Coffee mix sipped out of habit after arriving at work, a soda with lunch, snacks and ice cream picked up on the way home.

Sugar has long been a small comfort and a part of daily life for modern people. However, experts have drawn attention by claiming that even just two weeks without sugar can bring about remarkable changes in the body.

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On August 18 (local time), the UK’s Daily Mail quoted Dr. Saurabh Sethi, an internal medicine specialist and Harvard University graduate, reporting on what changes occur in the body when sugar is eliminated for two weeks.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing daily sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy intake, ideally below 5% (about 25g). However, in reality, just two cans of soda can exceed this recommended limit.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing daily sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy intake, ideally below 5% (about 25g). Pixabay

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Experts advise starting with small habits to reduce sugar intake. Examples include: taking a short walk, chewing cinnamon gum, drinking juice with a strong sour taste, using spices when cooking, staying well-hydrated, brushing your teeth, and rewarding yourself with something other than food. However, suddenly cutting out sugar can cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and feelings of depression. Therefore, a gradual strategy of reducing processed foods and sugary drinks is necessary.