AUTHOR: SILVIA BÜRKLE – HQ METABOLIC BALANCE
The traditional spring cure relies on the power of bitter substances, which are increasingly lacking in modern nutrition.
Now is the end of winter sluggishness and spring tiredness, flabby skin and bloated bellies: It’s time for a spring cleaning the bitter way! A traditional spring cure rich in bitter substances stimulates the metabolism in a natural way: Liver and gall bladder, stomach and intestines, kidneys and skin – all major organs benefit from the particularly dehydrating or laxative power of effective medicinal plants. The complexion becomes radiant, the body lighter, the well-being increases.
While the taste of many foods is growing milder and sweeter, the organism craves the exact opposite: bitter substances. Bitter substances are absolutely necessary for a healthy metabolism. They trigger an increased secretion of saliva and digestive juices via the taste receptors of the base of the tongue and thus promote (fat) digestion. But not only that: They activate intestinal peristalsis, they act against pathological germs and strengthen the immune system, they curb cravings for sweets and can even lower fever.
Especially (old) vegetables, many salads and medicinal herbs provide the right ingredients. The stomach, liver and gall bladder in particular benefit from their richness in bitter substances. Bitter substances also activate and regulate the heart and circulation via the vegetative nervous system. Blood circulation to the brain, skin and tissues is improved. Since over 80 percent of our immune cells are located in the mucous membrane of the large intestine, bitter substances also have a direct effect on the body’s defenses via the digestive tract. Finally, bitter substances help with headaches, menopausal complaints, cramps, chronic fatigue, rheumatism and gout.
Vital with bitter herbs and salads
Modern food alone no longer provides the body with enough bitter substances, as food designers have even extracted the bitter taste components from “bitter classics” such as endive or chicory. However, many wild plants are still rich in bitter substances and are therefore ideally suited for a spring cure, such as dandelion, centaury, yarrow, chicory or mugwort. Mix salads, vegetable dishes or soups with some wild herbs to increase the amount of bitterness and the body can benefit from it.
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