The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
Controlling Sugar Cravings & Metabolism with Science-Based Tools | Episode 64
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.
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For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Sugar & Physiology
(00:02:25) The Brain-Body Contract
(00:03:13) Thesis, AG1 (Athletic Greens), InsideTracker
(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, Patreon, Instagram, Twitter, Thorne, Neural Network Newsletter
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac