When food doesn’t feel good in the stomach. Bloating, belching – the feeling that food sits there and doesn’t go down. Or worse, heartburn – a painful pressure in the chest that can feel like there’s something wrong with your heart. This feeling is because the stomach doesn’t have enough digestive juices, so food bubbles up instead of moving down the digestive tract.
1 dropper of herbal bitters in plain water or soda water sipped with your meal to stop indigestion
The bitter flavor of gentian, combined with a pleasing balance of herbs, stimulates the entire digestive process, preventing indigestion and supporting vital energy and a healthy gut
Bitters are herbal extracts used in small amounts to enhance the flavor of beverages and support digestion. I use a variety of herbal bitters, chosen specifically for each client. Alcohol free, extra bitter, on the sweet side, or with additional anti-inflammatory herbs.
- Vitanica Bitters Tonic has a mild vanilla flavor (alcohol free)
- Mercola Organic Digestive Bitters has a strong bitter flavor with a hint of orange (alcohol free)
- Gaia Turmeric Bitters is slightly sweet with a brilliant orange color from the anti-inflammatory herb turmeric.
- Wise Woman Bitter Tonic is my favorite – very strong and bitter with a hint of ginger.
- Angostura bitters are the most widely available. You can order this with water or soda water at any cocktail bar.
The main herb in all bitter formulas is gentian. The sweeter formulas contain anise, fennel, stevia, or licorice herbal extracts. The earthy flavor in bitters comes from dandelion, artichoke, or turmeric, which also helps to reduce inflammation and support liver health. The warming herbs ginger, cinnamon, and orange peel are flavorful and support digestion. Avoid any bitters with the laxative herbs senna or rhubarb. These flavorful herbal components are blended artistically for you to enjoy.
Herbal bitters stimulate digestion, helping food produce vital energy and a healthy gut. Don’t take my word for it. Order Angostura bitters and soda next time you are dining out and notice how good your stomach feels.
- Don’t use bitters if you are on an acid-blocking medication. With your doctor’s permission, we can strengthen digestion enough to reduce the need for an acid blocker, and then use bitters to prevent relapse.
- Stop bitters if you feel any pain in your rib cage, nausea, or discomfort. They should feel good.
Nutrition is not a replacement for medical care.
Please continue to see your primary care provider.
Related links and articles
- SIBO – more fermentation in the wrong place
- Zinc to stop bloating
- Apple cider vinegar to stop bloating
- Hydrochloric acid capsules to stop bloating
- Gnawing pain in your rib cage – strengthen the stomach lining
- On acid blockers? – safely remove acid blockers without discomfort
