Author: BalanceGenics Longevity Research Team (How100.com)
Contents
- Meet Dr. Eric Berg
- Changes in Appearance
- Improvement in Organ Health
- Eyes
- Kidneys
- Arteries
- Nerves
- Better Sleep Quality
- Enhanced Energy Levels
- Skin Improvement
- Addressing Insulin Resistance
- Reducing Cravings
- Conclusion
Meet Dr. Eric Berg
Dr. Eric Berg is a well-known chiropractor and health educator who specializes in ketogenic diets and weight loss. His popular YouTube channel offers a wealth of information on nutrition, health, and wellness. You may be wondering what happens if you completely quit sugar for two weeks. Let’s explore Dr. Berg’s insights on this intriguing topic—you'll definitely be surprised!
Changes in Appearance
One of the initial changes that Dr. Berg highlights is in facial appearance. Eliminating sugar from your diet can transform a bloated or puffy face into a more defined, sculpted look. Dr. Berg has experienced this transformation himself, noting that his own face was rounder before he cut out sugar. This change is evident not only in the face but also in the waistline, as the body begins to burn fat reserves instead of sugar.
Improvement in Organ Health
Reducing sugar intake has a significant impact on several major organs in the body:
Eyes
Excessive sugar is particularly harmful to the eyes. High sugar levels can lead to diabetic retinopathy, where the retina’s blood vessels get damaged. Quitting sugar helps protect your eyes and improves overall vision.
Kidneys
The kidneys are also adversely affected by high sugar consumption, leading to conditions such as diabetic nephropathy. Eliminating sugar reduces inflammation and improves kidney function, ensuring better filtration and overall health.
Arteries
High sugar levels can cause diabetic artery disease, leading to inflammation and damage within the arteries. Cutting out sugar allows the arteries to heal, reducing rusting effects from excess glucose and consequently improving cholesterol levels.
Nerves
The nerves, particularly in the brain, benefit significantly from reduced sugar intake. Conditions like peripheral neuropathy, where nerves in the feet and hands get damaged, can improve. Cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and mood also show marked improvement as the brain begins to heal.
Better Sleep Quality
Quitting sugar can also enhance sleep quality. Sugar leads to increased urination, especially at night, disrupting sleep. Cutting out sugar reduces the need for frequent nighttime bathroom visits, allowing for a more restful sleep. Dr. Berg shares that his patients who eliminated sugar were able to sleep through the night within a few weeks.
Enhanced Energy Levels
Switching from sugar to fat as the primary energy source stabilizes energy levels throughout the day. Fat provides more calories than sugar, preventing the peaks and crashes associated with sugar consumption. As Dr. Berg explains, even thin individuals have substantial fat reserves that provide a long-lasting energy source, unlike the short-lived power from sugar.
Skin Improvement
Initially, cutting sugar might lead to a loss of water weight. Over time, actual fat loss occurs, improving skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis due to reduced inflammation.
Addressing Insulin Resistance
One of the major benefits of quitting sugar is the improvement in insulin resistance. Excessive sugar consumption leads to increased insulin levels, contributing to insulin resistance. Eliminating sugar helps restore insulin sensitivity, improving overall nutrient absorption and metabolic health.
Reducing Cravings
To eliminate sugar cravings, you need to cut out sugar entirely. Dr. Berg recommends reducing carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day, including hidden sugars found in fruit, honey, and carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, pasta, and cereals. This adjustment typically takes three days, after which cravings significantly diminish.
Conclusion
The benefits of cutting out sugar are profound, ranging from weight loss and mood enhancement to improved organ function and reduced inflammation. For those considering making this change, starting immediately is advised. The positive impacts on your health and well-being are clear and substantial.
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Related Academic Papers and Articles:
1. "The Impact of Sugar on Health" by Bray, G. A., et al. (2014).
- Explores the various health impacts of sugar consumption.
- Link to the paper
2. "Dietary Sugar and Body Weight: Have We Reached a Crisis in the Epidemic of Obesity and Diabetes?" by Lustig, R. H., et al. (2012).
- Investigates the association between sugar intake and obesity/diabetes.
- Link to the paper
3. "Impact of Sugar on Neurological Health" by Gómez-Pinilla, F. (2008).
- Discusses how sugar consumption affects the brain and cognitive functions.
- Link to the paper
4. "The Effects of Dietary Sugars on Cardiovascular Risk Factors" by Te Morenga, L., et al. (2014).
- Reviews the impacts of sugar on cardiovascular health.
- Link to the paper
5. Harvard Health Publishing: "The Lowdown on Sugar"
- Offers a comprehensive look at how sugar impacts health.
- Link to the article
Making the decision to cut out sugar can lead to significant improvements in overall health. By understanding and implementing Dr. Eric Berg's principles, you can take an important step towards a healthier, more energetic life.
