Appetite and weight loss

Researchers from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified taste receptors in the human intestines, and this could be an important discovery in the treatment of obesity and diabetes:

“We now know that the receptors that sense sugar and artificial sweeteners are not limited to the tongue. Our work is an important advance for the new field of gastrointestinal chemosensation – how the cells of the gut detect and respond to sugars and other nutrients,” said Robert F. Margolskee, MD, PhD. “Cells of the gut taste glucose through the same mechanisms used by taste cells of the tongue. The gut taste cells regulate secretion of insulin and hormones that regulate appetite. Our work sheds new light on how we regulate sugar uptake from our diets and regulate blood sugar levels.”

“This work may explain why current artificial sweeteners may not help with weight loss, and may lead to the production of new non-caloric sweeteners to better control weight. Sensing glucose in the gastrointestinal tract is the first step in regulating blood sugar levels.”

Personally, I think the elimination of any form of refined sugar (and artificial sweeteners) in one’s diet is probably the key turning point in transforming one’s diet. Eliminating sugar from my diet (about five years ago) started me on the path to healthy and mindful eating. I’d have to admit (given my addiction to sugar) that it was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done, and certainly something that I’m quite proud of as a personal accomplishment.