Addicted to Sugar? Dr. Gundry Explains the Gut-Brain Loop You Need to Know About

When we think about addiction, our minds often jump to alcohol, nicotine, or other substances. But what if the real story begins in your gut?

In The Gut-Brain Paradox, Dr. Steven Gundry explores a radical idea: that the trillions of microbes living in your gut might be the ones quietly pulling the strings behind your cravings—not just for substances, but for sugar, processed foods, and that extra slice of pizza you swore you didn’t need.

It’s not about willpower. It’s about biochemistry. And the more we understand the gut-brain connection, the better equipped we are to break the cycle for good.

1. Your Gut Bugs Have a Sweet Tooth (and a Taste for Trouble)

Let’s start with the bacteria in your gut. Not all of them are working in your favor. Some—what Dr. Gundry calls “bad gut bugs”—actually thrive on the very things you’re trying to avoid: sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, and even nicotine.

When these microbes dominate, they send chemical signals to your brain that feel a lot like cravings. In other words, when you reach for that afternoon croissant or glass of wine, it’s not just comfort you’re after—it’s microbial manipulation.

Research backs this up: individuals prone to food addiction often have distinct gut bacteria that influence both appetite and behavior. These aren’t just habits—they’re biological feedback loops.

2. Imbalanced Gut = Dopamine Drought

Ever wonder why certain foods make you feel amazing for a moment—and then leave you crashing, hungry, and wanting more? It may come down to dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.

When your gut microbiome is out of balance, dopamine production can plummet. The result? It takes more of that comfort food (or drink, or cigarette) to get the same satisfaction.

This isn’t just about emotional eating—it’s about a disrupted brain chemistry that starts in your belly.

3. The Addiction Cycle That Damages Your Gut

Here’s the kicker: the very foods (or substances) you crave can worsen the gut issues that caused the craving in the first place. Processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and additives damage the gut lining, leading to leaky gut and chronic inflammation. That inflammation feeds the “bad” bacteria, increasing your cravings and damaging your body’s ability to self-regulate. It’s a loop—and it’s exhausting. Like substance abuse, food addiction can become both physical and emotional. And without healing the gut, the cycle is notoriously hard to break.

How to Break the Cycle (And Reclaim Your Cravings)

Healing starts with the gut. Dr. Gundry’s solution? A gut-focused lifestyle that supports brain health, nourishes the microbiome, and calms inflammation—without gimmicks or guilt.

Here’s what that might look like:

+ Add more polyphenols (think: olive oil, dark berries, and green tea)

+ Embrace prebiotic fiber to feed your good gut bacteria

+ Ditch the processed sugars and refined carbs that fuel the “bad bugs”

+ Avoid lectins if they irritate your gut lining

+ Manage stress, prioritize sleep, and move your body daily—even a walk counts

Food addiction, sugar cravings, and substance dependency might feel overwhelming—but if your gut is the missing link, then tending to it may just be your most powerful path forward.

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Living Well with Yasmin Sewell, Founder of Vyrao: On Energy, Intuition, and Scent Rituals

For Yasmin Sewell, the leap from fashion insider to wellness alchemist wasn’t so much a pivot as it was a long-overdue integration. After years shaping the creative vision at Browns, Liberty, and Farfetch, she found herself craving something more—something that spoke to the unseen. What emerged was Vyrao, a high-vibration fragrance brand rooted in energy, emotion, and the belief that scent can shift your entire state of being. In this Living Well interview, Yasmin opens up about her intuitive path to clean fragrance, why emotional resonance matters more than trends, and how she’s blending crystal healing, scent-emotion mapping, and intention into bottles that do more than just smell good, they help you feel good too.

Living Well with Yasmin Sewell

You had a celebrated career in fashion—working with Browns, Liberty, Farfetch—what inner shift or moment in 2018 sparked the move toward holistic wellness and Vyrao? Throughout my fashion career, I always nurtured a parallel passion for spirituality and holistic health, training in Reiki, Integrative Quantum Medicine™, and flower remedies. After leaving my last major fashion role in 2018 and going through significant personal changes, I felt it was time to bring together everything I loved and believed in. That became Vyrao.

