Podcasts · Huberman Lab

Essentials: Control Sugar Cravings & Metabolism with Science-Based Tools

30 Apr 2026 · 34 min

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how the body senses and uses sugar, and why understanding those mechanisms can help reduce sugar cravings. I discuss different types of sugar and how they are processed by pathways in the gut and the brain to shape appetite and the desire for specific foods. I also share many science-based tools to help curb sugar cravings and support healthy blood sugar regulation.

Read the show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Lingo: https://hellolingo.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

(00:00:00) Sugar

(00:00:37) Hunger, Hormones & Blood Glucose

(00:03:03) Fructose vs Glucose, Controlling Hunger

(00:06:30) Sponsor: AG1

(00:07:54) Brain Circuits: Sweet Taste & Nutritive Pathways

(00:10:51) Sweet Taste & Dopamine

(00:13:22) Gut & Blood Glucose; Tool: Sugar Cravings & Hidden Sugars

(00:15:44) Sponsor: Lingo

(00:16:53) Glycemic Index, Tool: Food Choices, Fiber & Sugar Intake

(00:20:55) Glutamine Supplementation, Leaky Gut & Sugar Cravings

(00:23:17) Tool: Lemon Juice to Blunt Blood Glucose

(00:26:44) Sponsor: LMNT

(00:28:16) Tool: Reduce Blood Sugar Cravings with Cinnamon

(00:29:10) Berberine & Potent Molecules to Regulate Blood Glucose

(00:30:52) Tool: Quality Sleep & Sugar Cravings

Disclaimer & Disclosures

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Links in the notes 7

• https://www.hubermanlab.com/essentials
• https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/essentials-control-sugar-cravings-and-metabolism-with-science-based-tools
• https://drinkag1.com/huberman
• https://hellolingo.com/huberman
• https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
• https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer
• https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

The episode on the publisher’s site ↗ (opens in a new tab)