In general, most people without certain health conditions like diabetes will have their glucose levels return to normal levels around two hours after eating. Everything we eat is eventually broken down into sugar; where that sugar comes from is what matters more.
How long does sugar stay in the body of a healthy person? Your blood sugar level rises immediately after eating a meal or snack. In a healthy person, insulin then starts working, and the blood sugar level returns to the pre-meal level 2 hours after eating.
Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.
The exact time it takes to detox from sugar typically ranges from 7 to 14 days. During this period, the body adjusts to lower sugar intake and begins to stabilize blood sugar levels. In the first few days, individuals often experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and cravings.
Cutting out or limiting added sugar has several benefits. You might increase your intake of nutrient-rich foods, manage your weight, and reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Still, you might feel an intense and out-of-control craving for sugar if you cut out or limit carbs, your body's primary energy source.
What can you eat on a no-sugar diet? “You can eat any whole food,” Keatley says. He lists off fruits, vegetables, starches, legumes, nuts, meats, and more as go-to foods on this diet. “When you start dipping into foods that have been modified, that's when you need to inspect the food label,” he says.
Visible Skin Damage: The effects of sugar on the skin manifest as wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of facial volume, particularly noticeable in areas like the jowls and cheeks.
Limit or completely avoid consumption of foods such as baked goods, potatoes, white rice, white bread, instant oatmeal, and corn/ corn flakes. These food are considered to be high glycemic carbohydrates, which means that your body rapidly breaks them down and causes a spike in blood glucose levels.
The fastest way to lower blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin medication. Exercise can also help to bring down blood sugar levels quickly. Diet and lifestyle changes can help manage overall blood sugar levels, but for immediate action, prescription medication or medical assistance may be necessary.
Lemon water may not directly impact your blood sugar levels and cause it to come down, but it can surely help prevent untimely spikes. The easy to make beverage is very low in carbohydrates and calories, and keeps you hydrated, which is very essential for diabetics to ensure.
But there is one food that stands alone as the best snack for lower blood sugar: nuts. Nuts are delicious, nutritious and incredibly versatile as far as snack foods go. Plus, they can be stored at room temperature (or in the freezer for longer periods) and are great for grab-and-go snacks.
QUITTING SUGAR: BENEFITS FOR SKIN
Fewer Wrinkles – lower sugar intake reduces glycation, preserving collagen and elastin, which helps minimize wrinkles and fine lines. Reduced Acne – cutting out sugar stabilizes insulin levels, reducing oil production and inflammation, leading to fewer breakouts.
“Water helps your kidneys filter out excess sugar through urine,” says Khan. “So, the more hydrated you are, the more urine production you'll have, which flushes out sugar in the body.” Always opt for water instead of sugary drinks, like soda and juice.
A magnesium deficiency can lead to sugar cravings, especially for chocolate, as chocolate is rich in magnesium. Moreover, magnesium deficiency can impact mood, leading to depression and anxiety, which can cause sugar cravings as a means of managing emotional distress.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have found a link between following a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially one without much added sugar, and having a younger biological age at the cellular level.
Skin looks puffy, saggy and dull
“The more carbohydrates we eat, and the more sugar – which is just a simple carbohydrate, after all – the more water and sodium we hold onto,” says Rhian Stephenson.
Condiments and sauces: Ketchup, jarred pasta sauce, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings may taste savory, but they often hide added sugars. Protein bars or yogurt: These foods can be a good way to add protein to your diet, but some of them could have high amounts of added sugars.
You can add fruits like dates, applesauce, and bananas to sweeten your food with natural sugar. These fruits also provide added nutrients and fiber, making them a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
It can take a few days to a few weeks for the body to adjust to the reduced sugar intake, during which time the withdrawal symptoms will gradually fade away.
Sweeteners like fruit juice, honey, molasses and maple syrup contain natural sugar and have some nutritional benefits. Fruit has fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Even raw honey and maple syrup can contain antioxidants and minerals like iron, zinc, calcium and potassium.