In 2013, a shocking revelation surfaced: sugary beverages alone might be linked to a staggering 184,000 deaths annually worldwide. These fatalities, often resulting from cancer, heart issues, and diabetes, underline the very real consequences of consuming sweetened drinks. This grim reality reminds us of the dangers of excessive sugar consumption, exacerbated by its widespread availability and our innate attraction to its taste.
In the midst of these dietary concerns, the quest for strategies to combat the impact of sugar gains prominence. Cody Smith’s book ‘Zero Sugar Detox’ aims to address the issue of sugar addiction. In this review, we will dive into the complexities of sugar addiction and discover how to break free from sugar obsession.
Author’s background

Cody Smith is an accomplished public speaker, a bestselling author on Amazon, and a respected coach in the field of public speaking.

What is the book about?

‘Zero Sugar Detox’ by Cody Smith offers a comprehensive guide to breaking free from the grip of sugar addiction and transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. The book acknowledges the ubiquitous presence of sugar in our diets and the detrimental impact it can have on our health. Smith emphasises that while moderate consumption of natural sugars from fruits is acceptable, the added sugars, processed sugars, and artificial sweeteners found in various foods and beverages can lead to numerous health issues.
The primary goal of the book is to provide readers with a practical and manageable program to eliminate excess sugar from their diets. The program is designed to help individuals move away from unhealthy eating habits toward a more nutritious and sustainable way of living. Smith presents this detox as a way to not only shed extra pounds but also to improve overall health and extend one’s lifespan.
Key topics covered in the book include:
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The link between excessive sugar consumption and various diseases like heart and liver issues, as well as acne.
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Unconventional benefits of a sugar-free life.
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How the food industry designs products to induce sugar addiction.
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Foods to avoid and incorporate during detox and beyond.
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Strategies for sustaining a sugar-free journey and managing potential symptoms.
Table of contents

- Introduction
- 1. Why Sugar Is Destroying Your Health
- 2. A Drug for the Whole Family
- 3. The Sweet Life Without Sugar
- 4. Why A Detox is Your Best Option
- 5. What to Expect During Your Detox
- 6. Foods That Will Ruin Your Detox the Moment You Eat Them
- 7. What to Eat to Crush Your Detox From Day 1
- 8. The Most Crucial Step: Accountability.
- 9. When Craving Rears Its Ugly Face
- 10. Putting It All Together
- Bonus Chapter: The Wiggle Factor
- Afterword
- Join the Facebook Group!
- Who is Cody Smith?
- References
Three key takeaways from ‘Zero Sugar Detox’

1We are genetically predisposed to love sugar
Humans have an innate preference for sweetness due to genetic wiring, as even small amounts of sugar trigger pleasure centres in the brain, a trait that benefited our ancestors who relied on fruit for quick energy. However, the modern food industry has made sugar more abundant, and processed sugars and sweeteners are now widely available. Sugar is found in various unexpected foods due to its addictive nature; around 76% of packaged and processed foods contain added sugar. Research reveals that sugar affects the brain similarly to addictive drugs, leading to withdrawal symptoms and dependence. The effect of sugar on dopamine release results in reduced responsiveness over time, causing individuals to consume more sugar to achieve the same satisfaction, paralleling drug addiction.
2Sugar detox takes time and effort, face it with patience and a few great tips
Embarking on a sugar detox is not a simple endeavour that can cause you to feel uneasy both physically and mentally. You can experience anxiety, sleep pattern changes, and concentration issues. Prominent physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and nausea can also occur at the beginning of your journey.
These challenges, though daunting, can be mitigated with coping strategies. In ‘Zero Sugar Detox,’ the author recommends practical strategies for navigating the challenging stages of sugar detox. Tips include keeping healthy snacks readily available to combat cravings, eliminating sugary foods from your home, enhancing dietary fibre intake, staying hydrated to manage hunger, avoiding artificial sweeteners to maintain focus, incorporating exercise for stress reduction and energy, prioritising adequate sleep for symptom relief, forgiving oneself for slip-ups, and acknowledging the discomfort of the detox journey while emphasising the long-term benefits. The book emphasises that the temporary symptoms are surmountable and highlights the transformative impact of successfully completing the sugar detox.
3All the hard work pays off: the benefits of a sugar detox
The sugar-detox journey can be a bumpy road but all the efforts will pay off with immense benefits. Thus, a sugar diet includes the following perks:
Slows down the ageing process
Sugar’s insidious effects extend beyond heart disease to the very cells that make up our skin. The more sugar consumed, the more advanced glycation ends (AGEs) are generated, causing premature ageing. Remarkably, cutting out sugar bolsters the resilience and vitality of elastin and collagen, mitigating the formation of AGEs and consequently slowing the ageing process.
Enhances sleep quality
Research in 2016 highlighted how individuals consuming high-sugar and high-fat diets experienced deeper sleep of reduced duration, with longer sleep latency and more frequent nighttime awakenings. Thus, eliminating sugar enables consistent, rejuvenating sleep, restoring energy and vitality.
Promotes stable energy levels
By severing the link between sugar and sleep disruption, the roller coaster of energy highs and lows is eliminated. A sugar-free lifestyle facilitates sustained, balanced energy levels, allowing individuals to tackle challenges with consistent vigour and eliminating the need for mid-afternoon energy boosts.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths
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Presents a comprehensive exploration of the issue of sugar consumption, including its physiological, psychological, and addictive aspects, as well as its connection to diseases.
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Offers practical tips and strategies for reducing and quitting sugar, helping readers navigate the challenges.
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Presents information in a reader-friendly format, including bulleted summaries and focused points at the end of chapters.
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The author’s writing style is approachable yet thorough, providing a concise and insightful assessment of the complex subject matter.
Weaknesses
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The book fails to provide a comprehensive list of healthy food alternatives that can facilitate the sugar-quitting process.
Best quotes from ‘Zero Sugar Detox’

“Humans are genetically hardwired to prefer sweet flavors. We consume even just a little bit of it, and it lights up our brain's pleasure sensors, prompting us to do that again. This genetic disposition helped our ancestors survive because sweet foods such as fruits served as a great source of quick energy. It was more challenging back then to find concentrated sugar sources, so it was beneficial to crave sugar in the little amounts they could access them.”
“Research has shown that sugar causes the same kind of stimulation in the brain as addictive drugs do. Therefore, the sudden cutoff of sugar results in the same kind of withdrawal and dependence. If meth stimulates the reward center of the brain like fireworks going of, then sugar is more like a bonfire, in that it's not as flashy or intense but you can keep it burning all day long, every day of the year. And you can easily add gasoline to the fire with a soda, a bowl of cereal, or 'healthy' yogurt.”
“When the sugar wears off and you crash, you turn back to sugar as a means to feel better, resulting in a never-ending cycle of literally feeding your addiction.”
Final takeaway

‘Zero Sugar Detox’ by Cody Smith is a valuable resource for those seeking to break free from the shackles of sugar addiction and embrace a healthier lifestyle. With an easily comprehensible approach, Smith delves into the intricate relationship between sugar consumption and its impact on our well-being. The book offers practical strategies and guidance to navigate the challenging journey of reducing and quitting sugar. ‘Zero Sugar Detox’ excels in presenting a thorough assessment of the subject matter, providing useful tips, and maintaining an approachable tone.
This book is an essential read for anyone looking to conquer their sugar cravings and embark on a path towards improved health and vitality.
Where to buy
You may purchase ‘Zero Sugar Detox’ on Amazon at the best price. It is available in paperback, hardcover, spiral bound, audio and Kindle versions, so you may choose an option that appeals to you the most.