What are Digestive Bitters?

Do you know your tongue identifies with only five different tastes? Yes, there are five flavors they include- sweet, sour, salty, umami, and bitter. They are also health indicators. The food we consume is recognized with these five tastes. Presently, the diet has shifted from what it used to be. Among the unique tastes, bitter taste is usually found missing in our meals. However, bitterness is a procurer of good health.

In this article, I will share with you the list of healthy digestive bitters, the benefits, the possible side effects you can develop after taking them, what weak digestion is and how to treat it. Come with me.

Facts About Digestive Bitters

Digestive bitter is a historical medicine used to treat the digestive system, immune system, and other ailments. It is commonly used in Chinese medicine. Out of all the tastes, the tongue is more sensitive to bitter taste, where it stimulates receptors present in your body system. Digestive bitter was usually taken as food without the knowledge of its medicinal characteristics, but after close observations and discoveries, it is now used as medicine. It is considered a choice to enhance digestive juice, bile, and enzymes- these three are essential to your digestive health.

Digestive Bitters for Healthy Lifestyle

Dandelions

This bitter plant is scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale, interpreted as a “disorder remedy.” If I’m permitted to use the word ‘underrated’: dandelion was an underrated weed before it rose to recognition. It is a medicinal herb that is much in use in Chinese medicine. It contains antioxidant properties that prevent inflammation. Every part of it is edible and medicinal- the beautiful yellow flower, the nutritious green leaves, and the roots. It is often taken as a diuretic. The consumption of dandelion keeps your kidney, liver, and blood healthy. It can be consumed as a tea. Moreso, you can add the leaves, petals, and roots to your salads or soups. Dandelions remain a good choice.

Gentian Root

Gentiana lutea. It is a plant that has numerous functions. In Chinese and Ayurveda medicine, gentian is an ingredient for various treatments. It belongs to the family of Gentianaceae with 400 species. The flowers grow in different colors.

Gentian treats arthritis, wounds, inflammation, fever, and muscle spasm. Likewise, it supports saliva production for easy digestion, promotes the liver’s health, and regulates the lymphatic system. It prevents dyspepsia symptoms like nausea and gaseous eructation when taken as tea.

Uniquely, it also treats animal poisons faster. Never sleep on it. Gentian is an ally to your healthy living.

Chamomile

Matricaria recutita. Chamomile contains nutritional components that support your body’s digestive function. It is known as a sleeping or a calming herb. Drinking chamomile tea boosts your sleeping pattern and makes you more productive. It causes absorption of nutrients and has a less bitter taste, but it fights against bloating and poor digestion. It would be wise to fix a chamomile tea a few minutes before bedtime or after a meal.

Burdock

Arctium lappa is both food and herb like dandelion. In most cases, it is used with dandelion as a mixture to make healthy tonics or liqueurs. It is said that the burdocks plant complements the health properties of dandelions. In some parts of the world, it is considered a beverage and a recommended choice to soothe your digestion issues. It contains antioxidants that support healthy skin.

Furthermore, the presence of inulin content treats diabetic patients. The growth of normal bacteria flora that contributes to the biotic activities in the gut will get enhanced by the consumption of chamomile tea, which you must try out today.

Milk Thistle Seed

Here is another bitter herb scientifically called Silybum marianum. It is a protective and healing agent against liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatitis. The antioxidant compound called silymarin fights toxins and free radicals in the liver. Aside from the digestive functions, the blood sugar level is regulated to treat insulin resistance.

Milk thistle seed promotes healthy skin by slowing down the aging effects and inflammations. Detoxify your body system with milk thistle consumption daily and start the journey today.

Schisandra Berry

Schisandra Chinensis. Schisandra is a type of vine plant that is medicinal. It has the property of five flavor tastes. It has a salty, sour, sweet, umami, and bitter taste, which makes it pleasant for consumption. It helps the body adapt to stress by exerting a normalizing effect on the body to prevent physiological disorders. It boosts digestion and supports the detoxifying process. It also increases energy, physical performance, and endurance. Likewise, it controls the level of thirst, hunger, and exhaustion. I think your body deserves a Schisandra berry. It is a healthy fruit.

Ginger

Zingiber officinale is a common herb easily found in grocery stores. It is a cooking ingredient and a spicy bitter loaded with health benefits. Cultivating a healthy habit of drinking ginger tea daily promises a healthy digestion system. However, it doesn’t stop at digestion. It also supports the immune system and blood circulation. It keeps the liver and kidney safe from inflammation. So, you should add ginger to your diet to harness its healthy treasures.

Health Benefits of Digestive Bitters

Ever Wondered Why Your Digestion Is Getting Weak?

Yes, weak digestion. Just as you know, the digestion process involves a lot of activities for it to be successful, but a slight disorder in the process can result in a problem. There are two factors associated with weak digestion.

Age affects your digestion by reducing the digestive juices. It interferes with blood circulation that can associate with other medical conditions.

Bacteria present in foods and other medical conditions can cause indigestion. It is advisable to be mindful of your consumption. What you eat will reflect on your body. Likewise, lifestyles affect digestion- malnutrition/irregular meals, excess alcohol and smoking, and excess caffeine. With bitter intake, your digestive system will prevent belching, bloating, heartburn, constipation, and indigestion.

Effective Ways To Treat Your Weak Digestion

Weak digestion is detrimental to your health. There are a few ways to treat and prevent it. They are:

• Avoid eating highly processed food. Always consume real food that has low additives, which means prioritizing your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, including food with a high diet aids digestion.
• Ensure you drink enough water regularly. Staying hydrated also contributes to overall wellness.
• Stress management
• Be intentional about your meal. Watch what you take into your body.
• Be attentive to your body system. Know when you’re hungry and thirsty. Give your body what it deserves.
• Avoid bad habits that compromise your wellness- smoking, alcoholism, late-night eating, and unhealthy snacking.
• Keep your dental clean. Bacteria build-up in your mouth can affect your gut.
• Eat fermented foods and reduce your carbonated drink intake.
• Take fruits more often.

The Side Effects Of Digestive Bitters

The action of digestive bitters varies with individuals. Before considering digestive bitter, ensure you consult your doctor or health providers. Digestive bitters like dandelions, gentian, and burdock roots, must be taken with caution.

Some individuals with medical conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, hypotension, a bleeding problem, gallbladder disease, and epilepsy should avoid consuming digestive bitters.

Treating some gut diseases with bitters can worsen the conditions like peptic ulcers and Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD). The digestive system gets sensitive, which causes the secretion of excess gastric juice leading to acid reflux in the stomach.

Likewise, it can lead to allergic reactions, which can develop into anaphylaxis. Pregnant women and children also should never consume bitters to avoid complications.

Digestive bitters react with other medications in the body. Never attempt to use bitters alongside your prescribed medications unless your doctor recommends it. Here’s a list of the possible side effects you can experience:

• Nausea
• Cramping
• Stomach trouble
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Swelling of the digestive organ
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

Conclusion

In conclusion, digestive bitters are a healthy medicinal herb that has been in use for thousands of years ago. With these bitters, your digestion will get enhanced. Before concluding on a bitter, ensure you inform your doctor. This will help prevent or curb any complications associated with the usage.

Maintaining health with a balanced diet and regular exercise cannot be overemphasized. Living a healthy life should be your way of life and living your health intentionally. With all this knowledge, take the right action by taking digestive bitters today. Your health is your wealth. Invest in it today. Stay safe.