How The Five Tastes Calm or Energize Your Nervous System with Michelle Brown
Jul 13, 2026 · 49 min · 10 segments
Something I learned from diet culture was that the taste of sweet was "bad." If I craved sweetness then something must be out of balance. There was probably a period of time where craving sweetness…
Something I learned from diet culture was that the taste of sweet was "bad." If I craved sweetness then something must be out of balance. There was probably a period of time where craving sweetness sent me into a panic where I had to become a detective to understand why I wanted something sweet. Learning about the five tastes changed my perspective. We have 5 basic tastes that include sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory. Experiencing all five tastes can make a meal feel more satisfying and even regulating to your nervous system. Wanting to taste sweetness doesn't mean there is something wrong with you, but that your body is always looking for a balanced, well rounded eating experience. Additionally, the demonization of sweet foods has led to a complete disconnect from the body. One of the first tastes we experience as a baby is sweet. Sweet can be connected to care, warmth, attention, attunement, and connection. What if you’re not out of control with eating sweets, but starving for the bodily experience that sweets provide? In this week's episode, I chat with Michelle Brown, Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner and clinical herbalist, about: - The somatic experience of food - The five tastes and how they affect your nervous system - Understanding sweetness and its role in nutrition - Balancing taste for inner harmony - Cravings as body communication - The connection between taste and emotions - The importance of enjoying your meals You can also read the transcript to this week’s episode here: https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/five-tastes-calm-or-energize-your-nervous-system With Compassion and Empathy, Stephanie Mara Fox **Keep in touch with Michelle here:** **Website**: www.botanacea.com **Instagram**: https://www.instagram.com/michelle\_botanacea/ **YouTube**: https://www.youtube.com/@michelleBotanacea **LinkedIn**: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-brown-b48a31205/ **Facebook**: https://www.facebook.com/michellebrownhealthcoach Support the show **Keep in touch with Stephanie Mara:** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/\_stephaniemara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox Website: https://www.stephaniemara.com/ https://www.somaticeating.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox Contact: support@stephaniemara.com **Support the show:** Become a supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support All affiliate links: https://www.stephaniemara.com/resources Receive 15% off my fave protein powder with code STEPHANIEMARA at checkout here: https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA Use my Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448IyPl Special thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. www.bensou...
Something I learned from diet culture was that the taste of sweet was "bad." If I craved sweetness then something must be out of balance. There was probably a period of time where craving sweetness…
