113. Are we addicted to dopamine?

Have you heard of the book "Dopamine Nation", written by Dr. Anna Lembke? As a psychiatrist, the author explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain . . . and what to do about it.In this episode, I summarize parts of Dr. Lembke's book. Disclaimer: It isn't specifically about sugar. But I can definitely see a parallel between the need for a dopamine high from drugs and other types of addictive behaviours, and our addiction to highly palatable processed food products, most of which contain refined sugar and flour.This episode talks about:what dopamine iswhat neurotransmitters aremotivation and pleasurethe addictive potential of a behaviour or drugthe brain's reward pathwaythe pleasure-pain balancehow some brains are more wired for addictionfood addictionthe link between alcohol, sugar, and liquid sugar (like soda or juice)why we're more vulnerable to overconsumption in our Western culturethe "dopamine fast"the advantages of abstinencefeeling good versus feeling "less bad"how to get smaller doses of dopamine and feel good in other ways than with sugarhow  Life After Sugar can help YOU live a more joyful life without needing a dopamine high from sugarFind "Dopamine Nation" here.To get personal guidance, support, and accountability to live your healthier lifestyle and let go of sugar: Join the the After Sugar Club today!To get rid of cravings, especially if you're an intermittent faster, download your 5 tips here.Also check out the Life After Sugar Facebook page, and subscribe to my Instagram account and to the Life After Sugar YouTube channel.For step-by-step guidance toward freedom from cravings, get your copy of my new book: "Break Free from Sugar Cravings". Available on Amazon now!For free resources, Do the Cravings Quiz and take the first step to get rid of your cravings! Download your 5 tips HERE to discover how you can get rid of cravings... even when you feel tired or stressed.To rate and review this podcast:scroll down in your podcast player on your phone and click on the stars. To leave a review, scroll down a little more and click on "Write a Review". Once you’ve finished, select “Send” or “Save” in the top-right corner. If you’ve never left a podcast review before, enter a nickname. Your nickname will be displayed on your review.After selecting a nickname, tap OK. Your review may not be immediately visible, but it should be posted soon. Thank you! - NettaDisclaimer: Information provided by Life After Sugar is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. This is general information for educational purposes only. The information provided ...