Bitter foods are underrated
You may find yourself craving something salty or sweet at times, but probably haven’t found yourself craving something bitter.
Our modern diet is lacking in many bitter flavors, instead leaning heavily towards foods high in salt and sugar.
However, bitter foods are underrated.
They are actually very helpful for supporting digestion and overall health. They have been known to help with alleviating indigestion, nausea, helping lower blood sugar, supporting the liver, and more.
What are digestive bitters?
Digestive bitters are herbs that activate the bitter taste receptors on the tongue. Bitters have been used for their digestive and overall health benefits for centuries.
The benefits
Bitter foods act to support your body’s digestion by increasing the secretion of saliva, as well as digestive secretions that are important for breaking down food and increasing absorption of nutrients.1
But that’s not all.
Studies have shown bitters to benefit the microbiome as well.2
Bitters are special, in that they have the ability to prime the whole upper digestive system.3 Bitters specifically help with digestion by supporting the release of stomach acid, digestive enzymes and bile, as well as help with nutrient absorption. For more information on foods that are naturally rich in digestive enzymes, see my blog post.
Embrace the bitterness
Adding bitter foods to your diet is an easy way to work on improving your digestion.
Here are some bitter foods to incorporate with your meals:
- Artichoke
- Arugula
- Cranberries
- Dandelion greens
- Dark chocolate
- Dill
- Ginger
- Grapefruit
- Kale
- Lemon
- Lime
- Turmeric
If you have been experiencing unwanted digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, indigestion or other symptoms, bitter foods would be helpful to incorporate. If you have tried bitter foods, have you noticed any changes in your digestion or health?
References
- McMullen, M. K., Whitehouse, J. M., & Towell, A. (2015). Bitters: Time for a New Paradigm. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine:eCAM, 2015, 670504.
- Turner, A., Veysey, M., Keely, S., Scarlett, C., Lucock, M., & Beckett, E. L. (2018). Interactions between Bitter Taste, Diet and Dysbiosis: Consequences for Appetite and Obesity. Nutrients, 10(10), 1336.
- Restorative Wellness Solutions. Healing Solutions and Case Studies. [PDF File]. 2020. P 8.
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