Which taste is associated with damaging the spleen?

The taste associated with damaging the spleen is sweet. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen plays a critical role in digestion and the transformation of food into Qi (energy) and blood. Sweet flavors are believed to have a nurturing quality that, in moderation, supports the spleen's function. However, excessive consumption of sweet foods can lead to dampness and phlegm accumulation, which can negatively affect spleen health. Overindulgence in sweet flavors can weaken the spleen, leading to issues such as fatigue, digestive disturbance, and an overall lack of energy.

In contrast, other tastes such as sour, bitter, and pungent are associated with different effects on the body's organs and systems. Sour flavors may have a tightening and astringent quality that can affect the liver; bitter flavors are often linked to the heart and can help drain heat and dry dampness; pungent flavors are associated with the lungs and can disperse and circulate Qi. Each taste has its role in TCM, but the sweet taste's excessive intake is specifically noted for its detrimental effects on the spleen.