Chapter
Link Between Sugar and Cocaine Addiction in Rats
32:06 - 42:03 (09:57)
A study shows that when rats are given foods high in added sugar, the same part of their brain that gets stimulated with cocaine use would also be activated.
Clips
Eating foods high in added sugar can stimulate the same part of the brain as cocaine, according to nutritional science research.
32:06 - 36:44 (04:38)
Summary
Eating foods high in added sugar can stimulate the same part of the brain as cocaine, according to nutritional science research. However, addiction-like behaviors with sugar may only occur in the context of intermittent access, not the neurochemical effects of sugar itself.
ChapterLink Between Sugar and Cocaine Addiction in Rats
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
A study offered rats sugar water, saccharin water, or cocaine water to drink and found that consuming sugar and cocaine produce similar effects on the brain, potentially leading to the seeking out of sugar.
36:44 - 39:20 (02:35)
Summary
A study offered rats sugar water, saccharin water, or cocaine water to drink and found that consuming sugar and cocaine produce similar effects on the brain, potentially leading to the seeking out of sugar. This study adds to the ongoing debate over sugar addiction.
ChapterLink Between Sugar and Cocaine Addiction in Rats
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The core argument about sugar addiction is that sugar consumption leads to dopamine release, but it is debated as to whether it constitutes the same kind of dependency as drugs or alcohol due to lack of data.
39:20 - 41:02 (01:42)
Summary
The core argument about sugar addiction is that sugar consumption leads to dopamine release, but it is debated as to whether it constitutes the same kind of dependency as drugs or alcohol due to lack of data. Additionally, while sugar has a greater impact on dopamine response than other foods, it has not been proven to hijack the reward center of the brain like drugs do.
ChapterLink Between Sugar and Cocaine Addiction in Rats
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
In this episode, the hosts briefly mention two books that were helpful in researching for the episode.
41:02 - 42:03 (01:01)
Summary
In this episode, the hosts briefly mention two books that were helpful in researching for the episode. Both forthcoming later this year, one book is titled "Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture," by Virginia Sole-Smith, while the other remains unnamed.