The Sugar "Fix": The Addiction and The Treatment

Dr. Robert Lustig and Dr. Nicole Avena will have a conversation about sugar, based on many years of scientific and clinical experience.
They will begin with a brief history of the evolution of sugar in our food environment and move on to where we are today regarding types of sugar and sweeteners, as well as the pervasiveness of these in our food supply. Questions explored will include: How do various types of sugar and sweeteners affect your brain and body systems? Is moderation possible when evidence suggests sugar may be "addictive"? What are the options if you want something sweet? You will have an opportunity to ask questions and will gain valuable insights to help you understand sugar and reduce your intake if need be.
Dr. Nicole Avena is an associate professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and a visiting professor of health psychology at Princeton University. She is a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet and addiction, with a special focus on nutrition during early life and pregnancy, and women’s health. She has done groundbreaking work developing models to characterize food addiction and the dangers of excess sugar intake.
Robert H. Lustig, M.D., M.S.L. is emeritus professor of pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, and member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies, at UCSF. Dr. Lustig is a neuroendocrinologist, with expertise in metabolism, obesity, and nutrition. He is one of the leaders of the current “anti-sugar” movement that is changing the food industry. He has dedicated his retirement from clinical medicine to helping fix the food supply any way he can, to reduce human suffering and to salvage the environment.
Photo courtesy the speaker.
February 15, 2024
Speakers
Dr. Nicole Avena
Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York City); Visiting Professor of Health Psychology, Princeton University; Author, Sugar Less
Dr. Robert H. Lustig
M.D., M.S.L., Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, and Member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies, UCSF; Author, Metabolical
Patty James
Chief Innovation Officer, Foogal; Co-chair, Nutrition, Food & Wellness Member-led Forum, Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California-Moderator
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[@args50451]

I love the self soothing comment, as a carnivore who has totally quit 99% of all carbohydrates the biggest problem I corrected with this lifestyle is that I no longer drink alcohol. I believe alcohol addiction is a subset of sugar addiction because without sugar you cannot ferment anything into alcohol.

[@pn2543]

great talk, listened twice, the description of the school lunches being loaded with sugar is truly horrifying, I hope Dr Lustig's crusade helps many kids avoid a lifetime of obesity and sugar addiction

[@MrArtdelgado210]

Thank you for this discussion. 5 years ago Dr.Lustig changed my life and compelled me to avoid processed foods, refined carbs, and especially refined sugars and I'd rather smoke a cigarette than consume anything with corn syrup and I owe it all to Dr. Lustig. Cognition,focus, and general awareness improved dramatically. I feel more present and in the moment. My sense of taste returned to norrmal and healthy foods taste better, while unhealthy foods taste worse and ny sleep improved DRAMATICALLY snd if it only improved my sleep, Id still avoid sugar and processed foods because 6 hours of sleep now feels like 8 hours before i changed my dietary choices. When your sleep improves, everything improves.

[@kathrynhogan3387]

Great discussion. Addiction transference is real. Gastric Bypass resulted in a salad addiction. And Starbucks? Do heavy cream Flat whites to avoid sugar and plastic.

[@MaggieTrudeau]

thank you both and the club for the informative and inspiring content.

[@fiddlefancier]

My kids grew up sugar free, nothing out of a bottle or a can, all fresh produce or whole grains and meat. They were in great health, until college!

[@kathrynhogan3387]

They’ll be back! Do not worry🩵

[@therealtoni]

College ruins kids in more ways than one today! Corrupts bodies and minds

[@Hyperion1040]

I need to follow up on even and odd saturated fats theory 😅

[@bradley244ify]

I would much prefer a practical point by point program of how to make meaningful change at home by the individual. Give me a satisfying menu.

[@gloriaduffy8874]

Dr. Avena's book Sugar Less has recipes and more step-by-step advice.

[@Hyperion1040]

Carmelization is not the same as Mallard reaction! It should be explained to the audience

[@rmh691]

He asked her specifically about what individuals can do to get off sugar, and then she went on a tangent about schools, and then the question was completely lost, and never addressed. The whole point of this presentation would be to give us tools, step by steps, to break a sugar addiction. There was some good information here, but not really a guide at all.

[@Hyperion1040]

Plant based iron is more safe than heme animal iron