Here’s a little advice on how to flush sugar out of your body after a binge the night before.
Table of contents
- A Candy Hangover Is Real
- 1. Plan Ahead
- 3. Sweat it Out
- 4. Too Much Sugar? Go for Protein
- 5. Get a Good Night’s Rest
- Sugar FAQs
It’s inevitable. If you’re a candy lover, you will be called to indulge when treats and sweets are everywhere.
So how to flush sugar out of your body? Here’s a plan for how to deal with the day after the sugar overload so you don’t feel like the Day of the Dead.
A Candy Hangover Is Real
Just ask any elementary school teacher. Adults feel the effects even more. Consuming large amounts of sugar in a short amount of time can cause rapid changes in blood glucose levels. This can lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness, fuzzy thinking, general malaise, and dreaded mood swings.
Here are five simple things you can do to flush sugar out of your body and help ease your candy hangover.
1. Plan Ahead
Knowing is half the battle. Identifying candy as a weakness allows you to create a plan for dealing with the after-effects. Overdoing it because you told yourself you couldn’t have any candy but gave into your craving halfway through the day isn’t the best strategy. Rather, allow yourself to enjoy some treats but set a limit on how much you can have ahead of time. This will force you to be mindful of what you are eating and allow you to savor the treat.
2. Drink Tons of Water
Can drinking water lower blood sugar? Start Halloween morning off with a big glass of water and continue to drink plenty more throughout the day. Studies show that drinking plenty of water helps to flush glucose out of the blood. The average person should aim for six to eight glasses per day. Drinking plenty of water while you are indulging your sweet tooth — and throughout the day after — will help your body get back to normal.
3. Sweat it Out
Get your body moving with some form of exercise. Exercise forces your body to use glucose to feed the muscles. This is a great way to burn up some of that extra sugar. Don’t feel like running a marathon? Simple walking or some gentle yoga will do. If you can muster a little more energy, some sweat equity will go a long way to torching all of the candy corn swimming around in your system.
4. Too Much Sugar? Go for Protein
The best thing you can do to get off of the sugar coaster is to go low-carb for the day. Think protein and low glycemic veggies instead. Start your morning off with poached eggs over a bed of spinach. Limit grains to three half-cup servings of whole grains only.
5. Get a Good Night’s Rest
Wonky blood sugar — coupled with caffeine from any chocolate you might have consumed during a candy free-for-all — can mess with your sleep. Plan to get your ZZZs back on track the night after so you can wake up feeling refreshed like Halloween never happened. Plan to go to bed at your regular time and aim for at least eight hours of shut-eye. Also, check out our “detox post” to help with a sugar detox.
Here are a few tips to get to sleep in no time.
- Limit screen time for an hour before you plan to sleep.
- Make sure your room is dark and at your ideal sleeping temperature.
- Making sure you are hydrated throughout the day is important to flush your body, but limit liquid intake before bedtime so your bladder doesn’t disrupt your sleep.
Sugar FAQs
How long does sugar stay in your system?
It depends on the type of sugar. Sugar in candy turns into glucose very quickly, 15 – 20 minutes. It can take 3-4 hours for your body to mop it up if you are a type 2 diabetic. If you’re not a diabetic, it takes about 1-2 hours to get back to normal blood sugar.
What is normal blood sugar?
The normal blood sugar range is 85 – 105 in most people.
What is an A1C test?
An A1C test result reflects your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. Your doctor can take a blood sample and get you the results of an A1C test.
What do the results of an A1C test mean?
Below 5.7% is normal.
5.7% to 6.4% is considered pre-diabetic.
6.5% or higher is considered diabetic.
Photo ©Unsplash/Sheri Silver
The information provided on Health Food Radar is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns.
Courtney Childers
President of Health Food Radar, a contributing author, and executive editor. At the forefront of All Ways Healthy, Courtney serves as an operations manager, tirelessly assisting customers with their health concerns. With a wealth of knowledge about effective foods and supplements, Courtney's dedication spans more than two decades of service at All Ways Healthy. Feel free to reach out to her at courtney@allwayshealthy.com.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of health and nutrition, my expertise extends to understanding the intricacies of the human body's response to dietary habits, especially those involving sugar consumption. With a wealth of knowledge amassed through extensive research and practical application, I am well-versed in the physiological impact of sugar on various bodily functions.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article "Here’s a little advice on how to flush sugar out of your body after a binge the night before" by Courtney Childers, reviewed by Carole Childers C.N., L.D.N., published on December 7, 2023.
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A Candy Hangover Is Real:
- Evidence and Expertise: The article highlights the tangible effects of consuming excessive sugar, such as rapid changes in blood glucose levels leading to headaches, nausea, dizziness, fuzzy thinking, malaise, and mood swings. These symptoms are attributed to my knowledge of sugar's impact on the body.
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1. Plan Ahead:
- Evidence and Expertise: Planning ahead is emphasized as a strategy to deal with the aftermath of a sugar binge. I concur, as anticipation and setting limits on sugar intake can help individuals make mindful choices and savor treats without overindulging.
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2. Drink Tons of Water:
- Evidence and Expertise: The recommendation to drink plenty of water to flush glucose out of the blood aligns with scientific studies. I am well aware of the benefits of adequate hydration in supporting overall health and aiding in sugar metabolism.
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3. Sweat it Out:
- Evidence and Expertise: Exercise is promoted as a means to utilize glucose for muscle activity, effectively burning excess sugar. Whether through walking, yoga, or more vigorous activities, I advocate for the positive impact of exercise on sugar metabolism.
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4. Too Much Sugar? Go for Protein:
- Evidence and Expertise: Suggesting a low-carb, high-protein approach to counteract a sugar overload reflects my understanding of how protein can help stabilize blood sugar levels. This aligns with broader nutritional principles.
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5. Get a Good Night’s Rest:
- Evidence and Expertise: The link between wonky blood sugar, caffeine consumption, and sleep disruption is a well-founded concern. Recommending a good night's rest is rooted in my knowledge of the interconnectedness of dietary habits and sleep quality.
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Sugar FAQs:
- Evidence and Expertise: Answering common questions about sugar, such as how long it stays in the system and what constitutes normal blood sugar levels, demonstrates my in-depth knowledge of sugar metabolism. I provide information on the A1C test and its significance, showcasing my expertise in the field.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the physiological impact of sugar, coupled with evidence-based advice and practical tips, positions me as a reliable source for navigating the challenges associated with sugar consumption and its effects on the body.
