every problem I came across and gained five stone I didn't need until I couldn't turn over in bed without planning every move. I started university again and lost three stone with giving up sugar and walking.

I have relapses but I eventually stop again and suffer the depression which is bad. After that I feel amazing and well and very happy.

Well, to anyone who says they stopped eating carbs, bad, bad idea.

The idea is to cut out refined carbs like white flour, sugar, etc. You absolutely need complex carbs for energy, which might be why you are complaining of excessive pain and lack of energy. Eat oats, nuts, veggies, rice, fruits, beans and fish and see how much better the withdrawal can feel if you actually eat like a human.

Today is my second day sugar and caffeine free, and I feel a little groggy but that's about it. I exercise regularly and adopted a whole foods, plant based diet in January when I became Vegan for ethical, environmental and health reasons.

I think it might be easier for me because I've already gotten rid of most processed foods. My condiments and such do not have added sugars. I shop at natural foods stores and farmer's markets.

My addictions have been: sugar added to my morning oatmeal and junk food- mainly soy based ice creams, vegan baked goods, chocolate, and lattes. I hope that I make it through any withdrawal symptoms I might have, as I know dumping caffeine and sugar will take me one step closer to optimum health and happiness.

As a side note, most people don't know that the addictive substance in milk- Casein- acts like a drug in your brain much in the way that sugar does. It's extremely addictive and very unhealthy. I lost 15 pounds just by cutting dairy out. Good luck to all!

I thought I was the only one. I started a diet that cuts out all but six grams of sugar per day. I've been depressed, moody and crying a lot. I am committed to staying on this diet, as I am losing weight but the emotional part of it is really frustrating.

I guess I never realized how much sugar really can affect my moods. I've held steady for three weeks without sugar and hope that these feelings go away. I find them not only annoying but feel pretty ridiculous, too.

You know, this makes a lot of sense. A few weeks ago I started to try and eat more healthily, which meant cutting out the sugar and processed foods.

I've been feeling completely depressed and sad and anxious ever since - I had to take two days off work last week because I thought I was having a mental breakdown. Funny - I had one coffee with half a teaspoon of sugar in it and I immediately 'felt like myself'. I just want to start feeling better without having sugar. When is this going to happen!?

It may sound strange for it to be in this order, but when I was living alone and could decide what foods were in the house and what foods weren't, I could live healthy. But when I had to move in with relatives and couldn't control the foods that were in the house, I would go nuts and eat everyone else's sweets. That, coupled with the fact that I am going to have to lay down 100+ bucks, that I don't have, for a tooth filling, is telling me I need to put myself in a different environment.

For me, it isn't coffee or soda, but candy, chocolate milk and other stuff. For me I have found that the cravings can be stopped by exercising or moving around. It's like all of the toxins are disappearing and my mind is elsewhere, not to mention that after that initial "Uhhg" when you actually start to feel better.

When I read about or see on tv about crack addicts and withdrawals, I can't help but wonder, what are we not told about sugar? Is it really just a masked drug? I looked up the chemical compounds of each, cocaine and sugar and they are of similar makeup.

Right now, my goal is to change into a better environment and get back to my old ways of eating and living.

For those having difficulty sleeping, melatonin is all natural and effective! Good luck! I'm on day two of giving up simple carbs and sugars.

After I cut carbs drastically I became so sick I could not work -now I am back on complex carbs and still sick.

Would like to talk to anyone who understands or has some ideas. --Rik

hey my name is rosemarie and i am so glad i found this web site. i am a caffeine and sugar addict. i need help and i plan to be on this site every day for strength and help. thank you.

Too many years addicted to sugar. I went for candy as a child. I lived on a busy street- so the break in my day was going for candy!

I am doing this gradually, but my eyeballs are yellow? I have cut out coffee, white and all bread, starches, but did break down and week two had a glass of wine and fruit with oatmeal and white flour!

I just couldn't do it completely. This is a big addiction. No one really talks about it being a killer and huge addiction! Has anyone had similar symptoms of being ticked off and saying mean things about others? I feel really awful and tired too. help this urge.

I am not the only one! Thank you! I am so glad to know others feel like I do right now. Sugar is the worst thing I eat and I love it. Many things are bad for me and I avoid them.

Sugar and I have to go through a break up. It is hard, on my second day and I am feeling pretty lousy and my head is killing me. Nothing takes this headache away but some good old not good for me sugar.

The sugar I use to eat turns into fat and I don't want it anymore. I am going to be sad and angry and have all kinds of feelings and that is OK. But, I do not have to eat sugar again. And, I am really glad to know I am not alone. We can do this together, one moment at a time.

I've just cut right down on caffeine and sugar. I was having over 500g of sugar per day (mostly refined in cookies and milkshakes). I've cut this back to 50-60 grams. I've also cut my caffeine intake down from eight cups of coffee to two cups of tea per day.

An getting headaches a few days in but finding it easier to focus on one thing at a time already.

Two times I've done Atkins and lost 20 and put back 30, so I seem to gain on it. I'm in recovery from alcohol and cigarettes. I have an addictive personality. So I will be doing the sugar thing like this week. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm Stephen and I am on a sugar free life right now.

I have had problems sleeping for years, and could never get up, I always felt bad, sick and had no energy. I took all the body building powders and still nothing. Then I decided to stop sugar. I have gone through the worst flu ever. Headaches, shakes, sore throat and shivers. I can't believe it was the sugar withdrawing.

I am at day seven and I just had the best sleep I've had in years. I woke up still withdrawing from the sugar but I woke up feeling clear headed.

Please cut sugar from your diet, from your children's diets.

I have dyslexia and I can now focus on studying like never before. I am a new man. And at 42 years old, if I can do it, so can you.

