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.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! - Netta