Episode
The Trouble with Sugar
49:21
Published: Tue Apr 11 2023
Description
This week we're tackling three big ideas about sugar: It causes hyperactivity in kids, it's as addictive as cocaine and it raises blood sugar in universal, predictably spiky ways. Thanks to David Johnston for helping us with sources for this week’s episode!Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase T-shirts, stickers and moreBuy Aubrey's bookListen to Mike's other podcastLinks!Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture by Virginia Sole SmithSugar Rush: Science, Politics and the Demonisation of Fatness by Karen ThrosbyIs sugar really as addictive as cocaine? Scientists row over effect on body and brainSugar Is Not the EnemyDr. Benjamin F. Feingold, Controversial PediatricianIs There Such a Thing as a ‘Sugar High’?Effects of Diets High in Sucrose or Aspartame on The Behavior and Cognitive Performance of ChildrenSugar and the Hyperactive ChildSome popular diets are based on this carb-rating scale. Here’s why it could be misleading.Glycemic Index: History and Clinical ApplicationGlycemic Index and Glycemic Load Low glycaemic index or low glycaemic load diets for overweight and obesityWhat is the glycaemic indexDon't Play a Numbers Game, Experts Say, Just Eat Your VegetablesSugar addiction: the state of the scienceThanks to Doctor Dreamchip for our lovely theme song!Support the show
Chapters
The hosts discuss the concept of the glycemic index, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and the myths that surround it.
00:00 - 02:10 (02:10)
Summary
The hosts discuss the concept of the glycemic index, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and the myths that surround it. Also, an ad for TeePublic merchandise is mentioned.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The podcast host discusses the myths surrounding sugar and alternatives like agave, highlighting the importance of understanding how sugar is processed in the body.
02:10 - 06:11 (04:00)
Summary
The podcast host discusses the myths surrounding sugar and alternatives like agave, highlighting the importance of understanding how sugar is processed in the body.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
Dr. Feingold suggested that if children with hyperactivity eliminated sugar-laden foods such as soft drinks, candy, and processed meats, at least half of them would experience some symptom relief.
06:11 - 09:26 (03:15)
Summary
Dr. Feingold suggested that if children with hyperactivity eliminated sugar-laden foods such as soft drinks, candy, and processed meats, at least half of them would experience some symptom relief. The idea that sugar makes kids "hyper" is well-known, and anecdotal evidence supports this claim.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
Studies have failed to show a consistent link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity in children.
09:26 - 14:40 (05:14)
Summary
Studies have failed to show a consistent link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity in children. The idea of sugar causing hyperactivity may be a misattributed association that leads to over-diagnosis of ADHD.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
Contrary to popular belief, there is no scientific evidence to support a link between sugar and hyperactivity in children.
14:40 - 19:22 (04:42)
Summary
Contrary to popular belief, there is no scientific evidence to support a link between sugar and hyperactivity in children. It is possible that anxieties over sugar consumption may contribute to hyperactive behavior in some cases.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
Learn about how the glycemic index ranks foods based on their effect on blood sugar and how it's often misunderstood and misinterpreted in popular culture.
19:22 - 23:00 (03:38)
Summary
Learn about how the glycemic index ranks foods based on their effect on blood sugar and how it's often misunderstood and misinterpreted in popular culture.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
This podcast explains how different factors such as cooking methods, ripeness, and other foods consumed alongside, can affect the glycemic index of a food.
23:01 - 27:14 (04:13)
Summary
This podcast explains how different factors such as cooking methods, ripeness, and other foods consumed alongside, can affect the glycemic index of a food.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The idea that sugar is as addictive as cocaine is not widely known to those who are not managing their blood sugar for medical reasons.
27:14 - 32:06 (04:51)
Summary
The idea that sugar is as addictive as cocaine is not widely known to those who are not managing their blood sugar for medical reasons. Blood sugar monitors can be useful in determining the effects of different foods on blood sugar levels.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
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.
32:06 - 42:03 (09:57)
Summary
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.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The use of "sugar is toxic" is a way of discussing fat people without explicitly saying fat people, and it has created a false understanding of the chemical functions of sugar in the body.
42:03 - 48:16 (06:12)
Summary
The use of "sugar is toxic" is a way of discussing fat people without explicitly saying fat people, and it has created a false understanding of the chemical functions of sugar in the body. This messaging may be for marketing or public relations purposes, as it is not supported by biological evidence.
EpisodeThe Trouble with Sugar
PodcastMaintenance Phase
Consuming too much sugar does not result in immediate death, but can overtime lead to conditions such as diabetes caused by years of elevated blood sugar levels, which can differ from person to person.
48:16 - 49:02 (00:45)
Summary
Consuming too much sugar does not result in immediate death, but can overtime lead to conditions such as diabetes caused by years of elevated blood sugar levels, which can differ from person to person.