Love to hear from you just how you felt getting over sugar.

My headache is still here and so are the flu like symptoms. I took some sugar to see if it was the withdrawal and all the symptoms left too quickly, so what are they poisoning us with? So that has made me even more determined to change it.

Just want to share my experience. I have been on sugar free diet, not for the first time, and I noticed when I did not eat artificial sugar, I would eat more other sweet staff, for example more fruit. I realized I have to really gave up everything sweet for this to work.

It is like smoking. You cannot quit smoking gradually; you have to do it cold turkey. Same with sugar; it is all or nothing. This time I could last without sugar for eight days, but yesterday the apples on my kitchen smelled so wonderful, I could not help myself but had to eat one. Well, today I ended up in the store just for the purpose of buying two cakes -- one was my favorite chocolate cake.

My heart was beating fast and my hands were shaking, so embarrassing. I ate three pieces of cake to the point where I was nauseated. I feel like crying.

While there is not complete consensus on the problem of sugar, as we all know, sugar or fat can promote obesity or diabetes mellitus.

Perhaps the headache induced by cocaine or sugar withdrawal is obvious feature, but we cannot cut sugar from our diets, therefore, we should facilitate the proper use of sugar in order to be usful to humans.

In addition, when we are free from working, the best thing that we should do is to play some sports to counteract the increased sugar.

Rather than withdraw from sugar completely on day one of whenever a person chooses to stop sugar, why not withdraw from it gradually?

I did not know, many years ago, that my 10-day headache was caffeine withdrawal until after the fact. It was 10 days of absolute misery.

I started a diet on March 1, 2010 and had a headache for eight days straight. I ate no sugary or sweet foods, lost 1.5 pounds, slept horribly, and felt worse than after surgery.

Does anyone have information on slow and steady sugar withdrawal? Interesting information on possible sugar addiction on Rachael Ray's television show 4-12-10 which is probably on her website too.

I have a suggestion for those who are experiencing headaches: if you eat a piece of fruit this will give your body natural sugars and won't be harmful to your diet as long as you eat it earlier in your day.

I am now ready to start mu journey. I thought sugar was addictive, now I know. At the moment, I am afraid I will miss the sweets I crave, but my 'middle' and achy joints are screaming to get off sugar.

I never believed I could be addicted to anything and this gives me more understanding for the alcoholic/drug addict as I now understand because I am addicted to a drug just as powerful.

Thanks to all who shared. I hope my stories will be like all of yours. Joan

I am on day one of no sugar or carbs. I have had a splitting headache all day. I did notice the foggy and confused feeling today. It was as if nothing made sense to me.

I do believe I can get through this and hope I can see this to the end and feel much better because of it. It is nice to know I am not alone. anon

I am only on day two of no sugar. I feel like I am going to pass out. I have the most terrible headache and I am sure it is related to the fact that I haven't had my usual amount of candy or sweets.

I am a sober alcoholic. I got sober two years ago, and ever since I have picked up eating large amounts of candy. As with the booze, I feel that once I have one, I can't stop.

I have tried to tell people about my sugar dependency and they laugh because I am not fat. I know I have a problem, because I eat sugar even when I really don't want to. I feel like I have to.

I want to be healthy and I feel like sugar is my last bad habit to go. I have cut out all mind altering substances, cigarettes, and now this. This is on the same level as how I felt when I quit smoking. Are there any tips to feel better as I go through this?

Greetings to all my fellow sugar addicts. I'm on day 13 (lucky?) and feeling a little down that I have come down with a bad cold which I associate with withdrawal from sugar.

I'm following Dr. Daniel Amen's advice (Change Your Brain Change Your Body). This is the reason I've reached this far. I'm going to do it this time.

Stevia (Truvia PureVia) is a healthy sweetener alternative - but expensive. Failure is not an option due to other health concerns. Wish me luck. Carolyn

The first thing I did was cut out the two cookies I had with my early morning coffee. I still crave it. I did it because I noticed that the early morning cookies made me crave carb the whole day.

My second pregnancy left me with a funny eating habits, a crippling back pain and a pot belly which is ever so increasing.

So as soon as I went on low GI diet, my belly and back pain kind of disappeared. I feel great and energetic. But my real problem is sleep. Already my 18 month old wakes up several times and on top of that the carb withdrawal has left me completely sleepless. Not a wink. I sleep only for three to four hours at most. Also I wake up extremely alert with a low headache.

But I haven't given up on exercise. I am determined to do it as it keeps my back pain at bay. and at present Benadryl is helping me to sleep but I don't want to depend on it. Hope this phase passes soon.

I'm a pretty healthy eater but decided to finally get serious about this sugar thing as I do have a sweet tooth and once I start, forget it.

I've toyed with Dr. Kathleen DeMaison program for a long while. She is a nutritionist who has dealt with addictions and sugar addiction in particular. You can read her books, "Potatoes, Not Prozac" and "The Sugar Addict's Total Recovery Diet".

The main thing is that she walks you through seven steps. Stopping sugar suddenly can cause a wealth of problems like many mentioned here.

Her first step is to have breakfast within an hour of rising with the correct amount of protein and a complex carbohydrate (not a simple one like white toast).

It's a slow process but it may, for some of you, cut out some of the major withdrawals. It's all about changing your brain chemistry.

The hard part for me is being a Type A and a perfectionist, I want it done (the withdrawals) and all now. Changing bad habits takes time and patience. Be patient with yourself and for those of you with unbearable symptoms, you may want to check out her way of going off sugar. It may be a bit gentler with the ultimate same outcome.

Peace and wholeness. ~Amy

I promise to myself that I am giving up sugar and processed foods and most dairy as of tomorrow morning. I can no longer live with the dependence on it as I eat it all day and it is definitely addictive.

