"Since I am over weight, I have been choosing food and drinks that are artificially sweetened thinking I was reducing my calories and doing something good for my body. I was shocked to learn that artificial sweeteners have no effect on weight loss. This is actually great to hear because I really do not like the taste of artificial sweeteners. Now I can give them up without feeling guilt!" -Lisa, reader from Colorado

The effect of Sweet & Earthy Foods on the Body

Did you know that 'Sweet' will make your voice more melodious? Or that it provides emotional security? If you have a sweet tooth like me, keep reading to learn the difference between healthy benefits and downfalls of the Sweet Taste.

Ayurveda teaches us that the six tastes and five elements have various effects on the body.

Madhura Rasa (Sweet Taste)

Sorry, but we are NOT talking about cakes, candy, and sugar. In Ayurveda, sweet taste refers to food that builds. Food that builds tissue, muscle, fat, and all 7 dhatus. Foods that are grounding, calming, and relaxing. Sweet taste in its natural form is no longer easily detected amongst our tastebuds because of the introduction of the processed, factory-made type of sweet.

The sweet taste is made from the elements Earth and Water. And because these are the same elements which make up the Kapha dosha, it just makes sense that this taste has an anabolic nature. (Remember- Anabolic = Builds. Metabolic = transforms. Catabolic = destroys)

The key to maintaining healthy weight is to work in sync with sweet taste (as well as the other tastes,) to coordinate the benefits the body actually needs.

Determine first what the body is needing:

Skin needs to be soft and supple. Lymph needs to flow. Blood needs to nourish. Muscle needs to provide security and protection. Fat lubricates and provides immunity. Bones need to support and nerves need to be stable.

For me, my bones are porous and lacking nutrients. I can tell - because my bones are achy, my back hurts all the time, and my wrists seem fatigued after use. A recent injury sent me to urgent care, where an X-ray confirmed a diagnosis of osteopenia. I also struggle with emotions of worry and anxiety and often feel scattered. Vata imbalance has become so chronic within my body, that it is now systemic.

When I look in the mirror - I see excess fat around the belly, buttocks, and waist. My face is fuller than it was in my 30's and I feel heavy in the body and heavy in the mind. When I see myself- I don't see the need for "building food."

Retrain your tongue:

Take a moment and ask yourself, "Do beets taste sweet?" If you say no, chances are there is an imbalance within the body and tongue.

One morning, after diligently working on my fake-sweet addiction, I was eating a bowl of oatmeal with a few nuts, seeds, and spices for garnish. I was in a quiet space and very mindful of each bite. And that's when I noticed it. There was a subtle, but sweet taste.

Something that used to be so bland and only tasted like the items I mixed into it - now had its own flavor!

Our taste buds can remember. They can regenerate and become refined. I'll say it again: Foods that build are sweet. This includes many of our carbohydrate heavy foods like bread, rice, and root vegetables (yes even beets.) We have been told that reducing carbs from our diet will help us lose weight, but in my experience -these foods are not the problem. It is my relationship with them. A body out of balance will have incorrect food cravings. 

Correct your cravings (And then indulge in them):

Our bodies are designed to keep us in balance. Because I had a deep-seated need for building (deep enough for my bones to be suffering,) the wisdom of my body spoke up. "Eat something sweet!" This is great, because I was craving the very thing I needed. However, the ignorance of my tongue spoke louder "Cookies are sweet! Cake is too!" 

Through different Ayurvedic herbs (like gymnema sylvestre, which as known as the 'sugar destroyer' in Ayurveda,) supplements, and practices - I was finally able to kick the sugar habit and return to a state of balance. I trust my tongue and I rely on my natural cravings to cue the foods that I need to include on my plate. Working with an Ayurvedic Practioner or Health Counselor, is something I would highly recommend if you are anything like me. Someone who wants to honor and support your body, without feeling like you have to compromise on your favorite foods and flavors. Someone who wants to enjoy the sweet flavor, without unnecessary weight gain. You can do it! 

Here is some quick information for you to think about when approaching the Sweet Taste:

What happens when we have too much?

The blood thickens, agni slows down, bowel transit time slows down, bogs down circulation, blood sugar spikes, lethargy, damage the pancreas and the spleen, can lead to diabetes mellitus, obesity, blurry vision, brain fog, toxins in the body, heaviness, depleted immune system, increase in non-beneficial bacteria, candida, white tongue coating, complacency, anxiety, increase mucus, edema.

What happens when we don’t have enough?

Dryness, anxiety, hyperactivity, emaciation, wasting, dehydration, weakness, joint stiffness, frayed nervous system, arthritis, pain, brittle hair and nails, dissatisfaction with life, low stress tolerance.