Digestive bitters
For centuries bitter plants and herbs were a staple in the human diet, used to stimulate and strengthen the digestive system.
Bitter flavour receptors are located at the back of your tongue. They stimulate the vagus nerve which sets off a chain reaction of events, including the production of gastric acid, digestive enzymes, and the release of bile for improved digestion. This leads to better absorption of nutrients, liver detoxification and can curb sugar cravings.
Symptoms you may need more bitters in your diet:
- Bloating
- Burping
- Heart burn
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Undigested food in stool
- Increased susceptibility to parasitic and fungal infections
- Regular colds
- Dull / acne prone skin
How to increase digestive bitters in your diet
- Squeeze lemon juice over your salad greens
- Eat fermented vegetables
- Consume 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in water before each meal
List of bitter foods
- Dandelion leaves
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Bitter melon
- Rocket leaves
- Globe artichoke
- Dark chocolate
- Kale
- Citrus
Try our digestive aid organic herbal tea to help support and stimulate digestion.
References:
Mills & Bone 2000, Principles And Practice Of Phytotherapy, Churchill Livingston
Nickerson 2015, Herbal Homestead Journal
Thomsen & Gennat, Phytotherapy desk reference, 4th editon, Global natural medicine