I have kicked sugar before and it has been very difficult! Somehow I started eating poorly again and now I am on day four of a new sugar detox. The first three days were particularly terrible. Nausea, dizzy, cloudy thoughts, irritable, itchy skin, insomnia -- intense hunger. Ugh.

The last time I kicked sugar I followed a low glycemic index diet which was wonderful. This time around I am using a lot of what I learned from the low GI diet, but I'm trying to be vegan -- a diet that I didn't realize is naturally low in sugar plus it helps the body fight off a candida overgrowth.

If you don't know what candida is (I didn't know until a few days ago), research it! Pretty gross! Not sure if my withdrawal symptoms are from sugar or candida but either way a sugar detox should solve my problems!

I've been working on giving up sugar for the past year and it has not been easy. The hard part is that it is everywhere and it feels socially unacceptable to turn it down in some instances.

I have dealt with negative thoughts and anxiety for years, and when I stopped eating sugar, my emotions became more stable and balanced and I have a lot less anxiety.

Reading about the effects of sugar, and knowing others have experienced the same addiction is very helpful. I hope you all sick with a sugar free diet for a lifetime. Good luck to everyone!

Sugar is definitely (for some people) addictive. I know having tried (many times) to give it up. Now I am trying yet again and hopefully successfully.

Great to read everyone's messages and what they do to curb the cravings and other symptoms that go with trying to give up this stuff!

P.S. Frozen bananas blended are absolutely fantastic when the 'sweet cravings' hit -- it is just like ice cream. Blend it until it turns white.

I am going through hell right now, sugar is definitely a hard drug! Can barely make it past one day, the cravings are intense but really have to quit. I have found some online resources absolutely invaluable.

Wow. This sugar withdrawal thing is no joke! So glad I found this. About a week ago I read some books about all the chemicals, unhealthy sugar, and artificial substances that are in the processed foods we eat, so I decided to try a healthier diet.

I cut out white flour, bad fats, and pretty much all dairy except for organic because of all the hormones. I decided not to cut out caffeine right away because I figured I was cutting out a lot already. By the end of day one I had the worst headache and such a strong craving for fat and sugar I couldn't stand it! I cheated. But after reading this, I feel like I have more resolve. If it is this hard to quit eating this stuff, it can't be good for me to keep eating it, that's for sure!

I really hope it doesn't take me two weeks like some people!

If you cut out all the energy supplying sugars, just remember to feed your body complex carbs (for example brown rice), protein, and good fats (flax seed oil and sunflower oil) at every meal.

Your body will turn the carbs into energy first and as the carbs start to wear off your body will turn the protein into energy, and lastly, the body changes the good fats into energy. This helps to sustain energy through out the day. This helps one's body adjust to the sudden loss of refined sugars and caffeine.

When am i going to feel better? After two months of dieting, i feel all symptoms a lot of people feel. i just want to know when does the feeling great part start.

I am on day two with no sugar. I am irritable. Years ago I had stopped eating sugar and felt great. Slowly crept back in, and now I have a belly, acne (at age 38). Table sugar is in everything it seems. One has to cook for oneself to avoid this diabolical substance. What it appears to take is reticence; determination; strong boundaries.

I cut back on my alcohol consumption and found myself eating a increased amount of sweets. When I cut back on the sweets, (because of weight gain) I had irregular sleep patterns, headaches, and days when I did nothing but sat around feeling sad. After reading these posts and being able to identify with so many symptoms, I feel that making an earnest in this endeavor is me worthy.

I decided to look into a sugar free diet after Ellen Degeneres began the diet. I'm going to try it and I am glad that I will know the side effects associated with it.

To #44: Watch Ellen Degeneres or go to her show page to watch her sugar free video diary. Ave

i m 31 years old and my weight is 86kg. my life is full of tension and pressure. i do not know about sugar or diabetes. Nowadays, i feel both legs on the bottom side are burning and now my elbow is paining. can anyone tell me what are the main symptoms?

I am on here reading comments because I have been feeling like I am going to pass out lately after starting Weight Watchers hard core about a week ago.

I cut out sugar overnight and pastas and have been living on salads and veggies. I lost a few lbs but feel awful. I thought I was alone in thinking sugar was addicting, but my body feels like my blood sugar is low and I am craving sugar. Not in a hunger way, in a necessity way. Does that make sense?

And to comment #44, if you have education whatsoever, you would know that low blood sugar can most definitely cause the symptoms mentioned above. It has nothing to do with "getting a life" my friend, it is factual. I mean, good for you that you don't have a problem with sugar effects, but no one cares to hear your opinions about those who do.

The comment above about sugar not being addictive and for all of us to "get a life" is really comical and ironic. Don't offer negative comments on a subject that you aren't even a part of.

It's day three for me. I started searching for symptoms of sugar withdrawals (wasn't even sure there was such a thing) while trying to find a cause for my crushing headaches and found this website.

I am somewhat relieved that the headaches seem to be related to sugar withdrawals. Who knew? I feel nauseous and anxious too, to the point that I was going to make a doctor's appointment. So I have to look forward to feeling even worse?

I guess I'll be sticking it out like the rest of you brave people. Glad to know I'm not alone. Try ginger (or ginger capsules) for the nausea/stomach upset. It might help.

Feel great about what you are accomplishing! I say this on day 8 w/o sugar. I originally cut out carbs-bad idea. I believe this creates low energy. I eat carbs, but all mutli-grain, and only two per day.

I had a low-grade headache and have now progressed to body aches and I feel like I have the flu.

I have been drinking lots of water and exercise every day regardless of how I feel or how much energy I have. It helps get the toxins moving.

