Introduction
If you’re looking to make a positive change in your life, giving up sugar for a month could be the perfect way to start. Research has shown that giving up sugar for a month can have incredible effects on your health, both physically and mentally. From improved sleep to increased energy levels, giving up sugar for a month can have a huge impact on your overall wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore 8 incredible effects of giving up sugar for a month, according to research. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make the transition easier and how to stay motivated throughout the month. So, if you’re ready to make a positive change in your life, read on to learn more about the incredible effects of giving up sugar for a month.
8 Incredible Effects of Giving Up Sugar for a Month, Says Research — Eat This Not That
Giving up sugar for a month can have some incredible effects on your health, according to recent research. From improved mental clarity to better sleep, here are 8 amazing benefits of going sugar-free for a month.
1. Improved Mental Clarity
One of the most immediate effects of giving up sugar is improved mental clarity. When you cut out sugar, your brain is able to focus more easily and you may find yourself feeling more alert and productive. This is because sugar can cause a “sugar crash”, which can leave you feeling foggy and unfocused.
2. Reduced Inflammation
Sugar can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to a variety of health issues. By cutting out sugar, you can reduce inflammation and improve your overall health. This can help to reduce pain and improve your overall wellbeing.
3. Weight Loss
Giving up sugar can also help you to lose weight. Sugar is high in calories and can cause weight gain if consumed in excess. By cutting out sugar, you can reduce your calorie intake and start to lose weight.
4. Improved Digestion
Sugar can also cause digestive issues, such as bloating and constipation. By cutting out sugar, you can improve your digestion and reduce uncomfortable symptoms.
5. Better Sleep
Sugar can also interfere with your sleep. When you cut out sugar, you can improve your sleep quality and get more restful sleep. This can help you to feel more energized during the day.
6. Reduced Risk of Disease
Eating too much sugar can increase your risk of developing certain diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. By cutting out sugar, you can reduce your risk of developing these diseases.
7. Improved Skin Health
Sugar can also cause skin issues, such as acne and wrinkles. By cutting out sugar, you can improve your skin health and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
8. Increased Energy Levels
Finally, giving up sugar can also increase your energy levels. When you cut out sugar, your body is able to use energy more efficiently, which can leave you feeling more energized throughout the day.
Giving up sugar for a month can have some incredible effects on your health. From improved mental clarity to better sleep, there are many benefits to going sugar-free for a month. So, if you’re looking to improve your health, consider giving up sugar for a month and see the amazing results for yourself.
If you are someone with a sweet tooth who can never get enough snacks, cookies, and cakes then you are not alone. According to the American Heart Association, Americans consume on average 77 grams of added sugar a day, which is triple the recommended daily amount for women. (To give you a visual, four grams of sugar, as listed on a nutrition label, is equal to one teaspoon of sugar so 77 grams is just under half a cup of sugar!) The American Heart Association also found that the leading source of added sugar comes from beverages (soda, we’re looking at you!) followed by snacks and desserts.
Added sugar, unlike natural sugar, is sugars or syrups that are added during food processing or preparation. It may make food taste delicious, but too much of it can wreak serious havoc on both the body and mind. For instance, Harvard Health Publishing reported that elevated added sugar intake is associated with everything from diabetes and weight gain, to fatty liver disease.
Cutting out added sugars for a month may seem difficult at first, but the benefits it can bring are worth it. From a lowered risk of diabetes to better gut health and less anxiety, read ahead for the incredible effects of giving up sugar for thirty days.
Plus, if you’re serious about eating healthier, don’t miss our best 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022.
A research study from 2006 suggests that sugar may be directly connected to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation, which affects nearly 125 million Americans, has been linked to a wide range of illnesses, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis. Learning to live without added sugar can help reduce the risk of these diseases.
Sign up for our newsletter!
Allison Tallman, MS, RDN, CNSC, registered dietitian at Sporting Smiles shares research that shows when you give up sugar you also may be reducing your risk of certain cancers. “Some research suggests that sugar consumption ‘feeds’ cancerous cells even with those that already have cancer,” she says, “Those who consume excess sugar may be replacing nutrient-dense foods with this empty-calorie food, leading to a poor-quality diet.”
“While sugar is a source of energy, the type of source, aka the quality, is the most important thing,” Tallman says. She points out that refined sugar, such as those found in processed foods, cookies, chips, and cake, can make you feel sluggish and lethargic. “By giving up these foods, and therefore sugar, we’re likely to increase our energy and feel better than ever,” she adds.
RELATED: 30 Best Foods That Give You All-Day Energy, According to Experts
If you are someone who struggles with bloating and an unpredictable digestive system then you may want to give this a try—as it turns out, cutting out sugar for a month may be beneficial to digestive health. For instance, it can help achieve a better balance of good gut bacteria. “Sugar and refined carbs feed bad bacteria in the gut which can lead to digestive problems,” explains Jenny Askew, MS, RD, LD, ACSM-EP, integrative and functional dietitian and president of The Nutrition Clinic for Digestive Health. These digestive issues include everything from gas and bloating to diarrhea and constipation. “This can [also] contribute to inflammatory conditions—think acne, headaches, and rashes,” she adds.
Since we were kids, sugar has been synonymous with cavities—and for good reason. According to Healthy Food America, adults who regularly consume one to two sugary drinks per day have 30% more dental disease than adults who consume no sugary drinks. In addition, Healthy Food America also reports that children who regularly drink sugar-filled sodas are at nearly twice the risk of dental decay compared to children who do not drink soda. During your month of no sugar, switch out sugar-laden drinks with healthier alternatives, such as flavored seltzer water or sugar-free tea with lemon.
RELATED: The Best Drinks to Crush Sugar Cravings, Say Dietitians
Ditching added sugar for a month not only has positive effects on our bodies but on our minds, too. For instance, according to a study, higher sugar intake in a diet is associated with a higher risk of depression. In a separate 2019 study, it was also found that a diet high in sugar can also cause neurobiological brain function changes, altered emotional states, and anxiety.
According to a recent study done by UC San Francisco, researchers discovered “increased sugar in a population’s food supply was linked to higher type 2 diabetes rates, independent of obesity rates.” The risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is the most prevalent form of diabetes, will be lowered if you cut out added sugar for thirty days.
RELATED: I’m a Doctor and Here’s the #1 Sign You Have Diabetes
A recent study in France observed over 24,000 adults to see if dietary habits had any effect on whether or not an individual developed acne. What researchers found was that a diet full of sugar, fat, and animal products was indeed connected to an increase in adult acne.
Have we convinced you to give up sugar for a month? If your cravings are out of control, read up on The Unhealthiest Foods Making Your Sugar Cravings Worse