The Benefits of Digestive Bitters
Nearly every culture has used bitters in some way throughout history. Even today, in India, you can find bitter melon chutney as an accompaniment to meals. In China, bitter herbs are used to cleanse the internal organs. In Venezuela, you will find the well known Angostura bark, that is used to make the Angostura bitters we enjoy in our cocktails.
Did you know that in North America we tend to eat a lot salty and sweet tasting foods, but not a lot of bitter foods. Bitters have so many benefits for your health in general, that I want to share with you some of the benefits, so that you can start incorporating them into your daily rituals.
Benefits of Digestive Bitters
Consuming digestive bitters helps control sugar cravings by stimulating the release of hormones (PPY and GLP-1). These hormones are responsible for controlling appetite and keeping cravings at bay.
Bitters stimulate the production of digestive juices, thus suppressing our feeling of hunger more quickly, making us feel full sooner, meaning that we eat less.
Bitters taken before meals trigger digestive enzyme production, helps the stomach produce bile, and balances HCL (hydrochloric acid) levels in the stomach.
Bitters are a great first step to help relieve bloating, gas, low stomach acid levels, protein breakdown, fat absorption, and even constipation. They help to calm an upset stomach, support healthy blood sugar levels, balances appetite, supports liver detox functions, and helps to curb sugar cravings.
My Top 3 Fave Bitter Products
1) St. Francis Herb Farm Digestive Bitters
3) Gallexier Herbal Bitters Liquid
How to Take Bitters
Take digestive bitters right before a meal, or about 10 minutes before you start eating. They can also be used after a meal if you've eaten too much and are feeling gassy and bloated.
I recommend putting a few drops on your tongue, as it has bitter receptors. Hold them in your mouth for about 10-15 seconds, until you start to salivate. Then swallow them with water and you are ready for your meal.
Holding bitters in your mouth activates the TR2 taste receptors which sent a signal to the vagus nerve in your brain. The vagus nerve then relays the signal to the salivary glands (loaded with enzymes), our stomach (where HCL is stimulated), our pancreas (where we have pancreatic enzymes) and our liver/gallbladder (where bile is created and concentrated).
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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