What I find most encouraging is the fact that if I feel this rotten just ridding my body of these bad foods, what must be happening when I keep pouring this stuff into my body?

Try to stick it out. Although feeling bad isn't fun, by paying attention to how you feel will awaken you to when you start to feel great. Stay with it- you are worth the effort and you are worth changing your life for!

Just cut down my sugar for the first time. It's been three days. I feel like I am moving in slow motion and I starting focusing on an old relationship from years and years ago. I don't drink, but not having my sugar has made me want a shot of something. this is awful.

Jorge Cruise author of "The Belly Fat Cure" book has been on all the morning shows this week so my husband purchased a copy of it Monday evening. It is amazing how he breaks it all down.

So we have been following his advice of no more than 15 grams of sugar and 6 complex carb servings(120 grams) per day since Tuesday morning. I have definitely been going through the sugar withdrawal as I am only allowed sugar from food or Stevia and a few other approved sweeteners.

He does a great job of explaining the different sweeteners and which ones are considered "safe". He also does a great job of explaining the harm of too much sugar in the diet. His book is loaded with great information and recipes.

I hope that you get a copy of his book and find it as useful and informative as we have!

I was a sugar addict for much of my life - I know the suffering of sugar addiction, as well as the pain of withdrawal.

My first four days without sugar were boot camp painful. Just awful. But after the first week, I felt amazing - when I wasn't eating sugar, the physical cravings for sugar practically disappeared.

For the first time in decades, I felt like I could make peace with food and stop binging. After I healed myself from my sugar addiction I wrote a book on how I did it. I also offer a support program for sugar addiction. If I can encourage you all with anything it is this: if I can give up sugar anyone can! You deserve a life of health and wholeness - believe that you can create a joyful sugar free life. Warmly, Karly.

There is evidence that sugar is addictive. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Whatever anyone does, please, do it slowly, gradually.

I posted on Number 45 (look at it) and the day after I posted that, ended up in the emergency room disoriented,confused and passing out, but with a "normal" blood sugar of 102.

Turns out I was so used to a higher blood sugar (145 or so) that when I abruptly cut off the sugars, I crashed -- literally. No one in the ER figured it out, since I was babbling incoherently.

I was there for two days, had all sorts of tests done only to start slowly coming out of it when they changed my IV from saline to a glucose/water drip. Surprise! I was foggy, but myself. The more I ate, the better I became.

I found a wonderful doc who said, sure, cut out the sugar, but duh! Gradually! It can take months for some of us to have our bodies re-adjust safely. Please be careful with yourselves, please.

I now feel pretty normal at 125-130 sugars, but it's going to take time to get them down further. If you don't have a doc, can't find or afford one, please, no drastic measures. For some of us, they can really hurt you. There's no need to shock your body. Be safe, be sane, be sensible. I had to learn the hard way going cold turkey wasn't for me, so please, just be careful. Cynthia 2009

Finding this page was a big help to me. It made me feel I wasn't just imagining things. Although I don't have major health problems or weight gain, I researched and decided to try to cut out white sugar from my diet to become more healthy.

Around 24 hours after last eating sugar I started to feel pretty bad. Low energy/feeling like I'm getting ill, diarrhea, extreme cravings for chocolate, sweets/candy, feelings of low esteem/worthlessness/sadness/loneliness. These persisted for eight days.

Luckily by the eighth day I woke up feeling great. I'd describe it as peaceful, happier, more motivated, less moody, high energy (even on low amount of calories).

The foods I'm eating right now are basically meat, eggs and vegetables (with a little fruit). I'm going to try to keep off sugar and hope I continue to feel this good.

I am so glad i have read these posts. I have been on a Candida cleanse from Dr. Jeff McCombs and i feel like hell! I have yet to take his Candida killers but following his diet very strictly, which does not allow you to have sugar, wheat, dairy, vinegar or alcohol.

You can have protein (organic if possible), fruit (except oranges) and veggies. I have experienced low blood sugar attacks, bad headaches, bad anxiety and just a weird feeling in my head that is hard to describe. I kind of feel floaty with some tension. Maybe it is a dull tension headache. I don't know. I never really got headaches unless i drank too much from going out.

I have pressure in my ears or they feel clogged somewhat. I feel disoriented and feel like while walking, i am going to fall to the side (but i don't really. I just have a feeling i am). I am taking olive leaf, grapefruit seed extract and eating raw garlic with foods.

My eyes sometimes feel they are cloudy or my vision has gotten worse.

I am really surprised i am having such bad symptoms because i thought i ate pretty healthy, but i do know that when i have junk food in my house, i crave it and want it and eat it! But when it's out of the home, I am in complete control. Weird!

I am also under a great deal of stress. I have two kids and two step kids that i do not get along with and five dogs, not to mention i run a childcare in my home and have eight kids, so very hectic!

So, has anyone experienced symptoms like mine? I do not like this feeling at all. I want my normal life back but also want to stick with this cleanse. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

About two weeks ago I significantly reduced my sugar intake. I stopped eating table sugar, intake no cholesterol, but have replaced sugar with splenda blend and then just splenda after I got used to it.

I have also started baking with more apple sauce instead of oil, and using whole wheat flour.

I also stopped drinking alcohol and pop, etc. A few days ago I started getting horrible migraines! Also my left knee has been killing me with joint pain.

Does anybody know what this could be from? Is it the splenda? Or just from reducing fats and sugars from my diet so fast? Help!

