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 thru a Sugar withdrawal, it is just that 2 days back I was thinking what I was going thru 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 ur 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 cant 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 withdrawl, 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 alright 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 (thats 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