One area that I struggled with for many years was chronic bloating. Bloating can be painful, uncomfortable and embarrassing.
There are several causes for bloating but common causes can be a lack of stomach acid, bile and pancreatic enzymes. These are essential for breaking food down. If the food does not break down, bacteria ferment causing gas and bloating.
Many individuals have low stomach acid and this can make them more susceptible to parasites and bad bacteria in the gut.
Unfortunately, many North American’s are experiencing digestive upset which can range from bloating, heartburn, and IBS. There are some tools that I like to use when my digestion is off and one of those tools is digestive bitters.
WHAT ARE DIGESTIVE BITTERS?
Digestive bitters are made of bitter herbs and are traditionally used to stimulate digestive juices, improve digestion, and promote gut health. Bitters can ease indigestion, but also relieve symptoms of bloating, gas, and nausea.
Bitters have been used by humans medicinally for centuries. Bitter herbs are still used today in many different countries to aid in digestion.
Digestive bitters encourage the release of stomach acid, bile, and digestive enzymes.
They can also support the liver to slow the rate that sugar enters the bloodstream. Digestive bitters may also increase the absorption of nutrients and support your immune system.
The bitters work by stimulating appetite by promoting the secretion of digestive juices in the digestive tract. Stomach acid is a good thing! We need an adequate amount of stomach acid in order to break down our food. Stomach acid also protects you from parasites and harmful bacteria.
Pascoe Canada’s Amara blend is a herbal digestive bitter to help release stomach acid, increase bile flow and digestive enzymes to support digestive function. Herbal digestive bitters also support the liver to slow the rate that sugar enters the bloodstream. Herbal digestive bitters may also increase the absorption of nutrients and support your immune system.
PASCOE CANADA’S AMARA – DIGESTIVE BITTERS
HOW TO USE DIGESTIVE BITTER
The best time to use digestive bitters is 15 – 30 minutes before consuming a meal. Herbal digestive bitters will stimulate the production of bile and prime your stomach and digestive system for efficient digestion. This digestive bitter blend can help reduce bloating and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
WHAT HERBS DOES AMARA CONTAIN?
Cinchona: Stimulates appetite by promoting the secretion of digestive juices. The bitter compounds, alkaloids and quinovin, encourage the release of saliva and improve digestive function. It can also help to relieve bloating.
Gentian: Increases digestive juices and digestive enzymes which will help with indigestion and gas.
Bitter Orange: Used to stimulate appetite and aid in digestion. It also supports liver and gastric juice deficiencies. Other uses for this herb include helping with indigestion, low stomach acidity and heartburn.
Cinnamon Bark: Known for its calming effect on the body to aid in the digestion of fats and to settle indigestion. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that promotes intestinal motility. It can assist with loss of appetite, bloating gas and mild cramping.
WHY DO I LOVE DIGESTIVE BITTERS?
- Supports digestive function
- Helps to increase bile flow
- Stimulates appetite
- Relieves digestive disturbances and dyspepsia
- Helps with loss of appetite, bloating, and sluggish digestion
OTHER DIGESTION SUPPORTING TOOLS
Chew your food: Many forget to properly chew their food during meals. The average number of times a person chews their food before swallowing is three times. This is not enough for proper digestion. How we chew our food has a huge impact on digestion. Chewing our food properly will also help the body to properly absorb nutrients.
Digestion begins before food even enters the mouth. The smell and appearance of the food allow for saliva to increase which is crucial for digestion. When we chew our food, it will send signals to the brain to alert it to begin digesting food.
Relax: Consume your food in a calm and relaxed environment. Turn off the tv and put away the phone. Focus on your food and chewing. When the body is stressed, tense or distracted, this can impair digestion.
Warm foods: Warm and cooked foods tend to be better tolerated than cold and raw foods. Make the majority of your meals warm and cooked for easier digestion.
Avoid plain water with meals: Avoid large amounts of plain water 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your meal as this can interfere with digestion and removes minerals.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Digestive issues can be frustrating, painful and can hold you back from living your life.
Along with proper nutrition and lifestyle, Pascoe Canada’s herbal supplements can be excellent supporting tools to help on your gut healing journey.
To learn more about Pascoe Canada’s products, visit their website here: https://www.pascoe.ca/