This site and your comments are a godsend to me. I was off all sugar and artificial sweeteners for years in OA. After the withdrawal I felt really good. Then life got hard, some things about 12 steps started to annoy me, and gradually I got back onto sugar. Like others here, it took me one jelly bean and my whole sugar addiction flooded back over me. Last night I ate pink cookies, marshmallow fluff and ice cream. This morning I found your site and am inspired to keep trying to get back to my happier, more peaceful, sugar free life. My basic food plan then was organic non-fat plain yogurt and fruit for breakfast, and for lunch and dinner 4 oz protein and a pound (yes, a pound) of veggies. I deviated a lot from that basic plan and it worked. I so wish I hadn't eaten that stupid jelly bean. Thanks and hugs to you all. PattyF.

A lot of these problems such as fibromyalgia, gluten allergy, celiac disease, chronic fatigue, joint pain, thyroid, and so forth can be related to a yeast overgrowth in the body called Candida. Candida Albicans live off of sugar so when you stop eating sugar, your body goes through a period called a "die off". This is where the yeast are dying off in your body. This can cause you all sorts of withdrawal symptoms including feeling like you have the flu. It is not the diet -- it is the candida dying off in your body. Keep eating the no sugar diet which basically includes meat except pork, eggs, and some green vegetables. No dairy except organic whole plain yogurt. No wheat, no gluten, and no fruits are allowed. you will feel better if you stop eating sugar. Eventually, you can start to add stuff back in once you start feeling better. Some people's bodies take longer to get rid of Candida than others. It is also helpful to take an anti-fungal such as grapefruit seed extract to help kill off the yeast. There is much information about this subject. This can affect anyone: men, women and children. A yeast infection is not just vaginal. It can stay in the intestines getting into the blood and causing a whole slew of problems in your body. Candida will multiply very rapidly. That's why when you eat sugar, you crave more sugar. The yeast is eating the sugar but it's also multiplying which in turn causes it to crave more and more. Ever wonder why it's so easy to eat a whole package of processed or sugary foods? Get rid of the Candida and I guarantee you will feel better and many of your other problems will go away. You need to the fix the root of the problem, not just try to fix or cover up the symptoms.

Thank heaven I found you people. I feel like I am dying and I have only been off sugars and high carbs for three days. I have all the symptoms of insulin resistance and took myself off high carbs and refined sugars after spending too much time in ER's with "we can't really find anything wrong with you" as the result. Fasting sugars were consistently over 115-120. This morning they were 69, but I feel like a truck ran over me. I can't think, I am dizzy, wobbly, disoriented -- all this from eating no sugar and no high carbs?

I see doctors again in two days. Gads, how do you all cope with this staggeringly awful weak, zombie like feeling?

I didn't even read your comments because you guys have to be kidding. Addicted to sugar?Sugar withdrawal? Sugar is *not* an addictive substance, contrary to what you may have read on the internet. Get a life!

Well, I have read all of your posts. Today is only Day 2 and I have a headache so bad that i feel as though my head will explode. What a difficult road to travel - many of you are on Day 10+ and I am worried. Well, I think I'll keep with it just to see how I'll feel next month - I'm going to give it four full weeks. One doctor told me that your body will crave this sweetness as the yeast is still active. Once you "starve" the little buggers, they release more toxins and cause all kinds of mischief. The cravings are then unbearable. So you guys have real discipline. I fear I do not. I had zucchini bread last night - sort of tricked myself. So I will start today once again. Day 1. Keep writing because I will periodically check back for more support from you. --Deborah

I have cut out wheat, refined sugars,processed foods for 10 days now. I feel like crap. Fatigue, neck aches, diarrhea, bloating etc. I have gone this far and I'm not about to stop. I have suffered with migraines, fibromyalgia, I.C. and weight issues. I hope I have some relief soon. Witchwoman 56

For me this woman has made all the difference. She finally makes the connection between sugar and brain chemistry. She links blood sugar levels, serotonin and beta-endorphins into one understandable package. Best of all she ties each one of the above to specific emotions and you recognize yourself without question. Most importantly she finally answers the question as to why we all relapse and provides a simple program to recovery.

At age 59 I finally understand what is wrong with me and why.

Her name is Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. After 40 years of struggle, I just never knew what the problem was. I only had pieces of the puzzle. No wonder I've fallen off so many diets.

I hope this post helps one of you out there.

Best Regards, Dan

I take vitamin C 1000 units when I have sugar craves. I make sure I have sufficient "B" vitamins and essential oils Omega 3 etc: My diet consists of high protein, high fat, low carbs. I still drink coffee in moderation for the health benefits.

I have started having mood swings and depression since I quit sugar and caffeine. I am tired, don't want to do anything but sit and feel like crying and my stomach and head hurt. is this from sugar withdrawal?

it is so nice to realize i wasn't going crazy this week. i have been so anxious and depressed and then realized it may have something to do with the fact i have beeen giving up sugar.

I am on day 4 and I have nasuea, headaches, dizzness and fatigue. It's like detoxing from opiates. Probably going to take 10 days to 3 weeks.

i am a sugar addict, and i have been on withdrawal for 2 months now. but i still feel a very strong desire for the sugar, mentally and physically. i am putting up a very hard battle and my friends are being very supportive.

I find that frozen blueberries are a great fix if you need something to pick you up (energy) or mellow out the headaches.

Also the sweetener Truvia (made from stevia leaves) is quite tasty for those of you who wish they could make their morning coffee tasty again.

I truly believe sugar is like a drug. I'm so addicted, I'm on my second day and I got extremely emotional today for some weird reason, i feel tired, dizzy, and am craving sugar sooo bad. Oh and I can't sleep really at all. I also have an eating disorder where I eat too little and then I just go crazy on binging on sweets for a day or two because that is what I love..to the point where I feel sick and then the next day I'm back to eating little..I'm not overweight at all. But it definitely sucks. and I'm really trying to give up sugar forever. I have once stayed away really well. The only thing that works that I found is when you crave sugar eat fruit or atkins diet bars like chocolate brownie. Or if you crave sugar google a picture of a fat person or read the affects of sugar and what it does and that helps ahahahaha no lie! Oh and drink plenty of water and tea or chew sugarless gum.

