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Benefits of bitter foods in diet

Bitter Foods & Tinctures

Benefits of Bitter Compounds for Gut Health & Wellness

  • Improves Bowel Movements
  • Improves Nutrient Absorption
  • Supports Bile & Liver Pathways
  • Primes the Digestive Tract
  • Promotes Motility to Prevent Constipation
  • Assists Liver Detox
  • Reduce Sugar Cravings
  • Lower Blood Sugar

When Consumed Before a Meal, Bitter Foods Can:

Recommended For Patients Experiencing

  • Heartburn or GERD

    Bitters help to tone the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent reflux.

  • Indigestion or Upset Stomach

    Bitters support motility by stimulating muscle contractions.

  • Bloating, Burping or Flatulence

    Bitters reduce bloating and gas by enhancing digestive and gastric movement.

  • Frequent Nausea

    Bitters help calm the stomach and encourage digestive secretions that ease queasiness.
Steeping green tea to help with digestive issues

How to Use Bitters

  • Use 15-20 drops each time.
  • Use 10 minutes before a meal.

A Few Easy Consumption Options:

  • Add to a cup of tea
  • Drink straight
  • Dilute in a small amount of water
  • Add to a mocktail or cocktail

Examples Of Bitter Foods With Gut Health Benefits:

  • Cranberries
  • Endive
  • Arugula
  • Watercress
  • Radicchio
  • Peppermint
  • Kale
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Saffron
  • Lemon & Citrus
  • Sauerkraut
  • Matcha
  • Coffee
  • Cacao
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Turmeric
  • Ginger

Additional Support Options

A “bitter tincture” may be a more practical solution if incorporating bitter foods regularly feels inconsistent or unappealing. These concentrated extracts offer similar digestive benefits and can be easily added to water before meals.

Any member of our functional medicine team will be happy to send a few medical-grade options through Fullscript, so you can choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs. Just let us know — we’re here to help you implement what works!

A Simple, DIY Bitter Tincture:

  • 1 TB Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Mix with a little bit of water (~3 oz.)
Apple Cider Vinegar being used in a drink at home for gut health
Photo by Pesce Huang

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