Bitter Substances for Curbing Cravings?

Bitter substances haven't been extensively researched, yet they are used for various reasons. 4,000 naturopaths and pharmacists, for example, recommend our BitterKraft! products, including against cravings. We explore whether bitter substances can help with cravings.

Dealing with Cravings: How Does Craving Arise?

Several factors can trigger cravings. Usually, they are caused by biological, psychological, or social aspects:

• Fluctuations in Blood Sugar: The most common cause of cravings is likely fluctuations in blood sugar. Consuming a lot of sugar at once causes your body to release a significant amount of insulin to help your cells take up and utilize the sugar from the blood. Within a short time, the sugar is depleted, and your blood sugar level drops rapidly. This can trigger cravings as your body wants your blood sugar level to rise.
• Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormones like ghrelin play a crucial role in appetite regulation and can also play a role in cravings.
• Emotional and Psychological Factors: Factors such as stress, anxiety, boredom, or sadness can contribute to cravings.
• Eating Habits: Our habits and conditioning can lead to increased cravings.
• Nutrient Deficiency: If your body has certain deficiencies, it can create cravings for specific foods to address the deficiency. 
• Social Factors: Advertising, social circumstances, or other norms can lead to cravings. 

Bitter Drops for Curbing Cravings: How Can They Help?

The information presented here is not thoroughly and comprehensively researched. For precise mechanisms and results, we need to await clinical studies and similar investigations. We present insights that come from smaller (non-representative and non-clinical) studies, testimonials, and the 4,000 naturopaths who trust BitterKraft! products.

It's also important to note that bitter substances vary. While some bitter substances have results suggesting they stimulate appetite, others have results suggesting they might inhibit appetite.

However, there is evidence that certain bitter substances may help regulate blood sugar levels[1]. Accordingly, they might slow down the rise in blood sugar levels after a meal, preventing a spike followed by a rapid drop, which could lead to a craving attack.

Additionally, bitter substances might support digestion and, through this mechanism, regulate appetite [2]. For example, they can stimulate the production of bile secretions.

Many users of bitter drops for curbing cravings also believe that the bitter taste on the tongue can already dampen the craving for sweetness. Therefore, you can try taking a few drops directly or diluted in water when cravings arise. This can also be very helpful after diets to avoid the dreaded yo-yo effect.

Not without reason, bitter substances are often considered the counterpart of sugar. Bitter substances are bred out of our diet, while sweetness through sugar is maximized. In the long run, transitioning from sugar to bitter substances could lead to an increased desire for bitter foods and consumption. The "sugar tooth" is gradually overcome.

Tips to Combat Cravings: Stopping Cravings with Home Remedies

Craving attacks can make life difficult by hindering weight loss and limiting personal well-being. Therefore, we would like to share some home remedies and tips with you to help you stop cravings for sweets.

1. Start with Drinking: Hunger and thirst can be confused. Drink enough, even when experiencing cravings. Adding bitter drops to your water is even better.
2. Fiber, Please: Fiber provides a longer-lasting feeling of fullness as it is indigestible and challenges your digestion.
3. Healthy Snacks: You don't have to reach for chips and gummy bears when craving strikes – nuts, yogurts, or fruits are also good choices.
4. Foods with Bitter Compounds: If you don't want to take bitter drops, foods rich in bitter compounds might suffice. Feel free to try chicory, artichokes, or arugula.
5. Distraction: Seek distractions like a good book, a walk, a chat with friends, or an engaging activity.
6. Adequate Sleep: Get enough sleep; it can also help prevent cravings.
7. Avoid Temptation: By not having snacks in sight, you can curb temptation.
8. Healthy Eating Habits: Regular and balanced meals help maintain stable blood sugar levels, reducing the occurrence of cravings. Evening cravings are typical when you haven't eaten properly during the day. So, eat right, and evening cravings might disappear.

Bitter Compounds Against Sweet Cravings: Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do against cravings?

We've presented some methods above. Bitter compounds against sweet cravings might help you. Alternatively, adopting healthy eating habits, getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and consuming plenty of fiber are recommended.

What helps against cravings?

One method that could help with acute cravings is using bitter drops or consuming bitter foods. Alternatively, you can opt for healthy snacks, a large glass of water, bitter foods, or distractions.

What to do against regular hunger?

If you have regular hunger, you should naturally eat something. However, craving attacks are impulsive episodes in which one consumes a lot and often regrets it afterward. It's important to know the difference. If the methods mentioned here don't help, we can only recommend seeing a doctor. Frequent craving attacks could indicate issues with your insulin.

What to eat during cravings?

You should opt for healthy foods to avoid unhealthy eating. To curb cravings, bitter foods like arugula or artichokes could also help.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072924/