Eliminating added sugar from your diet for just two weeks can trigger powerful changes in the body, says gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, who recently outlined the science-backed benefits of a short sugar reset.
According to Dr Sethi, sugar impacts far more than calorie intake. It influences appetite control, insulin response, liver fat accumulation, and cravings, often without people realising it. This is why he advises patients to attempt a 14-day break from added sugars.
The first few days can be challenging. As the brain adjusts, individuals may experience cravings, low energy, headaches, irritability, and mental fog. However, these symptoms signal neurological recalibration rather than true withdrawal.
As sugar intake remains low, the body adapts. Energy levels become more consistent, bloating reduces, and insulin sensitivity begins to improve. Afternoon fatigue and sudden hunger spikes also become less frequent.
By the end of two weeks, many experience improved sleep quality, clearer hunger cues, fewer impulsive food cravings, and better fasting blood sugar levels. While the scale may not reflect dramatic weight loss, metabolic function improves significantly.
Dr Sethi emphasised that cutting added sugar helps reduce insulin spikes, lowers liver sugar burden, decreases water retention, and resets taste perception. These changes can be particularly helpful for individuals dealing with fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, chronic bloating, low energy, and sleep disturbances.
The takeaway, he says, is that even a short break from added sugar can help reset the body and pave the way for better long-term health.
