Could This Gut Bug Help Curb Your Sweet Tooth?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 2, 2025
Yesterday, I warned you about the devastating health impact of sugary drinks (if you missed that, CLICK HERE to catch up).
Well, in honor of Groundhog’s Day, I will to talk about sugar AGAIN today.
Because if you’ve ever found yourself unable to resist that second (or third) cookie, you’re not alone.
Our bodies are literally hardwired to crave sugar.
But now, scientists have discovered something fascinating about why some folks have better control over their sweet tooth than others.
And it all comes down to a tiny gut inhabitant…
A study published in Nature Microbiology identified a specific gut bacterium that can help control sugar cravings—a discovery that might revolutionize how we treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The researchers found that both diabetic mice and humans had something in common: reduced levels of a protein called FFAR4.
FFAR4 controls blood sugar and appetite by triggering the release of the hormone GLP-1.
But here’s where it gets interesting…
When FFAR4 levels dropped, so did the numbers of a specific gut microbe called Bacteroides vulgatus. This bacterial decline and decreased levels of the chemical messenger pantothenate are linked to increased sugar cravings.
Think of it like a chain reaction:
- Lower FFAR4 leads to
- less Bacteroides vulgatus, which results in
- stronger sugar cravings
This discovery helps explain why sugar cravings can feel so overwhelming—they’re not just “in your head,” they’re driven by tiny organisms living in your gut!
In other words, managing our gut bacteria could be key to controlling sugar cravings.
This finding may open new doors for treating obesity and metabolic diseases without relying solely on willpower.
More research is needed before we see targeted treatments, of course. But there are ways you can support your gut health right now:
- Eat a diverse diet that’s rich in soluble fiber
- Include fermented foods in your meals
- Limit processed foods and artificial sweeteners
- Stay hydrated
- Get regular exercise
Remember, those sugar cravings aren’t just about lack of self-control—they’re part of a complex biological system involving your gut microbiome. Understanding this connection could be the key to finally getting your sweet tooth under control.
P.S. Revealing the TRUTH about “natural” sugars…
Source:
Zhang, T., Wang, W., Li, J., Ye, X., Wang, Z., Cui, S., Shen, S., Liang, X., Chen, Y. Q., & Zhu, S. (2025). Free fatty acid receptor 4 modulates dietary sugar preference via the gut microbiota. Nature Microbiology, 1-14.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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