Sugar or Cocaine? How This Drug Hijacks Your Brain And The Neural Addiction Process With Dr. Nicole Avena
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In this eye-opening episode of the Uncover Your Eyes podcast, Dr. Meenal Agarwal dives deep into the science of sugar addiction with Dr. Nicole Avena, neuroscientist, health psychology professor, and author of Sugarless. Watch the video episode on YouTube and listen to the audio episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots – follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying the show!
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- Learn more about Dr. Meenal Agarwal
Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal Episode #74: Sugar or Cocaine? How This Drug Hijacks Your Brain And The Neural Addiction Process With Dr. Nicole Avena
🍬Is sugar just a sweet treat—or a substance as addictive as drugs or alcohol that we are handing our kids daily?
In this eye-opening episode of the Uncover Your Eyes podcast, Dr. Meenal Agarwal dives deep into the science of sugar addiction with Dr. Nicole Avena, neuroscientist, health psychology professor, and author of Sugarless. Together, we explore the truth behind why sugar hijacks the brain, and Dr. Avena shares her proven 7-Step Plan to break free from sugar addiction.
North America leads the world in obesity, and 1 in 3 children are affected. Sugar is silently shaping mental health, physical health, and even our self-advocacy in healthcare.
Whether you’re a parent, a healthcare provider, or someone struggling with sugar cravings, this episode gives you the tools, science, and empowerment to take control.
This episode isn’t just about sugar—it's about validation and empowerment in a healthcare system that too often overlooks what sugar is truly doing to our bodies.
Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:
- The process of sugar addiction—and why your brain reacts like it’s on drugs
- The role of neurotransmitters and brain chemicals
- What sugars your brain can handle
- How sugar impacts mental health
- Why GLP-1 drugs aren’t the magic fix for obesity or cravings
- How food companies target your kids (and why parents are unknowingly getting trapped)
Learn more about Dr. Nicole Avena at DrNicoleAvena.com, on Instagram @DrNicoleAvena, and check out her book Sugarless.
Subscribe to Uncover Your Eyes on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube, and learn more about Dr. Meenal on Instagram @Dr.MeenalAgarwal.
Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.
Show Notes
- Sugar or Cocaine? How This Drug Hijacks Your Brain And The Neural Addiction Process With Dr. Nicole Avena
- [0:34] Welcome to Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal
- [1:51] Welcome, Dr. Nicole Avena!
- [2:19] How does neuroscience define addiction?
- [6:35] The neurobiology of sugar addiction
- [9:22] What’s the difference between all these sugars/sweeteners?
- [14:11] The ongoing cycle of sugar cravings
- [14:40] How sugar impacts mental health
- [17:01] The 7-step plan from Sugarless to reduce intake
- [20:06] Children, adolescents, and sugar
- [23:51] Does sugar impact ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism?
- [26:57] Why don’t doctors address diet?
- [30:36] Lifestyle medicine vs. quick fixes
- [35:10] Which foods should our family avoid?
- [38:25] Which foods promote brain health?
- [42:56] The impact of cooking as a family habit
- [46:13] What research breakthroughs are on the horizon for neuroscience or addiction?
- [49:27] Dr. Avena’s single mindset shift to focus on
- [51:17] Connect with Dr. Nicole Avena at her website and on socials! And check out her book Sugarless
- Subscribe to Uncover Your Eyes on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube, and learn more about Dr. Meenal on Instagram @Dr.MeenalAgarwal
- Theme Song: “Upbeat Motivational Pop Rock” by Alexey Anisimov
What is Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal?
Thanks for listening to Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal. Being an eye doctor makes life easy, right? Not so fast. Join us as we uncover our lives as healthcare professionals. In each episode, you will face reality and vulnerability. You’ll hear how to manage your wellbeing, culture, and physical and mental health. You’ll also navigate self-improvement and professional development, all while uncovering innovation in patient care from experts in our healthcare system. Let’s do this while keeping it “real” and authentic. Hosted by Dr. Meenal Agarwal, Expert Optometrist, Entrepreneur, Speaker, and Mom of 3.
Who is Dr. Meenal Agarwal?
With three clinics in Toronto and sought-after experience, Dr. Meenal Agarwal is an expert in vision and eyecare innovation. She is a leading voice on patient care, technology, professional development, and wellness in the healthcare industry.