Digestive bitters. Tastebuds are bundles of nerve endings located all over the tongue. Bitter taste buds are found at the back of the tongue, sour to either side, sweet at the tip and umami in between.
Some cultures believe it is important to consume all 5 flavours within the diet, and that each flavour has a specific effect on the body. Bitter flavours 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.
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
How to increase digestive bitters in your diet
- Squeeze lemon juice over your salad greens
- Eat fermented vegetables
- Consume apple cider vinegar & water before each meal
List of bitter foods
- Dandelion leaves
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Bitter melon
- Organic green tea
- Rocket leaves
- Globe artichoke
- Dark chocolate
- Kale
- Citrus
Try some B inspired digestive aid organic herbal tea to help support digestion.
For more information on “Digestive bitters” or to book a naturopathic consultation contact B inspired healthy lifestyle.
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
Copyright. 2017. B inspired healthy lifestyle. Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in legal action.
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