How did your past career chapters inform what you didn’t want to do when launching Vyrao? Fashion for me was always inspiring, it was exciting, but it also made me realise what I didn’t want when creating Vyrao. I didn’t want to build something solely driven by external trends or seasons. Instead, I wanted to create something that would help people connect with themselves on a deeper level. Vyrao is about more than just how we look or what’s ‘in.’ It’s about how we feel and cultivating an emotional, almost spiritual connection to our sense of self through the senses. 

The term “clean fragrance” gets thrown around a lot—what does it actually mean to you, and how did you approach formulating Vyrao without compromising creativity or performance? For me, ‘clean fragrance’ means being incredibly mindful about the ingredients. The standards keep shifting and we continuously strive to better ourselves and our formulations. At Vyrao, this means carefully selecting ingredients that are safe, sustainable, and ethically sourced, while never compromising on creativity or the emotional impact of the scent. We are proud to say that all our latest fragrances are super clean and are as good for you as they smell. 

You’ve partnered with IFF's Science of Wellness program—how does research into scent-emotion mapping guide fragrance creation? Scent is a powerful tool for shifting mood and energy. Partnering with IFF’s Science of Wellness program allows us to combine time-honored and ancestral knowledge with modern research into scent-emotion mapping. Ingredients that have been used for centuries for their healing properties are now scientifically validated, bridging intuition and evidence. For me, intuition has always been a guiding force, but working with IFF helps refine that instinct through the lens of science. 

Each Vyrao fragrance starts with a mood—like mindfulness (The Sixth), joy (Sun Rae), grounding (Mamajuju). What’s your creative process when starting with an emotion and translating it into a scent? It always starts with an emotion or energy I want to convey, and I’m guided from there. Each fragrance I create feels like it has a purpose, a unique energy. With the launch of The Sixth, our first Neuroscent for mindfulness and intuition, we realised we needed to create a fragrance that would do the opposite: something that connects you to the earth, something that makes you feel more grounded and aware, that is Mamajuju. And now we have just launched our new Love Eight, which features all eight of our fragrances, so you can feel it all, designed to shift your energy whichever way you need, whenever and wherever you need it most. 

Every bottle has a Herkimer crystal, charged in Hawai‘i. How do you describe their energetic impact in combination with scent? How would you share that without losing people in the ‘woo’? Each of our 50ml fragrances contains a Herkimer diamond, a high-vibrational crystal known for clarity and deflecting negativity. Paired with ingredients chosen for their specific energetic benefits, the crystal amplifies the intention behind each scent. While not everyone may connect with crystal healing, it’s a meaningful added layer for those who do, enhancing the overall experience of the fragrance.

Do you have a mantra, affirmation, or phrase that’s been living rent-free in your head lately? Energy is Everything. Always.

What five items are always in your hand-luggage when you travel—and which Vyrao scent earns a seat next to them? Definitely the Love Eight - it’s the ultimate travel companion. If I had to pick one scent for now, it would be Sun Rae. It’s so refreshing for summer and scientifically backed to promote joy and happiness. 

Are there any wellness trends you’re loving right now? My Helsi sauna that I just got in my home - they’re incredible for relaxation, red light and detox.

What’s one clean beauty or wellness brand you deeply admire right now? I love my friend Cynthia Sakai’s brand Evolve Together

What’s a podcast you return to when you need a mindset reset or creative inspiration? Anytime I listen to Tara Brach’s voice

What advice would you give to other women wanting to build a brand that feels deeply personal, spiritual, and still commercially strong? Build something that resonates deeply with you and has a clear, unique perspective. Focus on what you do best, and don’t hesitate to bring in the right people. Surround yourself with those who share your vision and want to join you on the journey.

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The Red Light Therapy Devices Our Editors Swear By—Now 25% Off

You’ve probably heard about red light therapy by now. Maybe you’ve seen it all over social media, spotted it in your favorite spa, or had a friend swear it helped improve their sleep, skin, or energy. If you’ve been curious about trying it for yourself, consider this your sign.

The BON CHARGE Mid-Year Sale is officially on, offering 25% off sitewide—no code needed. Whether you’ve had your eye on a red light therapy device, a PEMF tool, or one of their blackout sleep essentials, now is the time to shop.

Backed by a wellness roster that includes Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Stephen Guidry, and Dr. David Jockers, BON CHARGE is one of the most trusted names in wellness tech and a favorite of our editors here at The Chalkboard Mag. We’ve tested their top devices ourselves and can confirm they’re the real deal.

Below, we’re sharing our top editor picks for what to grab before the sale ends, plus the three favorite wellness tools that BON CHARGE founder Katie Mant uses daily.

