Thinking about cutting down or cutting out sugar altogether? Learn about its effects on the body.

Sugar is part of our everyday diet, whether we like to think about it or not. From your 10 a.m. snack to the creamer in your coffee, to processed foods and starches, sugar is in almost everything we eat.

However, its effects on the body are not always positive. Excessive amounts of sugar can lead to addiction and cause health problems, like weight gain and the acceleration of the skin’s aging process 

According to analyst firm Czarnikow , global sugar consumption fell in 2020 for the first time in 40 years. As a result, some people are choosing to cut out sugar altogether or reduce it as much as possible. Carbohydrates (cakes, sodas, starches, free sugars), while difficult to stop when you're addicted to them, can easily be replaced.

What happens when you cut out sugar?

Irritation & Anxiety

Since sugar activates the brain's reward circuit, which sends dopamine, cutting it out can be very difficult and we may feel more irritable and anxious because of it. Stopping sugar completely can put a strain on the body—we can feel very tired, get headaches, experience migraines or even have drops in blood pressure. 

Better Sleep & Energy

If sugar is a source of energy,  too much can actually cause exhaustion. It will promote the development of intestinal yeasts which tire the digestive system. Thus, if sugar gives us energy, digesting it makes us lose more. By stopping the consumption of sugar, we gain energy and our sleep will be better quality.

Radiant Skin

Too much oily and sugary foods can impact the look of your skin, including its radiance and clearness. If you suffer from recurring acne, stopping sugar can help you get healthier skin. An overall low-sugar diet also improves skin's elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles. 

Reduction of Inflammatory Pain

Sugar promotes chronic inflammation, and when you reduce it, a snowball effect appears regarding chronic diseases. So, if you suffer from psoriasis, diabetes or chronic inflammatory bowel disease and cut out sugar, you may see reduction in pain.

Should we cut out sugar?

Although there are so many positives to reducing sugar in our diet, removing it completely can create deficiencies in the body. Rather than giving it up completely, try consuming it consciously, removing starchy foods and opting for whole foods that are rich in fibre. In addition, replace cakes with fruit, and sugary drinks with fresh homemade juices or infusions. 

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