Going for Detox


Picking a Time

Now you are ready to go for it. You have done your homework and know the drill. When you detox from sugar, you will go through something similar to a drug detox, but it will be less extreme. Because your sugar-sensitive body reacts to sugar as if it were a drug, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Your brain will be begging you to eat some sugar. You may get the shakes, feel nauseous and edgy, or have diarrhea or headaches for a few days. That’s normal—and it’s why you need to plan your sugar detox for a time when you will not be under severe stress. But remember, if you have been doing the steps in the recovery program for a while, these symptoms will be far less severe than if you simply were to go 'cold turkey' on day one.

The actual sugar detox process usually takes five days, with the fourth day being the hardest. You will want to really plan the timing of your detox. Schedule it so that on the fourth day you have time to yourself. Give yourself space so you can be cranky or have the physical withdrawal symptoms without their affecting your big meeting at work or your daughter’s wedding day.

Be strategic about this and you’ll be successful. Chances are, you’ll wake up on the fifth morning of your detox feeling great!

Knowing Your Style

Getting ready for your detox should include a review of your style of making change. Let’s take a look at a few helpful questions. When you have to do something, do you like to get all your ducks in a row, then work through each task one at a time? Or do you like to jump in and start doing it all at once? Now ask yourself the same question about your sugar detox. Are you going to ease into it or are you going to just do it? Are you going to cut down slowly or cut out all sugar at once?

Do this step in whatever style you like to do other things in your life. Over the years, most of my clients have used a combination of approaches. They cut down on 'white things' and sugars first, then pick a time to go 'cold turkey' and eliminate whatever sugars are left in their diets. This seems to work best for most people, but, again, do what’s right for you. If the detox 'style' fits your natural rhythm, it is more likely to work smoothly and successfully.

No Sugars!

Pick your day. This is the start of no sugars. Read labels, be vigilant. Choose the degree of attentiveness you will have in your own detox.

When you are doing a detox, however, being strict with yourself seems to work better at the beginning. While the actual biochemical detox will take five days or so, the emotional detachment may take a few months. I find that it is easier to decide not to have any sugars than to constantly slip around trying to figure out 'how much' is right. But if you feel that being totally strict will not work for you, listen to your own guidance and create your own way. The most important instruction here is to feel comfortable with what you can do. This is your healing plan for your body.

There’s one thing you do want to be aware of, though. Denial is a powerful operating factor in addiction. Sometimes, in the name of being 'kind' to oneself, sugar-sensitive people will be slow or sloppy about actually getting off sugars. So pay close attention to your process. Ask yourself your motivation in designing your plan. Are you going slowly because it’s healthy or because you don’t want to let go of your best friend? Be honest. The results you will get are well worth the work you will do on this one.

The Big Day!

Pick your no sugar day carefully. Choose it for a time when you will have five days without a major event. You have cleaned your cupboards. You have warned your family. Be especially vigilant about your food during this time, take your vitamins, and absolutely make sure to have Mr. Spud nightly. Keep busy. If you are cranky or edgy, go for a walk. Go to the gym. Swim, lift weights, and sit in the hot tub. Go to a museum; take your kids to the zoo. Don’t go to a movie, you will want popcorn and a candy bar. The entire movie environment is designed to get you to eat. Stay away from dangerous places for the time being.

Stay busy so you don’t get bored and want to eat as a way to cope. Get connected to your support network. Write in your journal. Sing, dance, laugh, make love…even if you are crabby. These things help raise your beta-endorphin levels.

Here are a few other ideas from folks in the Community Forum:

* I take a bubble bath, maybe even by candlelight.
* I just sit outside when I am not up to really “doing” anything. I might take a book or something, but mostly I just soak in the out-of-doors, the light, the breeze, the sights.
* I like to listen to a comforting CD.
* I feel a lot better just by bringing fresh flowers into my home.
* I curl up and watch the old Jimmy Stewart movie "It's A Wonderful Life."
* My cure for crabbiness is to put lavender essential oil on my pillow and down comforter, and take an afternoon nap.

Most important, don’t spook yourself. Doing a sugar detox does not have to be a big thing. It is only that way if you do it off the bat without a safety net. But you are ready, you are informed and you have been practicing. Think of this as simply one more step on your path. I know you can do it!

(c) Kathleen DesMaisons 2006 All Rights Reserved