Sugar & Ayurveda

The dangers of excess sugars are many and impact our lives in both the short and long term. The most common is associated with extra calories and possible weight gain. Secondly, the spike in blood sugar creates increased glucose levels, which affect our energy levels and cause the roller-coaster effects of stimulation and then depression. Finally, sugar-related illnesses are significant causes of heart disease, diabetes, and immunity-related health issues, including cancer and candida.

It is essential to understand the difference between sugar and sweet taste. Ayurveda believes that each meal should contain all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent). This ensures proper digestion, assimilation, and elimination processes and creates Ojas (the life sap of life).

From the Ayurvedic viewpoint, excess sugar can be problematic because it is heavy, clogging, stale, and overstimulating. It creates Ama (toxins), sluggishness, weakens immunity, and causes disease. But the sweet taste is important because it is grounding, nourishing, and calming, improving strength and vitality, supporting tissue nourishment, immunity, and quality sleep.

From a dosha point of view, the sweet taste balances both Vata and Pitta but can increase Kapha. Common sources of sweet taste include legumes, grains, root vegetables, dairy products, animal products, fresh and dried fruits, and sweet spices such as cardamom, coriander, fennel, cinnamon, and licorice.

Ayurvedic Strategies for Sugar Addiction

To find balance with sugar and its cravings requires examining current behaviors around sugar and foods, and possibly changing some habits. Eating a balanced and warm diet brings stability. Incorporating high-quality oils such as ghee, extra-virgin olive oil, and coconut oil creates a sense of grounding. Using spices like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and fresh ginger benefits digestion and absorption. Below are a few points to consider.

1. Notice Your Emotions

It’s no surprise that there is a link between your emotions and eating high-fat, high-sugar foods. If you get stressed or feel sad and go straight for the sugar, you might be an emotional sugar eater. Discussing this with a friend or professional will help raise awareness and promote introspection.

2. Balance Your Blood Sugar Levels

If your blood sugar tends to fluctuate throughout the day and you crave sweets to keep your energy up, consider eating breakfast within 1 hour of waking up. This will help to stabilize your blood sugar and insulin levels. Include protein and healthy fats with each meal to stabilize blood sugar.

3. Incorporate Sweet Vegetables into Your Diet

Adding sweet vegetables to your diet can help satisfy your sweet tooth, including roasted sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and winter squashes like butternut or acorn.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Studies have shown that not getting proper sleep increases sugar consumption and increases the craving for sweets to bolster energy. It is important to stay rested and understand how fatigue can upset your balance.