Hi there everyone,

I wanted to drop a quick note as i know it will help many people out who are coming of sugar.

I have stopped eating sugar 3 times the the last 2 years and each time of returning to a sugar free diet i learn new things that make the detox a lot easier.

I just stopped for the last time 5 days ago, after having a 4 week binge on the white stuff, and already i am feeling fantasic,and back to my good old self.What made it a lot easier this time was taking vitamins and minerals.Sugar consumption strips the body of these two vital ingredients to a healthy self, especially the B-vitamins.this is compounded if a person smokes cigerettes and marijuana,or drinks caffeine, etc.

In the past i had a lot of trouble sleeping while going through the withdrawls. these last two times however i have found it a lot more tolerable by taking magnesium and calcium supplaments.

Good luck everyone. keep it up --its well worth it.

Google these substances and im sure you will benefit greatly.

All you guys are great, I mean it really needs lot of will to do it. I happen to see Dr. Wayne Dyers show on KQED and he mentioned that he stopped having sugar and at the age of 68 he is very fit and looks amazing, though I am not over weight and do exercise well not regularly but once I start I continue for about a couple of month until situation forces me to quite like I need to travel or some injury (mostly muscle tear), well it's been like this for many years now, but I could not get rid of my belly fat unless I do lot of jogging and hitting the gym after that for a good amount of time.

After listening to Dr. Dyer I gave up on everything that might contain sugar, except fruits which I just love, for the first few days I would not know why I have muscle ache and towards the end of the day I would feel feverish, though it would not show in the thermometer, my whole body would ache, I would not have a good night's sleep and would toss and turn all night long. I started taking Ibuprofen that gave me some relief but still my suffering would not go. It was only after 15 days that now I started feeling better, though the good part is I never knew I was going through a Sugar withdrawal, it is just that 2 days back I was thinking what I was going through and why and that's when it occurred to me that my whole life I have been eating sweet things and I just stopped it and perhaps this could be attributed to that and sure enough when I googled I found so many articles on it.

just read all your comments and yes i can understand all the things you are all going through but i just wanted to say that if you want to go on a sugar fast or stop it all together you are better off going on a low carb low calorie diet as it has protein so you still have the energy and you still lose weight. i am on a low carb diet and it is the only diet which has worked for me and believe me i've tried loads. the withdrawal symptoms are still there and for some may be worse than others but they go away after a few days and because the food i eat on the diet contain at least 100% of your daily nutrients you feel good after the first 4 or 5 days. i highly recommend low carb low cal diets. if you have got this far you might as well try this.

I'm on day 9 of giving up refined sugar, salt, caffeine, processed foods, alcohol, additives and colourings etc. The first week was *hell*. The headache was unbearable, and then the very bad throbbing pain in my joints started. *But* there *is* hope! The headache went after about 4 days, and today is the first day that all the joint pains have gone, and *I feel great!* I also slept right through the night last night, which is the first time I have done this in 8 years. So don't give up, it's worth it!!

I am so glad I found this article and thread! I am on Day 12 of a refined sugar-free life and I am in hell!!! Until I read this these posts, I was sure I had lupus or leukemia or fibromyalgia or something horrible like that!

My symptoms started on Day 3. Migraine, nausea, flu-like symptoms. The headache has mostly gone away, a slight one comes and goes. But the nausea and joint-pain are horrible! Now, Day 11 and Day 12, I am swollen and my joints really hurt! My hands, face, feet...all swollen. I have cut out salt intake too because I've gone from prepackaged and eating out to eating fresh foods and home-cooked meals. I feel worse now than before I quit the refined sugars and carbs!!!

I'm going to wait 2 or 3 more days and see how the symptoms are before I panic. I am a firm believer that sugar is addictive. What a horrible existence it was for me to get through a day! I ate sugary foods and white breads throughout the day and then would eat more. I couldn't stop myself.

Thanks to all of you for your posts and to the writer of the article. This has helped ease my mind tremendously!

I have been eliminating sweets from my diet for about a month - purposefully keeping it a moderate and gradual sugar fast. This is to allow me the success that a severe elimination of sugar would probably not permit. I just realized the possibility that my symptoms are possibly linked to sugar withdrawal.

In this month, I have had 2 colds and a herpes outbreak. My mood seems to be stable, but I've worked on that my whole adult lifetime. I have been quite tired, and of course that goes with the 2 colds. By moderate, I mean I am allowing myself fruits and carbohydrates. I was originally going to just make this a 40 day fast, but after reading on this site, I may continue and try restricting other sources of sugar, like carbs & fruits. My kombucha tea surely seems to help with detox, as does drinking more water, green tea, and red clover/red raspberry/nettles tea. Now all I Want are Shiatsu and 8 hours sleep/night!

I have been eating sugar big time from my 14 year 1949 to april 30, 09. Is it my imagination that i feel so bad, wrist swollen, pain pills do not work. in the hot tub two times a day is the only way i can get any sleep i hurt so bad.

Like i have a bad flu. Joints hurt, depressed, with no energy. Is there anything i can do to to get rid of this faster. I first thought it was in my head until i read your blog. Are there any doctor's that can help? I live in fallbrook, ca.

I am on day 10 of giving up the great and terrible C's - cake, candy, cold cereal, ice Cream, Cokes, and cookies - in other words, junk food. I'm also trying to watch my carb intake. Today I'm feeling really lethargic. I'm just wondering how long before my body will start being glad I'm not flooding it with sugar. A cousin told me that she's been off for 3 months and now it's not so bad. *Not so bad?!* I want it to be great, wonderful. I want to feel better than ever. Well, I'm going to keep on keeping on no matter what.

