We finished our 10-Day Sugar Detox. Here’s how it went.

The 3 Questions Everyone’s Asked 

1.  What were the goals of this detox again?

• Enable Body’s Natural Detox Mechanisms
• Boost Blood Sugar Metabolism
• Improve ADHD and Anxiety Symptoms and Decrease Needed Supplements

2.  How did you feel? Were you hungry?  What about the kids?

We felt good. Then bad. Then great!

Most often Detox Symptoms include some or all of these:

Headaches

Fatigue or Changes in Sleep Patterns

Irritability

Brain Fog

Nausea

Constipation

Diarrhea

Itchy Skin

Skin Rashes

Body Aches

Sore Throat

Nasal or Sinus Congestion

Flu -Like Symptoms

See everything listed in red?  Those are the symptoms we felt. Not all at once, and none of us experienced the full list, but they all happened.  The kids struggled a little more than we did with carb and sugar cravings, as they weren’t taking any supplements. They did experience a change in taste preferences and began asking for more protein and veggies in the second half of the cleanse.  Our son preferred veggies blended in smoothies.  Our daughter preferred her veggies straight.  She tried and thoroughly enjoyed her first of many salads while on this detox!

Those few days were rough, but when the kids asked me if I “actually like doing the cleanse”. I immediately said, “Yes, because this has been such a bonding experience!”.  I surprised myself with that one!  I’ll just go ahead and add that to the list of RED SYMPTOMS!  Now the list portrays correctly, and see, it wasn’t all bad! Staving off sugar, dairy, grains, caffeine and alcohol created more comradery, compassion and empathy, and more dreaming (mostly the kids about what we’d eat on Day 11!).  

What Causes These Symptoms?

During a detox, the toxins in the body’s cells wake up, so to speak.  Removing the burden on our cells perks them up and enables them to release the toxins more easily.  This sudden release of toxins into the bloodstream can overwhelm the organs involved in digestion. The body’s inability to rid itself of toxins quickly is what often causes the icky symptoms associated with a cleanse or detox.  Symptoms usually resolve within a few days, once the body is able to rid itself of the toxins. The bulk of these symptoms were felt in Days 2-5.

Isn’t there anything that might’ve helped?

In the future, I will try Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)! Its acids bind toxins helping to escort them out of the body.  ACV is helpful for sinus congestion, relieves headaches and supports detox of the liver and lymph nodes. Taken during the day, it lends energy.  At night, it aids in sleep. Why didn’t I think of this panacea during the cleanse? Because Brain Fog. It was at a high, alert level, “momnesia” slash “pregnancy brain” status.

Under recommendation of our Chiropractor, we stopped all supplements and vitamins during the cleanse.  When constipation loomed, we added back our high dose Probiotic and also Magnesium but at a double dose. I thought a cleanse or detox automatically meant lots of bathroom trips.  While that is true for some people and more so on certain detox and cleanse protocols, it isn’t a given. When the organs involved in digestion are overwhelmed they may not perform at optimal levels.  

When we provided our bodies with the additional digestive support found in Magnesium and Probiotics, all was restored. 

You can review our Magnesium choice here!

Probiotics should be purchased from a trusted retailer to ensure they were kept at optimal temperature during shipping.  You also don’t want them waiting in a hot mailbox until you get home!

Probiotic protocol for ADHD is 25-50 billion units per day.  We use Klaire Labs brand and purchase through our chiro.  Whole Foods also has some suitable options.  

3. How did it turn out?  Did you meet your goals?

GOAL 1: Enable Body’s Natural Detox Mechanisms

OUTCOME: SUCCESS!

How do I know?

No cravings, and I even felt a distaste for carbs.  I’m still amazed by this! Now that we’ve stopped the majority of the supplements from the detox, we’re working to reintroduce them gradually.  This allows us to see how food items affect each of us individually. 

Honesty check…on Day 10, I didn’t physically crave carbs or any specific foods, but my innately rebellious side sure did.  I wanted ALL the things on the elimination list, preferably all at once.  I considered staying up till midnight.  Or breaking the rule, but not till 10 P.M. Because what’s two hours? Happy to say I talked myself down and held fast.  

