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How to use herbal bitters to stimulate bile production for improved liver and gall bladder efficiency and more effective digestion of fats without uncomfortable symptoms.
For those who need a bit of help transitioning off a low-fat diet as the body adjusts to digesting healthy fats again, herbal bitters can help!
An ancestral diet rich in whole, natural fats like cream, butter, and coconut oil is sometimes a shock to the system for those who have avoided these nourishing foods for years, perhaps even decades.
Eating healthy fats might even trigger symptoms of nausea and bloating at first.
The cause is a liver and gallbladder that are not accustomed to producing and storing the amount of bile necessary to digest the proper levels of fat present in a traditional diet.
The solution is not to throw in the towel and go back to a low-fat diet! This is true even for those who have had their gallbladders removed.
In many cases, a slow and steady increase in the quantity of fats consumed will allow the liver and gallbladder to gradually adjust.
This protocol for digesting fats after gallbladder surgery works particularly well for those who are consuming coconut oil as a supplement before meals.
Coconut oil is an effective appetite suppressant for weight loss.
Another helpful strategy is to employ the regular use of herbal bitters, an ancient remedy that modern science has all but forgotten.
Bitters Stimulate Bile
Herbal bitters are extracts of medicinal plants that are rich in minerals. It is a traditional tonic for stimulating the production of bile.
More liver efficiency correspondingly improves the digestion and absorption of fats.
It is critical that sufficient bile is produced to digest the fats present in the diet.
This liver enzyme also permits assimilation of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2. These nutrients are critical to health as noted by researcher Dr. Weston A. Price. These activators synergistically supercharge mineral absorption.
Even those who have had their gallbladders removed find herbal bitters a welcome aid. They provide amazing relief when consuming a meal rich in fats.
People who thought they could not eat much fat ever again are often delighted with the results!
Traditional Asian cultures have long valued herbal bitters not only for their digestive benefit but also for their cleansing properties which promote increased strength and healing.
Most health food stores have herbal bitters available for purchase at very reasonable prices. Â
I suggest considering this brand or this brand if herbal bitters are something you wish to try.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Please note that most brands of herbal bitters are not appropriate for pregnancy or nursing.
This particular herbal bitters formulation made with chamomile is safe to use.
It is appropriate for the occasional nausea, bloating, and heartburn issues that may occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Some women find it helpful for morning sickness as well.
Gallbladder Cleanse May Be Needed
If despite your best efforts using herbal bitters, you still have a problem digesting fats, you may wish to consider a liver and gallbladder cleanse.
There may be some small gall or liver stones inhibiting the bile flow process.
Once removed, the problem may resolve without supplementation.
Reference
(1) Bitters:Â Revival of a Forgotten Flavor
More Information
Tips for Easy Fat Digestion after Gallbladder Surgery
Nutritional Balancing Basics: Your Missing Link to Restored Health?
Perfect timing, thank you!
You used to be able to find bitters in the grocery store section where you find alcoholic drink mixes such as for pina coladas. I don’t know why or if it is the same product.
I had my gall bladder removed (big mistake by the way) and I found eating small amounts of healthy fat all day long helps. I mean, 1/2 a teaspoon of coconut oil or a dime size piece of butter at a time.
Dandelion root tincture, a few drops taken in water before meals, can be easily tolerated by most people as an introduction to bitters. It is safe for pregnant and nursing women.
Thanks Christine!
I use cacao nibs. They’re pretty bitter, yet tasty. Great with coconut smoothies.
Ciao, Pavil
Do the cacao nibs work the same way as the swedish bitters?
I just checked and Mountain Rose Herbs has bitters. Just type in bitters in the search box.
iHerb.com sells bitters. Here’s the search link
You can use this code to get $5 off of your 1st purchase at iHerb. code: JON053
Also here is a pdf on bitters too…
I just bought some recently but haven’t started to use them yet.
Thank you for this article Sarah. My father-in-law has been having trouble digesting fats. I will pass this information along to him.
Do you know of any good bitters to try for nursing mothers? Every bitters formula I’ve looked at contains angelica, which is not supposed to be used if you are pregnant or nursing. I definitely have a hard time with fat digestion (it gives me heartburn and digestive upset), and really want to find a way to make this better. I’ll likely be nursing for at least another year, so it seems hard to wait so long to try anything out. Any suggestions?
Is there a local herbalist of doctor of Chinese medicine you could consult with?
This is so timely for me! I have been working on healing my gut for a couple years, yet something still seems off. Lately I’ve been researching liver congestion/issues and is what I am tackling next in the puzzle of my health. Thank you so much for posting!