BV #21: Fructose Lies & How Much Glucose Is Too Much

Oct 15, 2025

Dive into a lively debate about the potential risks of massive glucose consumption and its impact on overall health. The hosts dissect claims that glucose can't harm you and explore the contrasting roles of glucose and fructose in metabolism. Can sucrose cross the blood-brain barrier? They also tackle the controversial idea that mental health issues stem from glucose deficiency. Tune in for insights on balanced carbohydrate sources and the importance of individualized nutrition in achieving optimal health.

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INSIGHT

Chemical Structure Is Not Safety Proof

Chemical simplicity of glucose doesn't prove physiological safety or unlimited dosing.
Jay Feldman warns molecules are metabolized and can harm via metabolic pathways, not corrosion.

INSIGHT

Fructose Isn't Automatically Stored As Fat

Fructose and glucose differ slightly in early metabolism but act similarly once in glycolysis.
Jay and Mike say fructose rarely becomes fat under normal intake and is efficiently converted to fuel or glucose.

INSIGHT

Sucrose Is Broken Down Before Absorption

Sucrose is split in the intestine into glucose and fructose before absorption, so intact sucrose rarely circulates.
Mike Fave and Jay call the blood-brain barrier argument irrelevant and physiologically incorrect.

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In this episode we discuss:

Whether there are benefits to taking massive amounts of glucose for healing
Whether there is a limit to the amount of glucose we should consume

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

2:10 – David Stephens’ claim that glucose can't harm you in any way, no matter the amount

7:46 – the difference between glucose and fructose and whether fructose just gets converted to fat

11:13 – whether extreme acidity, alkalinity, and corrosivity are what make substances harmful to humans

15:14 – David Stephens’ claim that sucrose can't cross the blood-brain barrier

18:59 – how authoritarianism shapes the health industry and the difficulties of verifying information with AI

23:14 – whether the “chemical heaviness” of sucrose means that it can’t be helpful in the body

25:51 – whether we agree with David Stephens on the benefits of glucose

29:14 – whether anxiety, irritability, depression, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes are caused by a lack of glucose for your brain

34:37 – what David Stephens misses about the large amounts of glucose he recommends – poor glucose utilization, gut issues, and blood sugar instability

38:06 – whether glucose deficiency is possible and whether most people are eating enough carbs to thrive vs survive

39:04 – David Stephens’ claim that it’s impossible for glucose to be harmful to the body in any way

45:25 – why someone might feel better using large amounts of dextrose as their main carbohydrate source

48:00 – how large quantities of glucose can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and cardiovascular problems

52:27 – how to avoid dietary extremes and what balance really means

58:41 – weight loss and recovery from mental health issues using a bioenergetic approach