Controlling Sugar Cravings & Metabolism with Science-Based Tools

Huberman Lab

I explain how to blunt sugar cravings through fundamental knowledge of how sugar is sensed, metabolized, and utilized within the body. I explain how sugar is processed through the digestive tract and nervous system and how both the taste and nutritive components of sugar can lead to specific appetite changes and cravings. I discuss the connection between sugar, dopamine, and cravings and outline many tools to curb sugar cravings, specifically craving highly processed refined sugars.

For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Supplements from Momentous

https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman

Timestamps

(00:00:00) Sugar & Physiology

(00:02:41) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT

(00:07:40) Sugar & the Brain

(00:10:06) Appetite & Hormones: Ghrelin & Insulin

(00:14:17) Glucose & Brain Function

(00:24:19) Glucose & Physical Activity

(00:26:16) Fructose vs. Glucose

(00:32:41) When to Eat High-Sugar Foods?

(00:35:01) Sugar’s Taste vs. Nutritive Pathways, Sugar Cravings

(00:41:46) Tool: Sugar & the Dopamine, Pleasure – Pain Dichotomy

(00:48:43) Subconscious Sugar Circuits, Hidden Sugars in Food

(00:58:03) Glucose Metabolism in the Brain

(01:03:00) Tool: Glycemic Index, Blunting Sugar Cravings

(01:12:08) Sugary Drinks, Highly Refined Sugars

(01:14:33) Artificial Sweeteners

(01:22:36) ADHD, Omega-3s

(01:30:18) Tools: Reduce Sugar Cravings with EPA Omega-3s & Glutamine

(01:35:15) Tool: Blunt Sugar Peaks & Craving with Lemon Juice

(01:43:09) Tool: Reduce Sugar Cravings & Spikes with Cinnamon

(01:45:10) Berberine, Sustained Low Blood Glucose Levels

(01:51:24) Tool: Sleep & Sugar Cravings

(01:56:33) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify, Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Instagram, Twitter, Supplements, Neural Network Newsletter

Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac

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