Is Fructose a Driver of Alzheimer’s Disease? | Dr. Richard Johnson & Dr. Rob Lustig

Fructose and its byproduct uric acid may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s, thanks to an evolutionary adaptation hijacked by the modern diet. Fructose can be directly consumed, or the body can convert high-glycemic carbohydrates and other foods to fructose. Fructose suppresses some cognitive functions. Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Rob Lustig discuss a new study, of which Johnson was an author, on how fructose may be a potential driver in Alzheimer’s, and they hypothesize about fructose’s potential connection to the development of other conditions.

📍What Richard Johnson, MD, & Rob Lustig, MD, discuss:

00:00 — Intro
10:17 — Fructose is the driver of some diseases that are on the rise in kids
12:16 — Fructose is a driver of obesity and metabolic syndrome
15:56 — Pharmaceutical treatments for Alzheimer’s disease aren’t as effective as researchers had hoped
17:40— The research focus of Alzheimer’s is slowly shifting to understanding insulin resistance in the brain
21:45 — Is fructose a root cause of Alzheimer’s?
26:27 — New research suggests fructose induces a foraging response
28:20 — Fructose inhibits areas of the brain to encourage successful foraging
46:36 — We need more research on fructose
1:02:51 —Is fructose a factor in violence?

👋 WHO WE ARE:

Levels helps you see how food affects your health. With real-time, personalized data gathered through biosensors like continuous glucose monitors (CGM), you learn which diet and lifestyle choices improve your metabolic health so you can live a longer, fuller, healthier life.

🔗 LINKS:

[henrychilders]

I’ve listened to both of these guys and Jerry, Schulman and others, and I find myself going back and listening again and again and again. I’m passionate about all of this work and I get it yet. I still find I need to go back for so many of these things to get the nuance. I wish doctors in the western world could become enlightened. I’m a Cardio Thoracic surgeon with the background in biochemistry and molecular biology. I’ve shifted my whole career to treatment of disease and wellness through cell biology or metabolism or whatever you’re supposed to call it the results are astounding and the reason I can get results is because I listen to people like this.

[jimstanton]

I was talking with a prison warden and he stated that sugar intake brought on more fights in prison and restricted sugar intake had less violence.

[patrickjames]

All I can say is, Thank God this is finally being Bless you both and all your associates. I want to give all studying this the Nobel Prize times 100.

[charlesschenk]

Interesting connection between alcoholism and fructose. When an alcoholic takes one drink the craving starts for more, and at the same time, that first drink begins to shut down the part of the brain that can say, "No more - I've had enough." So it's off to the races for more alcohol. How do I know? Well, I am an alcoholic. Don't worry, I'm sober a little over thirty-six years. But the strange thing I've noticed in sobriety is I would then do with sugar, the same as I did with alcohol. Eat one cookie, or one chocolate/peanut butter cup, and I crave more, and more - keep eating until I feel sick. When I stopped all sweets, the sugar cravings stopped too.

[margaretoconnor]

These comments alone have brought tears to my eyes. I volunteered for Alzheimers with my husband for 5 years until I saw symptoms in him. I follow these Drs and think they are right on and with Dr Bredesen deserve a Nobel prize. God Bless you and your work! Continue this wonderful progress you are making in your research!

[robinengland]

Two wonderful physicians, Dr Lustig saved my life! He is a very brave man taking on some very powerful industries and politicians! Dr Johnson is also a amazing researcher.

[jerrystrozyk]

OK, people, these incredible gentlemen have done the heavy lifting. Now, it's up to all of us to share this with our doctors, our families, and our friends throughout the world. Blanket the earth with this information, get hard copies made, buy the books, whatever works for you, and let's go! Spread it like a pandemic. It's the least you can do to thank them for their work .

[penniroyal]

I am diabetic at 62. I started taking my blood glucose testing 2 hours after eating because I knew something was affecting my brain and I thought it was from what I was eating. I did this straight for 2 weeks. My MD then calls me to tell me my lab results show I was diabetic. I told her I already new that and already changed my Diet. She asked how did you know? I said I googled my symptoms and then put myself on a diabetic diet. I’ve been in my new diet about a month now. I totally cut out all grains and all nuts because they really bothered me and raised my blood sugar. I also cut out all fruits but strawberries and blueberries. I don’t eat any beans cause they really jack up my blood sugar. I feel so much better now and my memory is getting better! This is my third round with blood sugar issues. #1 gestational diabetes with 2nd pregnancy at 27 #2 pre-diabetes when I went into menopause and gained a lot of weight #3) aging! I am now 63 and my body is slowing down. Now I walk 2-5 miles a day to keep my muscles strong 💪 work off the glucose I eat even on a low glycemic diet. I walk right after eating even if it’s only 15 min. I can feel my digestion process what I just ate!

[jksinorbit]

Heavy hitters ! Amazing that I can sit on my couch and listen to these guys….

[mrmeter]

I’m a nurse practitioner. I’ve read Lustig’s book “Metabolical…” and have definitely changed the way I do practice and think. I need to get the “Nature Wants Us Fat” book and see the dots he connects. This talk now has me wanting to work with Lustig on legislation in Louisiana as we definitely are ranked horribly compared to the other 50 states.

[gerrisovak]

Anyone who has ever gone to an AA meeting can see the sugar alcohol sugar connections. All you have to do is observe the number of spoonsfull of sugar that is added to the coffee

[TheFarmersWife]

Constantly rewinding and taking notes! Geeze this is outstanding! I could listen to these 2 forever!

[marjoriemota]

Very inspiring. I took copious notes and typed them up. I hope you both continue to reach out to the public via YouTube or other media.

[marilynroper]

What a super team! Hope to hear more of these conversations.

[petarvukic]

Thank you gentlemen, both of you. I’m living example and proof that you both are on the very right track regarding the role of fructose in the metabolic sindrome and the insulin resístance proceses. Living with dmt2 for 8 years now, 6 of those without any medication whatsoever thanks to your work mostly I’m feeling better now then almost ever before. Keep up the good work you are saving countless lives.

[bigo]

I am one who thinks not only Dr Lustig and Johnson carry on with more but with this impactful discussions. Maybe a series combining their respective specialties. This is one of the most important discussions on here. Thank you so much!

[DaJoker]

we are so lucky to live in an era of infinite, accessible wisdom!!!
thanks you, Levels.

[PGpenny]

What an enlightening and confirming conversation between two people whose work I have come to appreciate and respect over the past 3 years of my own journey away from highly processed foods and towards more understanding of what is taking place at the cellular level in my own body. As a 75 yr old lady from western Canada, I treasure the learning opportunities offered on channels such as this. The fructose connections are worthy of our attention, and I look forward to hearing more conversations and exchanges of information from both of you learned people.

[tkoop]

❤ what an honour to be able to listen to these two GIANTS. You want to capture and remember every word said. 👏

[joelmccoy]

My poor high school educated brain at 68-years-old needs to see this again to get it all in. Thank you both for your enlightening insights.