We ended our cleanse on a Wednesday.  The next day, I took the kids to a movie and packed a low sugar trail mix with nuts, seeds and dried fruit.  They enjoyed it, but I could see that rebellious streak burning to find something terrible and eat it as quickly as possible.  So for dinner we went out to eat at a relatively new burger place in our town.  After all that time in the kitchen with the endless chopping, smoothie blending and dish washing, I was ready to be served.  We had burgers, sans bun, with double the salad. The four of us shared a basket of fries.  We both had a beer.  My husband said he felt guilty.  I agreed.  It was like I was cheating myself.  It tasted good, but just wasn’t rewarding.  I have mixed feelings on this, because food is so often a reward.  [click_to_tweet tweet=”This transition from seeing ‘cheat foods’ as the reward, to valuing our overall health is definitely worth fighting for!  We must not trade in what we truly value for what tempts us in the moment! http://rachelmayew.com/we-finished-our-10-day-sugar-detox-heres-how-it-went/” quote=”This transition from seeing ‘cheat foods’ as the reward, to valuing our overall health is definitely worth fighting for!  We must not trade in what we truly value for what tempts us in the moment!”]

The RED LIST symptoms did pass, meaning cells were cleaned and toxins were flushed from the body.  

Though we struggled in Days 2-4, our bodies were supported and able to detox properly. Most symptoms came and went in Days 2-4.  Low energy and some headaches continued through Day 7.

Sleep quality, however, improved for all 4 of us from Day 1!  It is odd that we all got our BEST SLEEP in a long time but still felt tired throughout the day. It is important to remember that the body is working very hard during a detox and self-care is crucial!

During this 10 Day Sugar Detox, I felt very connected and in tune with my body.  I listened to my inner voice more readily.  Detox is a love note for your body!

Ways to Provide Self-Care during a Detox

1. Be patient and compassionate with yourself.    
2. Stay hydrated! Infused waters and iced tea are great methods! Our favorite iced tea was “Green Lemon”.  For 2 quarts, steep 7 green tea bags and 3 Lemon Ginger by STASH.  Add Stevia to taste. So refreshing!
3. Meditate to reinforce self honor and compassion.
4. Rest — Allot time for this. Consider beginning a detox about 2 days prior to a natural break in your schedule – i.e. a Thursday, if you have weekends off work, or a Saturday if you work from home and the rest of the family is generally occupied with work and school beginning on Mondays.  
5. Unplug with time outside. This is especially helpful in times of irritability.  Small, innocent things online or in the media can aggravate even the most even tempered individual while detoxing. 
6. Read or listen to a book, when able.  Holding concentration during the thick of detox symptoms may not allow for this activity at certain points.  If so, look forward to when you are able to take part! 
7. Enjoy a cup of hot tea, taking opportunity to sit quietly and breathe in aromas. Peppermint, Ginger, Green Tea and Chai (Decaf for Detox) with all its spices are helpful for digestion.  Intense flavors are also satisfying for those feeling restricted.
8. Take an Epsom salt bath to remove pesky toxins. Add essential oils for additional benefits.
9. Give yourself permission to exercise in shorter, less strenuous ways that still boost energy. Take short walks. Practice yoga. Sessions of all different time lengths are available on YouTube and various other outlets.  Detox sessions give internal organs a little massage and encouragement. Rinse sessions renew and refresh the mind and body.
10. Schedule a massage.

 

GOAL #2: Boost Blood Sugar Metabolism

OUTCOME: SUCCESS!

How do I know?

WEIGHT LOSS

I lost about 3 pounds and my husband lost about 5 pounds.  Weight loss is wonderful concrete evidence that the body is functioning better after a detox.  

DECREASE IN INSULIN

I am Type I Diabetic, which is sometimes also referred to as Juvenile Diabetes or Insulin Dependent Diabetes.  

I was able to decrease insulin given with meals or to correct high blood sugar by half!

This decrease began on Day 2, so it is not attributed to weight loss, though a few pounds wouldn’t account for that dramatic of a cut anyway.  I was diagnosed when I was 3 years old and have gone through lots of ups and downs in that 36 years.  There have certainly been times where I cared less about my blood sugar health than in other times. I have no complications, but have found it more difficult to manage blood sugar control as I age. I have always been told that was par for the course, that as my body grew resistant to insulin, I’d just need to take more.  Being able clean my cells through detox, regaining control through food and nutritional supplements is truly a breakthrough! 

[click_to_tweet tweet=”Do you know someone with diabetes?  I encourage you to share this post with them.  The simple changes listed below could be life giving for them! http://rachelmayew.com/we-finished-our-10-day-sugar-detox-heres-how-it-went/?preview_id=460&preview_nonce=a5349257fa&_thumbnail_id=484&preview=true” quote=”Do you know someone with diabetes?  I encourage you to share this post with them.  The simple changes listed below could be life giving for them!”]

