Sugar is an addictive substance that can have devastating effects on a person’s health. On excess consumption, it leads to health disorders and problems. Sugar detox means avoiding sugar so as to improve the health condition that has been devastated by the sugar contents in foods. Statistics show that the average British and American individual consumes about 150 lbs of sugar a year.
Here are some tips on how to detox sugar:
- Cut down on fructose — Avoid consuming high fructose table sugar and corn syrup. These may be present in many processed foods such as sauces and ketchup, jams, salad dressings, meat products, peanut butter, and certain desserts. Thus, it would be best if you carefully choose these food items. One should not take more than 35 grams of fructose a day.
- Avoid sugary drinks — Say no to sugary drinks such as sodas, as 12 ounces of it contains about 20 — 30 grams of fructose. Instead, take juices as they contain less fructose. One 8-ounce cranberry juice has 13 grams of fructose, and orange juice has 10.7 grams, and apple juice 16 grams. Do not take bottled drinks, wine coolers, and sweetened coffee beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup as the main ingredient. Instead, you can take unsweetened tea, coffee, and water.
- Eat some starch — Starch foods such as whole-grain bread, potatoes and whole wheat pasta contain glucose which helps to stimulate insulin in the body.
- Take proper care — Boost your energy levels by performing exercises for at least 30 minutes a day. Get exposed to sun light at least twice a week for about 10 — 15 minutes to obtain the vitamin D necessary for the body. You can eat dark chocolate in small amounts as it reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
Is Sugar Making You Fat And Sick?
Taking more fructose-containing foods and supplements leads to many health concerns that will increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. A wide range of symptoms occurs when the sugar levels in the body rise. Symptoms include the following:
- Low levels of HDL or good cholesterol
- High levels of triglycerides in the blood
- High blood glucose levels
- High blood pressure
- Excess weight gain