Do you suffer from embarrassing digestive problems such as bloating, burping, reflux, flatulence and constipation? Are there days when you spend more time in the bathroom than anywhere else? Or perhaps your bloating gives you a belly that resembles pregnancy.
If any, or all of these sound familiar to you then you need to know about the powerful ability of “bitters” to eliminate these irritating problems. These common digestive complaints all indicate low stomach acid, and are symptoms of a digestive system crying out for bitters, a taste that seems to have been forgotten in our modern day lifestyles.
Our modern diet is overloaded with sweet, salty and processed food with a complete lack of bitterness. Bitter tastebuds trigger the vagus nerve to stimulate the function of digestive organs such as the stomach, pancreas, gall bladder and intestine. Bitter engages and excites the digestive system to secrete a cascade of digestive juices and bile in preparation for incoming food.
- A traditional digestive remedy forgotten
As humans we evolved eating bitters on a daily basis – bitters greens, bitter roots, bitter barks. They are a central part of many cultures around the world and have been for many years. In England, a salad made from bitter lettuce leaves was traditionally eaten before the meal, while traditional Asian cultures have long valued bitters not only for their digestive benefit but also for cleansing properties.
- Improves fat digestion and the absorption of nutrients
As well as relieving your common digestive complaints, the secretion of stomach acid is necessary for the absorption of nutrients such as protein, iron and vitamin B12. If you have ever felt queasy after a heavy meal, bitters can help by increasing the production of bile in the liver, improving the digestion and absorption of fats. Bile also aids in the assimilation of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K, as well as providing lubrication for a happy and regular lower digestive system.
Top 4 Ways to Welcome Bitters Back in your Life
Luckily bitters are readily available in many common foods and drinks.
- Grapefruit, rocket, chicory, radicchio, endive, cress, lemon, lime, and apple cider vinegar are all great additions to your daily diet.
- The main bitter herbs include gentian, goldenseal, wormwood, St Mary’s thistle and dandelion root.
- Digestive tonics, such as Swedish Bitters, are available from most health food stores. A teaspoon in water before your meals trains your digestive system into healthier habits.
- Even the odd digestifs or aperitifs made from bitter herbs, such as Campari or Angostura Bitters, wouldn’t go astray.
Bitters bring joy to your whole digestive system and the more bitter, the better. Whether you enjoy them as a digestive, as an apertif, a remedy to settle an upset stomach, calm a hangover or gently cleanse the liver, lets welcome bitters back!
By Laura Stewart
Laura is a qualified naturopath with never-ending energy and enthusiasm for all things health and fitness. With a passion for exercise, healthy-made-delicious cooking, the great outdoors, and balancing yoga, Laura has found her inner health junkie. She is now devoted to helping others find theirs by educating and empowering individuals to reach their own personal health goals. Connect with Laura on Facebook.
