Gut Check: My Experience with a Sugar Detox

Please note: I am not a medical professional, and the following information is based on personal experience. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any supplement or dietary regimen.

Why I Started My Sugar Detox

Back in 2013, I started experiencing unusual sinus issues like congestion—something that wasn’t typical for me. Concerned, I spoke with my chiropractor, Dr. Solomon A. Liburd, who checked my lymph nodes and explained that I had a yeast overgrowth.

At first, I didn’t fully understand what that meant. But as I researched, I discovered the connection to candida and how it can impact overall health. That was the beginning of my gut health journey.

In 2016, I decided to take a serious step and do a sugar detox. During the first week alone, I noticed a significant change—I lost weight due to inflammation simply by cutting out processed sugars and foods that convert into sugar.

I stayed consistent with the detox for about three months, and the difference was incredible. My taste buds actually changed! By switching to natural sweeteners like agave nectar, I stopped craving treats made with processed sugar. My weight stabilized, and I felt lighter, clearer, and more in control of my health.

Looking back, a few key things stood out in making my detox successful.

Where Supplements Came In

Another essential part of my journey was finding supplements that supported my gut health. One of the brands I trust is Renew Life, an herbal supplement company that I’ve been using for years. I regularly use their probiotics and cleansing products, and they seem to work well with my body.

For my candida detox, I chose the Renew Life CandiSmart Cleanse, a 15-day program designed to support the body’s natural detox process. It was gentle yet effective in addressing symptoms of yeast overgrowth. I picked it up at local health stores, like Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Natural Grocers.

What Made the Biggest Difference

Supplements were a huge help, but I quickly realized food choices could make or break the results. I believe the real transformation came when I combined the cleanse with dietary changes. Candida feeds on sugar and refined carbs, so avoiding certain foods during the cleanse is key.

Here are some helpful links:

• What is Candida? – Candida Diet

• Foods to avoid – Healthline

• Detailed foods to avoid – Candida Diet

• Foods to eat – Candida Diet

My Cleanse Routine

Once I had a handle on which foods to avoid and which to embrace, I found a rhythm that worked for me. Based on how severe my candida symptoms were, I chose to repeat the cleanse about every 3–4 months while continuing with a candida-friendly diet in between.

I also gave myself grace for occasional small treats, which made the lifestyle change more sustainable in the long run.

A Digestive Tip That Helped

Beyond diet and supplements, I found that how I supported my digestion on a day-to-day basis also played a significant role. One surprising tip I learned in 2022 from holistic therapist Pavel Gershkovich was the benefit of drinking hot water and how it supports digestion, especially during detox.

Here’s what I did:

Daily Hot Water Routine

• Drink 2 cups of hot water (not too hot!) about 45 minutes before each meal:

  • Breakfast

  • Lunch

  • Dinner

• Drink the remaining 2 cups between meals, not with meals.

3 reasons why it works:

1. Hot water can help “melt away” food and mucus buildup in your digestive system (think of cleaning pipes with hot water).

   
   

2. Waiting 45 minutes allows the water to pass through your stomach before you eat.

   
   

3. Avoiding water during meals helps maintain strong stomach acid, which is crucial for proper digestion and avoiding bloating.

Important note: Avoid drinking more than 64oz of water a day, as too much can strain your kidneys.

Sweet Ending (Without the Sugar)

Every person’s body is different, but for me, taking this holistic approach to sugar and yeast detox by using Renew Life, making smart food choices, and supporting digestion has made a noticeable difference in how I feel.

If you’re exploring a similar path, I hope this gives you a starting point.

✨ Have you tried a candida detox before? What helped you the most?

✨ Leave a comment below or share your experience!