Addicted to Sweets? Try This Herb
Summary
Dr. Berg introduces Gymnema sylvestre, an herb traditionally known as the “sugar destroyer,” which works by temporarily blocking the taste perception of sweetness. This makes sweet foods unpleasant to consume, offering a practical tool for people struggling with sugar addiction and sugar cravings. It may also support blood sugar regulation and benefit those managing diabetes.
Key Takeaways
- Gymnema sylvestre is an herb nicknamed the “sugar destroyer” due to its ability to block sweet taste receptors
- It temporarily eliminates the enjoyment of sweet foods, making them taste unpleasant or even disgusting
- The effect lasts for several hours after use
- Sweet foods affected include doughnuts (taste like baking soda), cola drinks (taste disgusting), and wine (tastes like vinegar)
- It is available in liquid spray, capsule, or tablet form
- Beyond cravings, it may also support blood sugar levels and aid those with diabetes
- It works best as a behavioral interruption tool — removing the reward response from consuming sugar
Details
How It Works
Gymnema sylvestre contains compounds called gymnemic acids, which temporarily bind to the sweet taste receptors on the tongue. This blocks the perception of sweetness, meaning sweet foods lose their appeal entirely for a period of time. Without the pleasurable taste reward, the drive to consume sugar is significantly reduced.
How to Use It
- Liquid spray form: Spray directly into the mouth before consuming or craving something sweet
- Capsule or tablet form: Chew the capsule or tablet and hold it in the mouth for approximately 10 seconds, then attempt to eat something sweet — the sweet taste will be blocked
Effects on Common Foods
After using Gymnema, familiar sweet foods are reported to taste dramatically different:
- Krispy Kreme doughnut → tastes like baking soda
- Coca-Cola → tastes disgusting
- Wine → tastes like vinegar
Who It’s For
This herb is particularly useful for individuals who feel addicted to sugar and struggle to resist sweet foods through willpower alone. By chemically removing the enjoyment of sweetness, it disrupts the craving-reward cycle that drives overconsumption.
Additional Benefits
Dr. Berg notes that Gymnema is beneficial beyond just blocking taste:
- Supports healthy blood sugar levels
- Has applications in managing diabetes