Sugar Detox

The word DETOX, when used in the MEDICAL sense, refers to ceasing the ingestion of a certain substance, such as alcohol or drugs, to allow the body to rid itself of the substance. Sometimes doctors will use other substances to help slow or increase the rate of detox, as they see fit.
Altho most people think of detoxing only in the sense of alcohol and illegal drugs, physical detoxing is simply the process of allowing your body to rid itself of ANY substance that you have been putting in it, by ceasing to ingest that substance.

de·tox·i·fi·ca·tion (dē-tŏk′sə-fĭ-kā′shən)
n.
The metabolic process by which the toxic qualities of a poison or toxin are reduced by the body.

Sugar =/= Toxin or poison.

“As long as you match for calories, fructose does not behave differently than does any other form of carbohydrate, namely starches or fine starches and glucose. And that's not to say that they're benign, because I don't think we should be having a lot of refined starch or glucose. But it's not behaving any differently.” -Dr. John Sievenpiper, a researcher at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

So far, I can only find one non peer supported study that claims sugar is any more "toxic" then a potato. I often wonder if these kinds of threads are an excuse to not learn how to eat responsibly. It's like, if people can find a culprit to blame for their weight issues that removes the possibility that they are personally responsible for not regulating what goes in their mouth? It's seems to be easier for them to accept their own body issues.

"I'm unhappy with myself because of sugar, because of carbs, because of animal fats... etc." But rarely, I'm unhappy because I've refused to learn how to eat responsibly and what I've done to my body is my fault... I think if more people accepted that? They might actually do something positive, make the necessary changes, and find they don't need to demonize the very substances that keeps them alive to enjoy great figures and good food.

BUT, that's just me.

I think it's important to moderate. I mean, I cut out sweet tea and soda, but I still eat fruit and I make my own juice for a glass a day. Carbohydrates are the only food your brain eats.

Actually no, your brain needs fats more than carbohydrates. Ever wonder why they call peanut butter-brain food? and they highly recommend Omega 3s for brain function. Omegas 3s come from healthy fats, not carbohydrates. Recent studies have shown that people who follow high carbohydrate diets have an increased risk of developing Alzheimers.

Fatty acids are essential for brain 'upkeep'. But the brain's fuel is glucose, just like gas is a car's fuel.

Sugar is indeed additive, there are many books on it,

There are many books on how a magical being in the sky (a different one to one you believe in, if you do) is the one and true god.
Must be correct.

Why must Christianity be dragged (in an insulting way) into conversations that have nothing to do with religion?

They meant the Church of the Flying Spaghetti monster. It was to illustrate people's ridiculous beliefs beyond facts, science and plain old common sense.

your body needs sugar for energy..try eating more fruit..also little and often..with a comlex carb too stop insulin levels from crashing..

I also agree with most of the posts. You should definitely stay away from processed sugars or foods with added sugars, but your body does need some sugar for the digestion process & absorption of several vitamins. As a veteran bariatric bypass patient and looser of over 200 lbs, I tend as well to be very careful about the quantities and forms of sugar I consume, but would definitely recommend that it is not safe or healthy to completely cut sugar out ... stick with fresh fruits or freshly squeezed juices (not concentrated or processed) - that is probably the best and most natural source that I can think of recommending. You will probably find that if you incorporate a bit of natural sugar into your diet and span it out over a few hours your symptoms will go away and you will probably have a much more successful weight loss. Good luck!!

Fact..the brain relies on sugar to function.

Naw..really? ( enter sarcasm) fully aware of this. Just passing time by commenting. But thanks for the physiology update.

Yes.. moderation is key. I prefer a anaerobic state..especially when working out. Although to really benefit and go the distance I suppose I might need sufficient sugar. ;·]~

Yes.. moderation is key. I prefer a anaerobic state..especially when working out. Although to really benefit and go the distance I suppose I might need sufficient sugar. ;·]~

Well in an anaerobic state carbs are key, no disagreement from me. I always need to carb up on a sprint session!

High five

I think what the OP means is maybe refined/added sugar. The kind that's addictive and found in fruit juices, chocolate, ice cream, cookies, cake... I've been on a sugar detox a few times (I ate fruit to curb any cravings and avoid sugar crashes). Takes 2 weeks before you don't crave it anymore, but it is totally worth it.

I'd agree. Also, there are some groups on MFP which might have a different perspective..Perimeter Eaters, e.g., where the goal is to minimize processed foods.

Fact..the brain relies on sugar to function.

Fact.. The body makes it own glucose (sugar) in the form of glycogen.

The human body can run efficiently on no dietary sugar. The food we eat might not be as interesting, but it's not essential food.

The word 'efficiently' seems to mean something different to you.

Highly refined carbohydrate has no nutritional value. Its junk.
'sugar detox' is just a description for this.
No one needs added sugar, white flour products etc.
Of course the brain uses glucose.
The body is a factory it breaks down complex foods for us to use.

Needs of a Tour de France competitor? You know anything about that?
Hypoglycemia? You know anything about that?

The reoccurring problem in this forum is that people are using nonsense terms that large groups of people have different terms for. Indeed, some use the term sugar detox to abstain from fruit also.

No one needs significant fibre, whole meal products etc.

Also true.
That doesn't make those two 'junk' either.

Back in. For how people like me are the problem.