How Sugar Affects the Brain with Dr. Nicole Avena

Dr. Nicole Avena is a neuroscientist, researcher, author, and speaker who has spent years studying nutrition and the brain chemistry of the reward system. She is a pioneer in the field of food addiction. In functional medicine, we often talk about the importance of behavior and lifestyle changes to optimize health. But, how much of this is within our control? On today’s episode, Dr. Avena discusses the adverse effects of sugar on eating behaviors and the brain’s role in decision-making.    Today on The Lab Report: 3:00 Meet Dr. Nicole Avena and learn why she focuses on nutrition and food addiction 7:00 How sugar influences the brain chemistry of the reward system 10:20 Processed foods and added sugar 13:35 Reading nutrition labels and USDA recommendations 16:30 Long term effects of sugar on children 18:30 Advice for parents about introducing sugar in the diet 21:55 The Fireball   Additional Resources: Dr. Nicole Avena's website TED talk - How Sugar Affects the Brain Why Diets Fail What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler What to Eat When You're Pregnant Hedonic Eating: How the Pleasure of Food Affects Our Brains and Behavior   Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.