Bitter substances against cravings?

Bitter substances have not yet been thoroughly researched. Nevertheless, they are used for many reasons. Many, for example, use our BitterKraft! products, including for cravings. We take a look at whether bitter substances can help with cravings.

Against cravings: How do cravings arise?

Some causes can trigger cravings. Usually, it is biological, psychological, or social aspects that cause cravings:

• Blood sugar fluctuations: Cravings are most often triggered by blood sugar fluctuations. For example, if you eat a lot of sugar at once, your body releases a lot of insulin so your cells can absorb and use the sugar from the blood. Shortly after, the sugar is used up, and your blood sugar level drops rapidly. This can trigger cravings because your body wants the blood sugar level to rise.
• Hormonal fluctuations: Hormones like ghrelin play an important role in regulating appetite and can also contribute to cravings.
• Emotional and psychological factors: Factors like stress, anxiety, boredom, or sadness can promote cravings.
• Eating habits: Our habits and conditioning can cause increased cravings.
• Nutrient deficiency: If your body has certain deficiencies, it can create cravings for specific foods to cover the deficiency. 
• Social factors: Advertising, social circumstances, or other norms can lead to cravings. 

Bitter drops against cravings: How can they help?

The facts presented here are not thoroughly and comprehensively researched. For precise mechanisms and results, we must wait for clinical studies and similar investigations. We present findings that come, for example, from smaller (non-representative and non-clinical) studies, experience reports, and the 4,000 alternative practitioners who trust BitterKraft!.

It is also important to note that bitter substances differ. While, for example, some bitter substances have been shown to stimulate appetite, others have been found to potentially suppress it.

There is evidence that certain bitter compounds can help regulate blood sugar levels [1]. Accordingly, they could slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal, preventing a spike that would then drop sharply, which could trigger a craving.

Bitter compounds may also support digestion and regulate appetite through this route [2], making cravings less frequent. For example, they can stimulate the production of bile secretion.

Many users of Bitter drops against cravings They also believe that the bitter taste on the tongue can already reduce the desire for sweets. So you can try taking a few drops pure or diluted in water when cravings occur. This can also be very helpful after diets to avoid the dreaded yo-yo effect.

It is no coincidence that bitter compounds are often seen as the counterpart to sugar. Bitter compounds are bred out of our diet, while as much sweetness as possible is provided by sugar. In the long run, switching from sugar to bitter compounds could make you want and consume more bitter foods. The "sweet tooth" is weaned off.

Tips against cravings: Stop cravings with home remedies

Cravings can make life difficult by preventing weight loss and limiting personal well-being. Therefore, we want to suggest some home remedies and tips to help you stop sweet cravings.

1. Drink first: Hunger and thirst can be confused. Drink enough, especially when cravings occur. If you add bitter drops to your water, even better.
2. Fiber, please: Fiber provides a longer-lasting feeling of fullness because it is indigestible and challenges your digestion. 
3. Healthy snacks: You don't have to reach for chips and gummy bears when you have cravings; nuts, yogurts, or fruit are also good.
4. Foods with bitter compounds: If you don't want to take bitter drops, foods with many bitter compounds may be sufficient. Feel free to try chicory, artichokes or arugula.
5. Distraction: Find distractions like a good book, a walk, a conversation with friends, or an interesting activity. 
6. Adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep can also prevent cravings.
7. Avoid temptation: By not having snacks in sight, temptation can be reduced.
8. Healthy eating habits: Regular and balanced meals help keep blood sugar levels stable, so cravings occur less often. Evening cravings are typical if you haven’t eaten properly during the day. So eat properly and the evening cravings may disappear.

Bitter substances against sweet cravings: Frequently asked questions

What to do against cravings?

We have presented some methods above. It could be that bitter substances help against sweet cravings. Alternatively, healthy eating habits are recommended, as well as adequate sleep, plenty of fluids, and high fiber intake.

What helps against cravings?

One method that might help acutely with cravings is bitter drops or bitter foods. Alternatively, you can rely on healthy snacks, a large glass of water, bitter foods, or distraction.

What to do against hunger?

If you are normally hungry, you should of course eat something. However, cravings are impulsive attacks where you eat a lot and often regret it afterward. It is important to know the difference. If the methods mentioned here do not help, we can only recommend seeing a doctor. Frequent cravings can indicate problems with your insulin. 

What to eat when craving strikes?

You should focus on healthy foods to avoid unhealthy eating. To curb cravings, bitter foods like arugula or artichokes might also help.

Sources

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

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6158035/