The Energy Balance Podcast

BV #10: The Truth About Sugar Addiction & What the Holistic Psychologist Gets Right (and Wrong)

May 6, 2025

Explore the intriguing connection between mental health and metabolic dysfunction, as hosts debate whether anxiety and depression stem from chemical imbalances. Discover the addictive qualities of sugar compared to drugs and the differences between refined and natural sugars. The discussion also challenges the notion of living healthily without starch and offers insights into stabilizing blood sugar. With personal experiences on overcoming sugar cravings, the conversation promotes a balanced, individualized approach to nutrition.

56:10

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Quick takeaways

Mental health issues are increasingly linked to insulin resistance and blood sugar levels rather than traditional chemical imbalances in the brain.

The podcast challenges the notion of sugar addiction, suggesting that cravings are more related to nutrient deficiencies than actual dependency.

A nuanced dietary approach that considers individual needs is essential for promoting metabolic health and supporting mental well-being.

Deep dives

The Role of Insulin Resistance in Mental Health

Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are increasingly being linked to insulin resistance and blood sugar levels rather than traditional views of chemical imbalances in the brain. Research indicates that proper glucose metabolism is essential for brain function, with low glucose efficiency often resulting in cognitive symptoms like fatigue and mood instability. The podcast discusses how stabilizing blood sugar can alleviate mental health issues, suggesting a shift from merely viewing serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels as the primary focus. This perspective emphasizes the idea that psychological well-being is intricately tied to metabolic health, offering new avenues for understanding and addressing mental disorders.

Intro

2min

Fueling Mental Health: The Role of Carbohydrates

13min

Navigating Dietary Recommendations for Mental Health

6min

Carbs, Energy, and Metabolism: A Balanced Approach

4min

Understanding Sugar Addiction

7min

Understanding Carbohydrate Cravings

24min

In this episode we discuss:

The Holistic Psychologist’s claim that psychiatric disorders stem from metabolic dysfunction and whether we agree with her solutions
Whether Layla Al-Naif is right that sugar is as addictive as a drug
The difference between table sugar and natural sugar sources
Whether it’s possible to live a healthy life without starch

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide

The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/

Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro

0:44 – the brain's high energy demands and how metabolic dysfunction drives poor brain health

4:19 – are anxiety and depression caused by chemical imbalances in the brain?

7:05 – recognizing insulin resistance as an inability convert glucose to energy

9:42 – whether blood sugar spikes and crashes cause fatigue, brain fog, and psychiatric disorders

11:53 – our take on the Holistic Psychologist’s recommendations for stabilizing blood sugar

18:01 – what really interferes with brain energy metabolism – is it just sugar?

24:57 – refined sugar vs natural sugars such as honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and date syrup

30:55 – whether sugar is addictive

33:50 –fat triggers the same reward centers in the brain as carbohydrates

36:34 – how Jay & Mike fixed their sugar cravings from keto and low-carb

39:56 – whether eliminating starch is healthy long-term

44:34 – the negative impact of carnivore diets on gut health

50:16 – tips for recovering from the stress of carnivore and the importance of experimentation

53:46 – how much sugar and starch Jay, Mike, and Theresa eat

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The Energy Balance Podcast

BV #10: The Truth About Sugar Addiction & What the Holistic Psychologist Gets Right (and Wrong)

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Role of Insulin Resistance in Mental Health

Fueling the Brain: The Importance of Glucose

The Misconception of Sugar Addiction

Dietary Recommendations for Mental Health

Long-Term Health Without Starch

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts