While both naturally help the digestive process and improve gut health, there are some noteworthy differences between enzymes and bitters.
When selecting a product that works to support digestion, it’s important to consider how the supplement functions. Digestive enzymes are popular as they can temporarily help one component of digestion to provide short-term relief. These proteins are naturally found in the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, stomach, saliva, and intestinal tract.
Each enzyme works on a specific part of food. For example, protease breaks down protein in peptides and amino acids, amylase breaks carbohydrates into simple sugars, lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids, and alpha-galactosidase helps to break down high-fibre foods like beans and vegetables.
In comparison, bitters act as a digestive tonic, holistically preparing, activating, and supporting healthy digestion. In other words, they help kick digestion into action and contain compounds that relieve symptoms of indigestion.
Ways they differ
Bitter herb receptors signal the release of secretions that are essential to breaking down food and metabolizing nutrients like gastric juices, saliva, enzymes, and bile.
Thus, another key difference is that bitters holistically activate the body’s digestive mechanisms, while enzymes temporarily support only one digestive component. What’s more, supplementary enzymes may lose activity before reaching the spot for which they are needed. On the other hand, there are bitter receptors all throughout the digestive tract — including in the intestines.
Bitter herb receptors signal the release of secretions that are essential to breaking down food and metabolizing nutrients like gastric juices, saliva, enzymes, and bile.
It’s clear why bitter herbs have a lengthy history of being used to support overall health. However, modern eating patterns and practices have gradually and selectively removed bitter-flavoured foods, which is why St. Francis Herb Farm provides a line of digestive health products that can help the whole family harness the benefits of bitters in the body.
Resolve and reactivate
St. Francis Herb Farm’s Canadian Bitters® product line promotes and supports healthy digestion, relieving indigestion symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and gas. Non-habit-forming, certified gluten-free, and 100 per cent natural, these products can be taken daily to support digestive organs. They’re made up of a signature blend of nine certified organic herbs with bitter compounds, including globe artichoke, dandelion, gentian, chamomile, and turmeric.
Along with the Canadian Bitters® tonic, there’s also the Canadian Bitters® Maple and Maple Spray, which have a touch of natural sweetness. Offering a new spin on traditional digestive support is the brand’s Canadian Bitters® with Apple Cider Vinegar.
By harnessing the power of the medicinal parts of plants, St. Francis Herb Farm has created and perfected the Holistic-Herb ApproachTM. They also works closely with Canadian organic farms, who prioritize a wholesome, back-to-basics way of living. Committed to working with natural ingredients, the company extracts healing compounds from nature to create formulas that support the digestive process and overall heath.
Visit St. Francis Herb Farm’s website to learn more at stfrancisherbfarm.com.