Our Editors’ Top Picks

Red Light Therapy Blanket

BON CHARGE was one of the first brands to launch a red light therapy blanket and they’ve absolutely nailed it. After testing dozens of red light mats and devices, this is the one we keep coming back to for total-body support.

Why we love it:

+ Full-body 360-degree coverage with lab-grade 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light

+Unzips into two mats for shared use or targeted sessions

+ Adjustable intensity, timer settings, and pulsed mode

+ Portable, lightweight, and travel-friendly

+ Supports muscle recovery, skin health, and relaxation

Shop Here

Red Light Face Mask
This isn’t your average skincare tool—it’s an advanced LED light therapy device that fits comfortably into your routine. The BON CHARGE Red Light Face Mask delivers professional-grade light wavelengths to help you achieve smoother, firmer, more radiant skin in just minutes a day.

Why we love it:

+ 630nm red + 850nm near-infrared light for clinically backed results

+ Lightweight, cordless, and designed for multitasking

+ Reduces fine lines, inflammation, and uneven tone

+ Easy to use, gentle on all skin types

+ Ideal for daily glow rituals or nighttime wind-downs

Shop Here

Super MAX Red Light Therapy Panel
Super Max Red Light Therapy Device
This is the red light panel for those who want it all. The Super Max Red Light Therapy Device offers unmatched full-body coverage, making it the most powerful and expansive panel in the lineup. Designed for deep cellular support and serious wellness optimization, this panel delivers professional-grade red and near-infrared wavelengths that help reset, restore, and revitalize from head to toe.

Why we love it:

+Offers the largest surface area of all BON CHARGE red light therapy devices for true full-body coverage

+ Emits 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light at a high-powered >162 mw/cm²

+ Supports the body’s natural recovery process, boosts skin appearance, and helps promote deeper, more restful sleep

+ Choose red, near-infrared, or both wavelengths during your session, with a built-in timer for up to 20 minutes

Shop Here

Classic Blackout Sleep Mask
Sleep is everything and this mask helps you protect it. BON CHARGE’s sleep mask fully blocks light while keeping pressure off your eyes and lashes.

Why we love it:

+ Hollow eye cups for zero-pressure comfort

+ Total blackout even in bright rooms

+ Adjustable strap with soft memory foam cushioning

+ Promotes deeper sleep + melatonin production

+ Great for travel, naps, or light-sensitive sleepers

Shop here

Founder Favorites: What BON CHARGE’s Founder Swears By

When it comes to investing in red light therapy and wellness tech, we always want to know what the experts actually use. Katie Mant, the founder of BON CHARGE, has personally tested and refined every product the brand offers and her personal picks reflect what really works.

These are the three tools Katie uses in her own daily routine to stay grounded, energized, and glowing:

PEMF Wrap

Katie uses this compact, versatile PEMF tool while meditating, working at her desk, or winding down at night. It features four PEMF frequency settings for sleep, grounding, calm, and creativity.

She especially loves the 30Hz setting when she wants to boost focus and flow making it an everyday essential for nervous system support and mental clarity.

Shop Here

PEMF Sauna Dome
This is Katie’s latest obsession and it’s not hard to see why. Combining PEMF, red light, and both near and far infrared heat, the Sauna Dome offers a spa-grade sweat session with full-body therapeutic benefits.

Reaching up to 90°C, this dome helps relax tight muscles, boost detox, support recovery, and create a powerful at-home escape. Katie loves using it post-workout or at the end of a long day. 

Shop Here

Red Light Face Mask + Neck & Chest Mask
Yes, it’s two products but Katie insists they’re better together. This pairing delivers targeted red and near-infrared therapy to the most delicate, age-prone areas: your face, neck, and chest.

Just 10–20 minutes a day can help support firmer skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and restore radiance from the inside out.

Shop Here

Shop Smart While It Lasts

With 25% off sitewide, the BON CHARGE Mid-Year Sale is the perfect time to invest in wellness tech that supports your body, skin, and sleep from the inside out. These tools are smart, effective, and built to last.

Whether you’re starting your red light journey or upgrading your self-care ritual, now’s the time to shop.

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DedCool Teams Up With Erewhon for a Dreamy New Smoothie Collab

Erewhon’s latest smoothie drop is already making waves. This summer, they’ve teamed up with LA fragrance brand DedCool to launch the XTRA MILK Smoothie—a creamy, sky-blue blend inspired by one of the brand’s best-selling scents.