I stopped my sugar intake completely 11 days ago due to systemic yeast. I'm exhausted, but yet have trouble falling asleep, and more trouble waking up.

The worst part is the constant upset stomach.

10th day of withdrawal from refined carbs (all breads, rice, pasta) and sugars (no candies/sweets, high-sugar fruits, fruit juices, alcohol). I am pretty healthy and do a lot of exercise, but right now I feel terrible, especially emotionally. Very down, don't feel like interacting with people, negative. My body is processing toxins while withdrawing, it's pretty heavy!

One good thing: I recommend a product called xylitol as a sugar substitute. Its as sweet as sugar, not synthetic (like poisonous aspartame), and has a very pleasant taste. Only difference is lower KJs, doesn't trigger changes in blood sugar and is antibacterial (good for teeth and kills digestive yeasts).

Good luck everyone. This is just the tip of the iceberg - our whole culture is junk. What we watch on TV, what we read, the news, our educations, it goes on and on..

I have been following the South Beach diet for more or less two years (sometimes more sometimes less). Right now, after taking a break to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas, I have returned to stage 1 of the diet. This is the most restrictive part of the diet and is essentially a complete withdrawal from sugar. Like many here I have been experiencing the worst dull headache and nausea. I also feel like I'm running a slight temperature. I highly recommend a long hot shower to headache sufferers. Which might also explain the hot feeling. Others have mentioned an effect to blood pressure. Maybe, that is what I am experiencing. I had also felt this way during the first time I started the diet. It is really rough for me.

I am 10 days on the atkins diet, and i have never been more miserable in my life. The only thing keeping me on the diet is the eight i have already lost. constant headache, emotionally crazy, zero energy, just the worst. Im supposed to go back to school next week! is this normal? when will it end? im going to the dr. today. i can't wait

hi its been six days since i am off sugar and rice. very low carb diet. i am happy to achieve this as i was big sugar addict. past two days i am feeling a little low because of this. but i have started taking protein powder in place of sugar and it's really helping me.

Second day, no sugar. Feel emotional, drained and very cranky. I have a support group meeting tonight at 6:15.

I am 40 pounds overweight and have already lost 80 pounds, but got reintroduced to sugar and white flour two years and five months ago.

I will survive.

I am just starting a diet plan cutting out sugar and refined flour; I've also opted to cut caffeine at the same time. As of Day 1 afternoon (now), I have second thoughts about taking this on all at once:-).

I already am having difficulty concentrating and sinus pressure building towards headache. I think caffeine would alleviate my issues. Should I stick with it and cut sugar & caffeine together. Or am I better off cutting sugar, going through that withdrawal; THEN cutting caffeine and dealing with that second withdrawal?

I'm unable to take off work at this time, so will have to manage through each workday. Thanks for your advice!

Hey! It's great to read everyone's posts on sugar withdrawal. I'm day 11 of no sugar, flour, alcohol, caffeine, dairy or other animal products. Wowee - yesterday was all about tears, as was the day before. Today, I felt a bit dizzy and am in bed - again! When I get tired, it hits me hard and can't keep up with other people. I'm in a group called FA (Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous)(not a vegetarian group - that's my own personal choice) and there are tons of people who are living happy and successful lives for years on end without sugar and flour. It's a 12 step group for people with eating disorders; any and all eating disorders. They say for the first 90 days to just put your fluffy slippers on. I'm lucky enough to have found them, my life is changing for the better.

I'm on my first week of sugar withdrawal, and in addition to the dull headache and constant nausea, my blood pressure is elevated. I'm on meds for it, and monitor it regularly, so I'm attributing it to the stress of the elimination diet. Anyone else had this happen?

I too cut our sugar on a dare from a friend. 2nd day in, thankfully Saturday, I spent in bed, weary. Sunday was no better. I slugged it out for the work week and by day 8, I could make it 'til 8pm before falling asleep. By week 2.5 I was feeling like my old self again. Hang in there, it is worth it.

I am on day 4 of a no sugar diet and I feel really dizzy, light headed, weak, tired and irritable! How long does this go on for?! Any ideas!! Cheers Hannah

It's really great to hear other stories of going off of sugar. I am severely addicted. I've gone off sugar before, and was good for about 1-1/2 years. During that time I felt better than I ever have. My energy level was through the roof. But those first 10 days or so are absolute hell. I am at the end of day 2 and my muscles are weak and I've been going hot and cold and I feel horrible. Oh, and the headache. I don't do caffeine, so it is sugar-related I'm sure. But, after about 10 days it will all be worth it. Hang in there, everyone! -pam

Great to hear there are others out there giving this a go. I'm on day 4 without Sugar, Wheat, Dairy or Caffeine. I gave up coffee 3.5 years ago, but I also wanted to eliminate black tea etc. 4 days feels like such a loooong time, but I'm willing to keep going. Headaches on day 1, a whole day through, days 3 and 4, aches throughout my back and legs, like flu like symptoms. I'm really fatigued and also amazed at the reliance on sugar and the rest! Good luck everyone, one a day at a time.

Wow..the headache thing is pretty surprising. I've had headaches for the last 3 days, and normal headaches for me go away in 2-3 hours.

Here's what started me down this path.... I've always been overweight, but relatively healthy. I joined Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time a couple of weeks ago, using their "core" diet plan. All healthy foods, very, very little processed sugar. I did well for about a week. Then one night after eating completely non-processed food for a whole day, I had a bite of sugared cereal. After that, I could not stop eating sugar. I ended up mixing up cookie dough and eating that too. I was *not* hungry, I just couldn't stop.

