Do Detox Bitters really help with weight loss? People have talked about this for a long time. There are plenty of testimonials pertaining to how detox bitters can help with appetite suppression and weight loss. But, there is little scientific evidence that backs this up. 

The use of digestive bitters, or tinctures, is common in Chinese medicine. And detox bitters in particular, have been used for weight loss. Are they really effective?

What do we mean by detox?

A detox is essentially cleansing the body of its impurities. Through the food and drink we consume, certain toxins build up and by detoxing, you are removing those toxins from the blood, liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines and your lymphatic system.

When detox is used as part of weight loss, the detox is a short-term period of either fasting or by following a very strict diet for two, three or four weeks. However, another less invasive way of detoxing your body on a regular basis and keeping the toxins at bay is to use detoxing teas, supplements and tinctures, such as detox bitters.

Detox and burn fat with bitters

What are detox bitters and how do they work?

• Stimulate stomach acid (HCJ), pepsin, pancreatic enzymes, gastrin and bile (saliva) production for better digestion. The bitters help to breakdown carbohydrates, fats and the proteins that are needed for absorbing the right nutrients that promote better health. This, in turn, boosts your metabolism and it is this that helps towards weight loss.
• Reduce gut inflammation and promote healthy gut bacteria. Because of this, the body retains its gut-friendly bacteria but eliminates the fat bacteria, promoting a healthy weight balance.
• Reduce the impact of indigestion symptoms, such as bloating, excess gas and heartburn. This is because there will be less acidity within the gut and a more balanced pH in the intestines. In addition, because the metabolism is working better, you digest your food more efficiently, allowing it to pass through your intestines quicker.
• Flush out (detox) the body of harmful toxins and waste products which accumulate from a poor diet or certain lifestyle choices.
• Suppresses sugar cravings and appetite. Detox bitters, which are naturally low in calories and in combination with the natural way they help to promote bile and stomach acid, thereby boosting the metabolism, they can be effective in supporting weight loss.
• Reduce stress and aids mental clarity.

Certain foods, herbs, fruits and spices are bitter or incorporate bitter substances. For example, artichoke, dandelion, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, coffee, cacao (pure chocolate), radicchio and endive salad as well as citrus fruits, like grapefruit, orange, lime and lemon.

The medicinal types of herbs are more effective at de-cleansing and promoting bile production, like sage, nettle, turmeric, black seed and wormwood.

Medicinal, natural herbs such as sage and nettles promote gut health

Different types of detox bitters

• Artichoke leaf
• Citrus peel
• Licorice root
• Genettian root
• Dandelion root
• Chicory root
• Silymarin

However, our Black Seed Detox Bitter Tonic is much more focused on strengthening your immune system and treating digestive problems, like excess gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Black seed is also well known for helping respiratory conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, nasal and chest congestion, as well as persistent coughs. It can be used to treat headaches, toothache, abscesses and even conjunctivitis.

Black seed (Nigella sativa) has been used to make medicine for thousands of years.

How to use detox bitters?

Detox bitters can be quite potent so generally, if using a tincture, just a couple of drops on the tongue or mixed in to a drink, like water or a juice, is all that is needed. If taking a tonic, a teaspoon twice a day is more than sufficient. You may find that you only need one teaspoon a day as everyone’s body reacts differently. However, when you take the bitters can make a difference. In most cases, it is recommended you take it after your morning and evening meal.

Bitters are bitter and you may not like the flavor to start with, which is why many people combine it with another drink. But over time, you will get used to the taste.

Some people take detox bitters just while detoxing, but others use them as part of their daily routine to maintain a healthy diet. If this is the case, then your daily dose can be reduced.

It must be remembered that detox bitters are not regulated or approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the US. If taken in large quantities, there may be side effects, such as stomach cramps, nausea and possibly diarrhoea.

Taking detox bitters may also reduce the effect of some medications, such as anticoagulants or treatment for diabetes, some antibiotics. If you are suffering from conditions like epilepsy, liver, gastrointestinal or kidney disease, bleeding disorders or low blood pressure, are pregnant or breast feeding, it may be better to avoid using detox bitters as you may find that some of the ingredients may cause problems. Before you consider using detox bitters, always consult a medical professional.