Available now through September 30, the smoothie was created in collaboration with DedCool and mirrors the soft, comforting vibe of their cult-favorite XTRA MILK fragrance. It’s made with cold-brewed Earl Grey, banana, coconut milk, cardamom, and dates, swirled with blue spirulina for a dreamy, soft-focus tint—and finished with Erewhon’s signature vegan cream top.

What’s in the XTRA MILK Smoothie

Much like the fragrance itself, the smoothie leans into warm, cozy notes with just the right amount of edge. The blend includes:

+ Cold brewed organic Earl Grey tea

+ Coconut milk, banana, and dates

+ A touch of cardamom and blue spirulina

+ Topped with coconut whipped cream and Erewhon’s vegan cream top

The result? Creamy, comforting, and slightly nostalgic—like a midday hug in smoothie form.

From Signature Scent to Summer Staple

DedCool is known for its genderless, clean fragrances that feel personal and wearable. XTRA MILK, their amplified take on a classic musk, has earned cult status for its soft blend of bergamot, white musk, and amber—a scent that’s warm, skin-like, and somehow universally flattering.

Erewhon’s take on it doesn’t try to replicate the scent, but instead plays off the same mood—something easy, comforting, and just a little indulgent.

We recently did an interview with DedCool founder Carina Chaz for a deeper look at the inspiration behind the brand’s signature style. Read here. 

Where + When to Get It

The XTRA MILK Smoothie is available at Erewhon stores now through September 30. Like most of Erewhon’s limited-run collaborations, this one won’t be around forever—so now’s the time to try the first smoothie that’s ever been linked to a viral fragrance.

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The Healing Rituals These Sisters and Herbalists Swear By

Healing doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes it’s a morning walk. Other times, it’s a cup of tea, a deep breath in the garden, or simply letting yourself cry in the middle of the day. It’s rarely one perfect supplement or a single routine—but a layered response to how life actually feels in your body. The nervous system, the heart, the hormones, the gut—it’s all connected.

In the space between science and intuition, healing becomes a ritual. A remembering. A conversation with your body that requires listening more than fixing.

Sisters Tamina and Pari have learned this intimately—through personal loss, parenthood, and burnout. As clinical herbalists, they’ve crafted their own rhythms of nourishment, weaving ancient remedies with modern needs. In this conversation, they share the rituals that help them feel grounded, clear, and connected even when life gets overwhelming.

A Conversation with Tamina & Pari

Let’s start with your mornings. What rituals help you feel most anchored at the start of the day?

Tamina:
As a mother and business owner, some mornings I only have about 5 to 10 minutes to myself—and I’ve learned to make those minutes count. I always start by supporting my body’s drainage pathways: a bit of dry brushing, lymphatic massage, a few jumps on my mini rebounder, and a quick facial massage. Before I eat or drink anything, I reach for Liver Protector. Supporting my liver first thing helps my body process hormones, toxins, and metabolic waste, which keeps both my energy and emotions steady throughout the day. After that, I ease into the morning with a warm cup of green tea before the full pace of the day takes over.

Pari:
I always start my morning in the garden—it’s where I feel most grounded, emotionally and physically. I take a few deep breaths with a warm cup in hand—usually herbal tea or lemon water—and let myself settle into a feeling of gratitude. It’s a quiet, simple moment that helps me meet the day with more presence. I also take Liver Protector right away to open up my detox pathways and support my system from the inside out.

What do you reach for when you need mental clarity or emotional steadiness in the middle of a hectic day?

Both:
Without fail: Elevated Mind. This formula is truly our non-negotiable for clarity, focus, and mood balance. Note that this is a daily formula that we take in the morning to help us keep our calm, focus and steadiness. Saffron, one of the key ingredients, has been clinically studied to support mood regulation and emotional steadiness, while ginkgo enhances cognitive function and circulation. We used the most effective ratio of both, which makes this blend unlike any other saffron supplement on the market in terms of potency and effectiveness. This combination helps us stay sharp, present, and emotionally even—especially on days when everything feels overwhelming.

What’s your go-to for winding down—especially when the nervous system is fried but your mind is still racing?

