The Bitter Truth About Digestion
If you have worked with me for some time, chances are you have likely heard me bring up bitter foods in relation to your digestion. There is good reason for that.
Bitter flavours can help to stimulate specialised taste receptors in the mouth and gut that trigger a cascade of digestive responses. to release digestive enzymes
This starts with an increase in saliva production, and moves on to gastric acid secretion. Gastric acid signals the pancreas to release digestive enzymes to help with the breakdown macronutrients and the gallbladder to release bile to support the digestion of fats. Gastric acid also helps to activate protein-digesting enzymes, assists in the absorption of iron, supports vitamin B12 release, and the acidic environment in the gut also helps kill off any harmful bacteria in food.
Together, these responses prepare the digestive system to break down food and absorb nutrients more effectively, particularly proteins, fats and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
The modern Australian diet tends to be low in bitter foods. We have bred bitterness out of many vegetables for palatability, and bitter flavours are often the first thing masked in packaged foods.
Over time, this may mean less digestive priming before meals, which can contribute to bloating, sluggish digestion or that overly full feeling after eating.
Simple ways to add bitter and acidic foods:
Add rocket, radicchio or witlof to a side salad.
Have a side of steamed kale.
Add some bitter melon in a stir fry.
A squeeze of lemon or some apple cider vinegar in water before meals. (Use a straw to protect your teeth.)
Herbal bitters or a bitter tea 10 to 15 minutes before eating.
You do not need a large amount. Even a small serve before a meal can help switch on the digestive process.
If you are working through bloating or nutrient absorption concerns, this is often one of the simplest, low barrier strategies that I introduce with clients before we look at anything more targeted.
Would you like personalised support?
If you would like a personalised plan to support your digestion, consider booking in a consultation with me at Uprise Health (in person in Richmond) or via Telehealth anywhere in Australia.
Additional testing (blood tests, gut microbiome testing) may be recommended to dig a bit deeper to find the root cause of any symptoms you might be experiencing.
Together, we will create a personalised plan to support your health goals. This incorporates dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and practitioner-only supplements where indicated.
Reach out today to book your appointment.
Katie practices at: Uprise Health, 136 Lennox Street, Richmond, 3121, Victoria.
Appointments: Face-to-face and online (Australia wide)
Contact: admin@katiehopcraft.com.au
If you have any questions or need personalised guidance, feel free to reach out.
The information provided in this blog is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog is done at your own risk.