Episode 117 - Sugar Addiction Part 2: Evolutionary and Genetic Aspects of Feeding and the Limbic SystemEpisode 117 - Sugar Addiction Part 2: Evolutionary and Genetic Aspects of Feeding and the Limbic System
The Addiction Connection
Drs. Bell and DeVine explore how genetics and the brain's pleasure center influence our sugar cravings.
33:00•16 Aug 2022
The Evolution of Sugar Addiction: A Deep Dive into Genetics and the Brain
“We like to believe the opposite of addiction is actually connection and we are going to attempt to educate you and possibly even entertain you while we navigate all topics.”
Why are we so hooked on sugar? Drs. Heather Bell and Kurt DeVine tackle this question head-on in part two of their series on sugar addiction. In this episode, they explore how our evolutionary past and genetic makeup influence our eating habits today. From our hunter-gatherer ancestors to the modern era of industrialized food, they trace the journey of how sugar became a staple in our diets.
The discussion takes a fascinating turn as they link the pleasure center of the brain, known as the limbic system, to our cravings for sugar. They delve into how neuroimaging reveals that people with higher obesity levels or food addiction have lower dopamine sensitivity, making them more susceptible to sugar's allure. The episode also touches on the molecular similarities between sugar and drugs, suggesting that genetics might play a significant role in sugar addiction.
If you're curious about why you can't resist that sugary snack or want to understand the science behind it, this episode is a must-listen. Drs. Bell and DeVine bring their medical expertise to the table, making complex topics easy to grasp while keeping the conversation engaging and relatable.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.