Need help transitioning off a low-fat diet until your body adjusts to digesting healthy fats again? Herbal bitters can help!
People transitioning from a low-fat to a Traditional Diet rich in whole, natural fats like cream, butter, and coconut oil are sometimes shocked to discover that their bodies no longer seem able to digest fats very well at all.
Eating fats might even make them feel sick to their stomach!
The cause is a liver and gallbladder that are not accustomed to producing and storing the amount of bile necessary to digest the level of fats present in a Traditional Diet.
The solution is not to go back to a low-fat diet even for those who have had their gallbladders removed.
In many cases, a slow and steady increase in the quantity of fats consumed will over time allow the liver and gallbladder to adjust with no further problems noted.
This approach works particularly well for those who are consuming coconut oil as a supplement prior to meals to suppress appetite and help them lose weight.
Another tip is to employ a most ancient remedy that modern science has all but forgotten: Herbal Bitters.
Herbal Bitters Stimulate Bile Production
Herbal bitters are extracts of medicinal plants that are rich in minerals. In fact, herbal bitters are an ancient tonic for stimulating the production of bile in the liver which 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 which 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 to a meal rich in fats and many are delighted to find that fats can once again be consumed with ease.
Traditional Asian cultures have long valued herbal bitters not only for their digestive benefit but also for cleansing properties as well which promote increased strength and healing.
Most health food stores have herbal bitters available for purchase at very reasonable prices.
Bitters During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Please note that most brands of herbal bitters are not appropriate for pregnancy or nursing.
However, this particular herbal bitters formulation made with chamomile is safe to use for occasional nausea, bloating and heartburn issues that may occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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 as there may be gall or liver stones inhibiting the bile flow process in your body.
Check out the linked article for the protocol on how to flush stones and potentially avoid gallbladder surgery with a simple, at home gallbladder cleanse.
Reference and More Information
(1) Bitters: Revival of a Forgotten Flavor
Tips for Easy Fat Digestion after Gallbladder Surgery
Nutritional Balancing Basics: Your Missing Link to Restored Health?
Hi what about if i got my gallbladder out, i have side pain 14 days after. Cant eat to much will get nauseous. Can this help?
ICP my be caused by leaky gut. I believe this blog talks about GAPS diet & gut healing protocols. GAPS diet has a whole section dedicated to preparing for pregnancy & i can say from my experience pregnant with lupus (caused by leaky gut) i had some of The same symptoms as ICP & chronic kidney infections. Taking any one supplement will not be enough to help your condition & bitters are contraindicated for pregnancy. researchgate.net/publication/7220845_Is_a_leaky_gut_involved_in_the_pathogenesis_of_intrahepatic_cholestasis_of_Pregnancy
I’m surprised that Floradix has fructose. Are there others without fructose?
Sarah, thank you for the article. I just received my bitter in a box and found out that its not recommended for nursing mothers. Do you know why exactly? I was so excited to start it. Is it because it changes the flavor of the breast milk or is it a herb that is dangerous. Please let me know if you know.
Surely anything bitter taken some time before a meal does the job …bitter herbs, a drop of lemon juice, a sip of bitter wine …even a bitter beer.
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I have liver issues during the last trimester of my pregnancies… my bile acid levels rise… and my body itches like crazy till baby is born. It’s called ICP. would this work to prevent it during pregnancy?
really works!!! I use
So crazy that you just posted this I took coconut oil before dinner with some tea and I was suddenly nauseous and burping..wondering what was going on.. Now I know! What a coincidence..