Sugar: Your Body’s Fuel or Foe? – A Perspective from an Acupuncturist in Aalborg

Hello everyone,

I am a practicing acupuncturist and Chinese herbal therapist, and in my clinic, I often see two very different attitudes toward sugar.

One group avoids all sweets as if they were poison. They eat no cakes, no chocolate, no fruit—but many of them still feel tired, low on energy, and have difficulty concentrating.

The other group consumes sugar without limits—in the form of candy, soda, cakes, and chocolate. They often struggle with weight issues, mood swings, fatigue, or a sense of heaviness in the body.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however, we believe the path to health is through balance—not prohibition.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Views Sugar and Sweetness

In TCM, flavors play an important role, as each flavor affects specific organs. The sweet taste is associated with the spleen system, which is responsible for digestion, energy metabolism, and mental clarity.

A small amount of natural sweetness strengthens the spleen and provides the body with calm, steady energy. But too much—especially refined sugar—overloads the spleen and creates imbalance. This can lead to:

• Fatigue and low energy

• A feeling of heaviness and fluid retention (“dampness”)

• Mental fog

• Sugar cravings and mood swings

When the spleen becomes weak over time, it can also affect the kidneys, which in TCM are considered the root of our vital energy. Hence the saying:

“A little sweetness strengthens the spleen; too much sweetness weakens it.”

Healthy Sweetness – Natural Choices

Sugar itself is not inherently bad. It’s about the source and the amount. Choose natural, unrefined sweeteners and sweet foods that nourish the body rather than deplete it.

🍠 Sweet Vegetables

Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, corn, and beets contain natural sweetness and plenty of fiber, providing steady energy. They act as small “spleen tonics” in everyday life.

🍎 Fruit

Apples, pears, berries, and melons provide vitamins and moisture to the body. Eat them whole—not as juice—to benefit from the fiber.

🌾 Whole Grains

Oats, brown rice, and quinoa release sugar slowly, supporting steady energy and a feeling of fullness.

Natural Sweeteners – In Moderation

• 🍯 Honey – Considered neutral and moisturizing in TCM. A small drizzle in tea can bring warmth and calm.

• 🍁 Maple Syrup – Contains antioxidants and a gentle sweetness, perfect for porridge or pancakes.

• 🍬 Panela Sugar – Unrefined cane sugar rich in minerals and natural flavor. Available in powdered form, easy to use in coffee, baking, and cooking.

• 🌸 Coconut Palm Sugar – Low glycemic index with a mild caramel flavor.

• 🫖 Brown Cane Sugar (hóng táng) – In China, this warming sugar is traditionally used by women after childbirth or during menstruation. It is believed to strengthen blood and energy.

• ❄️ Rock Sugar (bīng táng) – Clear crystalline sugar, used in Chinese tradition to soothe throat irritation and “cool” heat conditions. Some people find it may help reduce migraine intensity.

• 🍇 Dried Fruits – Goji berries, raisins, and dried mulberries provide both sweetness and nutrition. Excellent as a small, energy-boosting snack, but consume in moderation due to concentrated sugar.

A Simple Image: Your Body as a Fire

Imagine your digestion as a fire. Natural, complex carbohydrates and fruits are like good, dry logs—they burn steadily and keep you warm and energized all day. Refined sugar from candy and cakes is like newspaper—it flares up quickly, gives a short rush, then leaves cold ashes and a craving for more.

My Advice for a Balanced Approach

• Don’t eliminate all sugar—your body needs a little sweetness, both physically and mentally.

• Choose natural sources—fruits, vegetables, and unrefined sugar.

• Eat sweet foods after a meal, not on an empty stomach.

• Enjoy in small amounts—a teaspoon of honey or a bit of panela can bring pleasure without harm.

• Listen to your body—sweetness should bring calm, not guilt.

Conclusion

Sweetness is not our enemy—it is part of nature’s balance. By choosing sugar mindfully and understanding your body’s needs, sweetness can actually nourish us rather than harm us.

If you are curious about finding your own balance between energy, diet, and well-being, you are always welcome to book a personal consultation.

Warm regards,

Yuan Peng

Akupeng Acupuncture & Massage, Aalborg