Factors Affecting Insulin Needs

During the detox, my husband and I took Flaxseed Oil along with Gymnema.  I also took an additional supplement, Diaplex. Due to exceptional results, I am continuing all three in conjunction with increased leafy greens and overall diet improvement. 

Flaxseed Oil aids in digestion, improves blood sugar control and responsiveness to insulin in diabetics. I add this to every meal either in smoothies or salads, using 2 tsp. at each serving. This equals exactly twice the recommended daily dose and may the sweet spot for diabetics.  It is my understanding that one cannot overdose on Flaxseed Oil.  If taking anti-coagulants, however, check first with your medical professional before beginning any Omega-3 protocol.  It can affect blood clotting.  

Gymnema has been used in ayurvedic medicine for more than 2000 years.  It is an excellent complementary treatment for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. While it can’t replace insulin, it may aid in blood sugar control for both types.  We definitely experienced a decrease in afternoon slump, decreased sugar cravings and diminished taste of sweet foods.  We used Gymnema by Standard Process.

Diaplex is a supplement used to support healthy sugar handling and maintain blood sugar levels already within normal range.  Amongst its powerful ingredients, Diaplex includes Chromium, which helps metabolize carbohydrates. Diaplex is blended and sold by Standard Process.  It includes a blend of other Standard Process supplements used for endocrine, pancreatic and pituitary support.  

When looking for blood sugar support via nutritional supplement outside of the Standard Process family, you may consider Blood Sugar Harmony by Pure Mountain Botanicals.  Though I have not personally used this product, reviews for improved diabetes management and HbA1c (standard lab test used to determine 3-month average blood glucose) are excellent and the product comes with a full money back guarantee if not satisfied! Again, check with your medical professional before making any changes.  If you have tried Blood Sugar Harmony, or end up doing so, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments or social media!

GOAL # 3: Decrease supplements needed for ADHD and Anxiety

OUTCOME: SUCCESS!

How do I know?

Currently, we have stopped all supplements previously used by our son as natural support for ADHD & Anxiety/OCD, which are comorbid conditions of his primary diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome.  We use chiropractic care to diminish his tics and incorporate other lifestyle choices to limit anxiety and mood swings. At this time, aside from a high dose probiotic, a multi-vitamin, and flaxseed oil for Omega-3 benefits, he is supplement free! It was a lengthy list of vitamins, minerals and supplements.  You can view it here, then celebrate with me over how marvelous this is!

[click_to_tweet tweet=”We’ve cut all supplements used for our son’s ADHD + Anxiety. While the detox & post-detox diet certainly mean more nutrients are available, I believe the bigger factor is that clean digestive pathways enable proper absorption of nutrients. See what we did: http://rachelmayew.com/we-finished-our-10-day-sugar-detox-heres-how-it-went/?preview_id=460&preview_nonce=a5349257fa&_thumbnail_id=484&preview=true” quote=”While the detox and post-detox diet certainly mean more nutrients are available, I believe the bigger factor is that clean digestive pathways enable proper absorption of nutrients.   “]

We will continue our lifestyle and supplement support throughout the summer.  At his original diagnosis about two and half years ago, we treated with a prescription for ADHD.  At first, all seemed well.  After 18 months, however, negative side effects were too much to bare.  In addition to the diet and lifestyle supports already in place, we added several key supplements. 

This detox was the first time we’ve stripped everything away.  Cutting out vitamins and minerals seems counter intuitive, but doing so allows us to see how recovery from prescription effects is coming.  Plus, a lot changes in a developing mind over a short period.  Removing all supplements gives a true picture of his maturity level and how much he’s learned from self regulation techniques. 

A few weeks before school starts, we’ll determine with our chiropractor which supplements will be added back to the foundation we’ve built, aiding in a smooth transition and happy, healthy school year.  

Though it wasn’t an initial goal, I’ve also stopped the supplements I took for an under-active thyroid.  Unfortunately, these symptoms widely affect diabetic women with some studies showing up to 50% showing symptoms following childbirth.  During and following the cleanse, I’ve been able to cut out my B Vitamin complex and Iodine.

Considering a Sugar Detox?  I hope our results will encourage you to go for it!  Maybe this post will help sway a friend or family member to join you.  Doing this with others will make a world of difference!

I had high hopes, but nothing of this magnitude.  Thanks for following along and encouraging us in our journey.  Share your experience with me so I can do the same for you!