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Episode 3059:

Anna Schaefer and Kareem Yasin delve into the science behind sugar's grip on our brains, comparing its effects to those of addictive drugs. With expert insights from neuroscientist Dr. Nicole Avena, they unpack why sugar cravings, withdrawal, and overconsumption are more than just bad habits, they’re signs of a deeper neurological response.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/experts-is-sugar-addictive-drug

Quotes to ponder:

"People self-report craving sugar, feeling withdrawal symptoms, and eating more than they intended."

"Sugar activates the brain’s reward system, leading to the release of dopamine."

"From a behavioral standpoint, sugar appears to be addictive in the same ways as drugs of abuse."

Episode references:

Food and Addiction: A Comprehensive Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Addiction-Comprehensive-Kelly-Brownell/dp/0199738165

Sugar: The Bitter Truth (YouTube lecture by Dr. Robert Lustig): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X

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