The Real Cause of Sugar Cravings, and the Compound That Stops Them | #194The Real Cause of Sugar Cravings, and the Compound That Stops Them | #194
The Dr. Joy Kong Podcast
Dr. Joy Kong talks with metabolic health researcher Chris Mearns about how fructose and the enzyme fructokinase can drive sugar cravings, fatigue and a host of metabolic issues. They discuss dietary strategies and a luteolin-based supplement approach that may help shift cells back into a higher energy state.
54:29•6 Aug 2026
Why Sugar Makes You Tired: Fructose, Cravings and the Surprising Fix
Episode Overview
- Fructose is increasingly viewed as a signalling molecule that drops cellular energy by driving ATP into uric acid via fructokinase.
- This low-energy, conserving state in cells can link obesity, fatty liver, brain fog, hypertension and gout as expressions of the same underlying issue.
- Cutting sugar alone can initially worsen cravings, so increasing complex carbohydrates or using ketone sources like MCT oil can ease the transition.
- A ketogenic-style approach or reducing high-glycaemic carbohydrates, alcohol, excess salt and very "tasty" foods may lower fructose signalling.
- Luteolin, especially in liposomal form, is discussed as a natural compound that may blunt fructokinase activity and reduce cravings while improving energy.
“So all these sugar you think you're getting energy from end up is robbing you of energy.”
In this eye-opening episode, you'll learn about sugar cravings in a way that might make you look twice at your next snack. The Dr. Joy Kong Podcast brings together triple board-certified physician Dr. Joy Kong and metabolic health researcher Chris Mearns for a detailed yet laid-back chat about what sugar is really doing inside your cells.
Chris breaks down metabolism as "a little engine that's running inside our cells" and explains how fructose, the lesser-discussed half of table sugar, can push that engine into permanent eco mode. Instead of giving you energy, fructose is metabolised by an enzyme called fructokinase, degrading ATP into uric acid and shoving cells into a defensive, low-energy state.
As Chris puts it, "So all these sugar you think you're getting energy from end up is robbing you of energy." You’ll hear how this conserving state links common issues like obesity, fatty liver, brain fog, hypertension and even gout, all as different branches of the same energy problem. The conversation stays practical, touching on why cravings feel so relentless, why weight loss often plateaus, and why stopping certain medications or diets can quickly bring relapse. Dr.
Kong keeps the discussion grounded in everyday concerns—low energy, stubborn weight, early liver trouble—while Chris talks about both pharmaceutical and natural strategies to blunt fructokinase. He shares his experience with luteolin, a plant polyphenol found in foods like celery and chamomile, and how using a liposomal form led to fewer cravings, more energy and gradual weight loss. Their chat around fruit is particularly handy, showing how ripeness, juicing and drying can dramatically change fructose impact.
If you're tired of feeling exhausted, constantly hungry and confused by your "broken metabolism", this episode offers a clear model of what's happening underneath—and some realistic first steps to change the story. Could understanding fructose be the missing piece in your own energy and weight journey?
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