Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter Sugar + sweeteners (the latest thinking, gurus, products, and data)
Dr. Sophie and Fiona discuss:
• Is sugar addictive? • A dummy’s explainer on insulin and blood sugar spikes • The glucose goddess - Jessie Inchauspé • What’s a glucose spike? • Robert Lustig and ‘Sugar: The Bitter Truth’ • What is sugar made of? • Glucose v fructose • Sugary drinks • Is sugar bad for our skin? • Do artificial sweeteners cause cancer? • Can sugar cause cancer? • Notes on sugar-free chocolate bars • New sugar elimination supplements • Reasons to give up sugar • Final tips
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This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/ Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
Dr Sophie mentions a few studies and ideas – see below and press ‘episode website’ for the full list:
In a 2017 review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine the authors compared sugar to being as addictive as cocaine. One study in Cologne concluded that foods high in sugar can rewire the brain to demand more in the future. It’s been proven that people eat sugary foods not just for the taste or for starchy calories but because they get a dopamine hit – which is the pleasure hormone – in other words we feel good when we eat sugar because our brains see it as a reward.
Sugar causes something called glycation which is when sugar molecules attach to fats and proteins, causing a loss of elasticity in the skin and potentially fine lines and dark spots.
We also have evidence to suggest that lowering your sugar intake can have a positive impact on your skin’s condition. Read more:
Sophie mentioned SkinCeuticals A.G.E Interrupter Advanced
Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement to say that the artificial sweetener aspartame is “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and it’s now calling for further research. The research was done by The International Agency for Research on Cancer which is part of the World Health Organization.
In 2022 the BMJ published the findings of a study that took place in Paris that concluded all artificial sweeteners are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and “should not be considered a healthy and safe alternative to sugar.”
Evidence suggests that our liver can metabolise 6 teaspoons (or 12g) of sugar a day. Anything above that will cause problems…most people consume around 100g of sugar a day.
We also have data suggesting that high sugar is the main driver in ADD and ADHD.
Sophie mentioned Zotter which you can get from the Cocoa Runners website: https://cocoarunners.com/shop/zotter-70-milk-chocolate-dark-style/
She also mentioned the STC range of chocolate.
BioLumen have launched a product called Monch Monch - a plant-based fibre powder that you mix with water and this is designed to expand in the stomach like a sponge and soak up any sugar in food, so it can’t be absorbed. The idea is that, once it’s locked in the “sponge”, a significant amount of the sugar will simply pass through the digestive tract. It can apparently absorb six grams of sugar.
Researchers at Harvard have been working in collaboration with Kraft Heinz on a process that takes a plant-based enzyme that has the ability to convert sugar to fibre in the gut.
A UK startup called Zya is doing something similar.
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.