In the world of natural health, digestive bitters are an age-old, often overlooked remedy for boosting digestion and balancing blood sugar. Adding them to your daily routine can offer several health benefits. Let’s explore the science behind bitters, their positive impact on your health, and some simple ways to start incorporating them into your routine!
What Are Digestive Bitters?
These naturally occurring substances, found in many plants, activate bitter taste receptors in your mouth and body. This, in turn, stimulates digestive secretions and gut hormones essential for healthy digestion, gut movement, appetite control, and blood sugar balance. Eating bitter foods or using concentrated bitter tinctures can increase the production of saliva, stomach acid, and bile—key for properly breaking down and absorbing nutrients.
Digestion and Gut Health
A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall wellness, and supporting digestion is the first step. Digestive bitters can boost the secretion of key gut hormones like CCK, GLP-1, and ghrelin, which not only slow down stomach emptying but also improve fullness. This leads to better insulin response and post-meal blood sugar regulation.
Bitter-Rich Foods and Simple Ways to Add Them to Your Diet
Many foods are naturally rich in bitter compounds, including:
- Bitter greens (e.g., arugula, dandelion greens, radicchio)
- Citrus fruits and their zest
- Cranberries
- Fermented foods
- Vinegars
- Coffee and matcha
- Cacao
- Bitter tinctures
Incorporating these into your diet is easy! Here are a few ideas:
- Use a bitter tincture about 15 minutes before meals.
- Add bitter greens to salads and grain bowls.
- Sip on dandelion root tea.
In Summary
Digestive bitters offer a natural and effective way to improve digestion and regulate blood sugar. By including them in your diet—through foods or tinctures—you can enjoy a range of health benefits. If you need personalized guidance to tackle gut and hormone issues, our team of functional dietitians is ready to help. Apply to work with us and discover customized strategies to optimize your health and relieve your symptoms.