Both:
Inner Peace is exactly what we created for those moments—when your system feels overstimulated, but your mind won’t fully shut off. It gently nudges the body into parasympathetic repair without sedation, helping quiet mental noise while supporting your body’s natural reset.

We take it on flights, before big decisions, launches, or meetings—anytime adrenaline is high and we need to transition back to ourselves. It’s not a switch. It’s an invitation.

And when we need something slower, more grounding—Serene Soul tea is our ritual. The aroma alone begins to calm us before the first sip. With saffron to support mood and clarity, rose to soften emotional tension, and cardamom to soothe digestion and the mind—it helps us pause, reset, and return to center.

How do you protect your physical body during emotionally challenging times?

Tamina:
This is where we really start layering. Emotional stress doesn't only live in the mind—it affects hormones, digestion, sleep, immunity, and more. During those times, I support both my emotional body and physical system with blends like Elevated Mind, Liver Protector, Inner Peace, Nourished Body, and Heart Healer. Together, they help regulate inflammation, hormonal imbalances, mitochondrial energy, and emotional processing.

Movement is essential—working out and lifting weights, or even just walking, is the most underrated emotional support. Even a few minutes dancing in my living room with my little one, if that’s all I have time for. Sitting in stillness with your emotions, letting the tears come, helps with clearing and moving those emotions. I’ve learned that unprocessed emotions don’t just disappear—they relocate in the body.

Pari:
When things feel heavy, I come back to the basics: Elevated Mind to clear the fog, Heart Healer to soften the emotional edges, and Inner Peace to calm my nervous system. I also move my body—even a short workout or time in the garden with my chickens shifts so much.

If I am having a hard day and nothing is left emotionally, I tend to the garden, pulling weeds, feeding the hens—that can ground you more than any journal ever could. Tending to something outside of myself reminds me I’m still connected, still alive, still healing.
It’s not always about “fixing” the feeling—sometimes it’s just about creating space to move through it.

Let’s talk about Heart Healer. What inspired you to create this formula, and when do you personally reach for it?

Both:
This formula is very personal to us. It was inspired by our Persian ancestry and the simple but profound tea our mother would prepare whenever we were sad, overwhelmed, or emotionally unsettled as children. She intuitively blended rose, saffron, chamomile, and other calming herbs—and we’ve carried that tradition into Heart Healer.

The scent alone takes us back to our childhood kitchen—the clink of tiny glass teacups, the way she’d quietly sit with us without needing to say anything. Heart Healer gently opens the heart, supports the nervous system, and helps you reconnect to yourself—especially in moments of grief or panic. Taking it feels like the hug you didn’t know you needed—right when it sinks into your body.

We have four new blends launching soon—each inspired by our Persian childhood and the timeless wisdom of Persian medicine. They continue the tradition of Heart Healer: luxurious, deeply healing, and rooted in memory.

What kind of feedback have you heard from people using Heart Healer during breakups, grief, or emotional processing?

Both:
This is one of the blends people become deeply attached to. Many have shared that during heavy grief—after losing loved ones, navigating heartbreak, or going through emotionally overwhelming chapters—Heart Healer helps them stay present in their body while processing emotions. Rather than suppressing feelings, it creates space for sadness to move through and clear. Because it’s a spagyric tincture, it works on multiple levels—physical, emotional, and energetic—to bring coherence between the heart and nervous system.

Some of the words we've received:

+ “Emotions that I have not been able to access before are opening.”

+ “Very soothing and gently heart-opening. A few drops go a long way.”

+ “Helps make my heart feel lighter. I recommend it to anyone going through loss or sadness.”

+ “Whenever I feel stuck in my emotions or heavy-hearted, this helps me so much.”

+ “I’ve been using Heart Healer postpartum—it feels so soothing and supportive.”

How do you layer products when you’re feeling emotionally heavy and physically depleted at the same time?

Both:
When we’re feeling emotionally heavy and physically depleted, we lean on full-system support—because true healing has to address both.

We start by nourishing the body with our Mushroom Tonic and Nourished Body. A warm drink with pearl powder feels like a reset from the inside out. We stay hydrated throughout the day with water and Earth Drops, and always take Liver Protector first thing in the morning (and often again at night) to help the body process, release, and stay balanced.

For emotional support, it depends on what’s needed in the moment. Inner Peace when we feel overstimulated or anxious. Elevated Mind is a daily essential—it helps clear the mental fog and keep us grounded. Heart Healer when emotions run deep and we need softness more than clarity.

