The Power of Bitters for Hormones & Digestion

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Why your liver, gut and hormones all love a little bitterness

What Are Bitter Foods?

Bitter foods are plants with a sharp, pungent or astringent taste. While modern diets tend to favour sweet and salty, bitterness was once a staple flavour in traditional diets – and our bodies still rely on it to function well - and they are a particularly great tool for sustainable weight loss.

So why gave bitter foods have slowly disappeared from the modern diet. We've engineered our plates to be sweeter, saltier and more processed – and in doing so, we've lost one of nature’s simplest tools for hormone support. Bitters help create the right environment for your hormones to thrive by supporting digestion, liver detox and blood sugar regulation. Reintroducing bitters is such a fabulous addition – gently waking up the body’s natural rhythms and creating space for balance, energy and flow. I like the sounds of that!

Why Bitters Are Brilliant:

1. They wake up your digestion

Bitters stimulate saliva, stomach acid and bile – all essential for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. This also supports your gut microbiome and reduces bloating.

2. They support liver detox pathways

Bitters nudge the liver into action. This is key for clearing out excess oestrogen and other hormone by-products that can build up and cause symptoms.

3. They help balance blood sugar

Consuming bitters before meals can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce post-meal glucose spikes – a powerful tool for keeping energy, weight and cravings in check.

4. They naturally boost GLP-1

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a gut hormone that promotes fullness, stabilises blood sugar and supports fat metabolism. Bitter foods can help stimulate GLP-1 release, meaning they may gently support appetite regulation and weight loss.

Fun fact: GLP-1 is the same hormone targeted by medications like Ozempic – bitters are one natural way to support it!

Bitter Foods to Try:

• Rocket

• Chicory

• Dandelion greens

• Watercress

• Radicchio

• Endive

• Artichoke

• Radish

• Grapefruit

• Orange peel

• Bitter tinctures (like gentian, dandelion or Swedish bitters)

How to Use Bitters:

• A small handful of bitter greens before your main meal

• A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon water before eating

• Herbal bitters tincture 10–15 mins before meals

• Dandelion or artichoke tea in the afternoon

• Add grapefruit, radish or rocket to salads daily

Start small – they’re potent. Even a few leaves can make a big impact.

Bitters & Your Hormone Health

In The Positive Method, we use food as functional medicine. Bitters are a brilliant tool for:

• Cortisol support (by reducing blood sugar spikes)

• Oestrogen clearance (via liver and bowel health)

• GLP-1 stimulation (for appetite and weight regulation)

• Bloat and skin symptoms (by improving gut motility and microbiome balance)

Want More Tools Like This?

Inside The Positive Method Club, we show you how to support your hormones naturally – with food, rhythm, community and expert-led guidance. Join us today.