After discussions w/some folks in the health profession, I decided to cut sugar. I have had the awful headaches and lethargy.

So..for the group..my questions:

1) How long does this usually last?

2) Does alcohol create the same "can't stop" feeling? Has anyone else had this effect?

3) Does anyone have a comprehensive list of processed sugar names and a list of "natural" sugars that may not create this effect?

Stevia...been thinking of growing this as a herb, and adding to fruit salads, etc. Tastes reasonable right off the plant...can't stand it in a bottle.

Thoughts?

None of your comments spoke of ice cream addiction. Is not ice cream a problem for others as it is for me?

I have given up all sugars and refined carbs including alcohol. The headaches are terrible! I am tired too. I am willing to stick it out though because I have been unwell for three years now and need to try something to get things back on track. My specialist has discovered that my liver is not functioning quite right and I have a candida albicans overgrowth in my gut.

As for the comment about the headaches being from caffeine withdrawal, that may be true in part for some people, but I don't drink coffee, so I know it's all about sugar for me!

Good luck everyone and stick to it :)

i've experienced the sugar and carb withdrawal, and it is not pleasant! stick it out at least a week, it will get much better then!

I am on day 4 right now of absolutely no refined sugars or pretty much processed foods for that matter. It's been only fruits, veggies, whole grain brain/rice/pasta, nuts, chicken/fish. I try to throw in a variety within these categories to make sure it's not just that my body isn't getting a particular nutrient from lack of variety, but it really is addiction to sugar and/or other processed foods.

The first day was all right but since then I have had all-day splitting headaches, sore throat, mild fever, no energy at all (luckily Wimbledon has been on to entertain me). It has gotten worse each day so far. I go to bed early (like 10 PM) each day to make sure that's not a problem in my energy, but I am still taking naps most of the day. I get at least a half hour of direct sunlight each day to help.

As for exercise, I tried running the second day but nearly passed out after mile 2! (Usually go 4 or 5 fine). Can't even take a long walk now. I feel physically pretty miserable and depressed right now, even though I'm usually cheery and plenty of energy. I don't take any drugs of any sort, no caffeine, no alcohol, etc, pretty much ever and now is no exception.

Unless there's something big I missed, the only factor I've changed in my life is not eating refined sugar and processed foods, and my symptoms match those of any particular drug addict (alcohol, cocaine). I am going to keep sticking it out for at least 10 days to see if things get better (or at least stop getting worse). If not though, I definitely can't live like this and do my job, I've taken the week off for this already. Thoughts? Comments?

Hi, Wow...my friend put me on this special diet basically cutting out all SUGAR products, dairy and white flour. I have been experiencing crazy vertigo for the past few months and I was ready to try anything since all my tests came back negative.

For the past 2 weeks I have only eaten "fresh" foods, veggies, fruits, eggs, meats, etc.... and I can tell you that the headache part is real. My head hurt for 6 days and I mean it hurt! I was ready to quit, but so glad I did not because today I am feeling great. Already lost 5 lbs (that's not what it was all about, however it's nice to lose any amount of weight) and my head is clear, my stomach issues are gone, my headaches are gone, I have more energy, I sleep better, etc..I could go on and on!

I also (on my own) stopped eating over processed foods which are so bad for us and for our children. I make my real potatoes and real rice, I do not buy boxed sides anymore. I eat veggies and fruits and whole grains (brown rice, etc..).

I would love it if I could tell the whole world to stop feeding themselves junk and go the natural route. I have been reading up on it and apparently many illnesses/diseases can be cured just by correcting your diet. Cheers, Denise

I find this article very helpful in the info department. At least it gives tells me what to expect when I reduce my sugar intake in the coming weeks. You see, I have recurring urinary tract infections that are getting worse in regards to the symptoms-headaches with hip and back pain.

I know in my heart that my insane (that's what it is) sugar intake is the culprit. I've just reached the point of being fed up with my weight-gain, even though I walk at least 30 minutes a day. Wish me luck. I plan on keeping a journal of my progress and will post some of it here in order to help others. Good luck everyone!

katylin, good job! giving up/reducing your sugar is really tough to do. i cut back on sugar a few weeks ago and made it through those first few days pretty well. today, i made the mistake of having pancakes, and by noon, i felt weak, lightheaded and weird. i could really tell the difference in that sugar low that you experience when you have a lot of sugar during the day. i feel much better that i'm not relying on sugar to get me through the day like i used to.

I have been a sugar craver for years. I am therefore over weight. I cannot get enough sugar, there is never a feeling of being satisfied. Thus, I decided to give up sugar for lent. I am in the end of the third day. I have a non-stop headache. I do drink coffee but I only take milk in coffee. So it is not a caffeine headache for me. I have not had any refined sugar of any kind. I am careful to read what I eat. I understand corn syrup and honey are sugar, so is high fructose corn syrup, so I have not had any of these. Any new ideas? Thank you, Katylin

I suffer from Candida Albicans and so have to follow a low sugar diet. Are sweeteners or other alternatives safe with my condition?

regarding the headaches...when cutting out sugar, did you accomplish this at least partially by stopping things like coffee with sugar, tea with sugar, soda with sugar, chocolate...? All of these things contain caffeine, which means, if you answered yes to those questions, your headaches might be cafeine withdrawal related, not sugar withdrawal related. Give it another week or so, and try not to incorporate extra sugar back into your diet if possible, but make sure you get enough natural sugar (fresh fruit, etc.) - Max

I started a low carb diet, and since this Monday I started with severe headaches...I was very much sugar addicted and it has caused me weight gain. Is this one of the side effects? Now after two weeks I can incorporate some natural sugar back into my diet.It is very difficult to work with these headaches. Any advice will be much appreciated. Regards Denise Street