It’s never just one thing—it’s the combination that meets us where we are. These pals don’t just help us feel better; they help us come home to ourselves.

What’s one reminder you give yourself often when navigating both emotional and physical challenges?

Tamina:
The body isn’t fighting against you—it’s fighting for you.
Symptoms aren’t failures—they’re signals.
My job isn’t to silence those signals, but to create space, remove interference, and nourish my system so it can return to balance in its own time.
Healing happens in the quiet and in the flow—not in the forcing.

Pari:
I often remind myself that healing isn’t linear. Some days call for stillness, others for movement.
It’s okay not to feel okay.
My only job is to listen with compassion, stay connected to what steadies me, and keep showing up gently for myself.
The body knows the way—I just have to give it space and support to lead.

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Before You Reach for Another Gut Supplement, Read This First

In a world overflowing with probiotics, enzymes, and gut cleanses, it’s easy to assume your digestive health needs more of the same. And while beneficial bacteria and targeted supplements absolutely play a crucial role, optimal digestion also depends on activating your body’s natural digestive processes, starting with how your system breaks down food from the very first bite.

That’s exactly where Just Thrive’s Digestive Bitters come in—and it’s a category we rarely cover. Unlike probiotics, which work mainly in the large intestine, or enzymes that step in as substitutes, Digestive Bitters activate your body’s own digestive mechanisms from the start of the digestive process. Think of it as a wake-up call for your gut, with benefits you can feel from your first meal.

Why Bitters? Why Now?

Digestive bitters are plant compounds that stimulate bitter taste receptors located throughout your digestive tract—not just in your mouth. These receptors kickstart the production of stomach acid, bile, and enzymes, all essential for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and reducing bloating.

They also support the natural release of GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate appetite and promote satiety—a major win for those struggling with constant hunger or cravings. Unlike GLP-1 medications that may slow digestion too much, Just Thrive’s approach works in harmony with your body to stabilize digestion without harsh side effects.

And here’s where it gets personal: I’ve tried countless digestive aids over the years, including antacids, but this one stood out. While antacids can offer short-term relief, they often work by neutralizing stomach acid—which your body actually needs for healthy digestion. What I appreciated most about Just Thrive Digestive Bitters was how it supported my digestion in a more natural, functional way, without the chalky tablets, without the rebound symptoms, and with results I could actually feel.

What Makes Just Thrive Digestive Bitters Different?

Let’s start with the obvious: no bitter liquid. Traditional bitters are alcohol-based, sugar-laced, and frankly, hard to tolerate. Just Thrive sidesteps all of that with a tasteless, easy-to-swallow capsule that delivers the herbs to where your body actually needs them: the stomach and small intestine.

According to Just Thrive’s team of microbiologists, most bitter receptor sites aren’t in the mouth—they’re deeper in the gut. That means capsule delivery is not only more convenient; it’s actually more biologically aligned with how our ancestors consumed bitters in nature.

Microbiologist-Formulated for Real Results

Unlike most bitters blends formulated by herbalists or wellness generalists, Just Thrive Digestive Bitters is developed by microbiologists who specialize in the science of the gut microbiome. Every ingredient in the formula—called the "Digestive Dozen"—was chosen based on clinical insight, research, and its ability to target a different piece of the digestive process.

Here’s a look at some of the standout herbs:

+ Ginger Root to reduce bloating and ease stomach discomfort

+ Artichoke Extract to enhance bile flow and fat digestion

+ Bitter Melon to maintain stable blood sugar blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings

+ Barberry and Coptis Root to support a balanced microbiome

+ Peppermint and Wild Yam to soothe the gut and support motility

Each one plays a role in encouraging the production of stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and bile—the foundational elements of good digestion.

Not Another Me-Too Gut Supplement

 

If you’ve already tried the probiotic, the enzyme, the elimination diet—this isn’t more of the same. What sets Digestive Bitters apart is its ability to activate what other supplements can't: the actual nerve receptors that signal your body to digest properly.

As the brand explains, "Nothing else stimulates the millions of bitters nerve receptor sites other than the consumption of bitters. Probiotics, enzymes and restrictive diets do not have that mode of action—only bitter bioactives." This makes it a non-redundant, truly complementary addition to any wellness routine—especially considering Just Thrive also happens to make one of the most effective, research-backed probiotics on the market. Together, they offer a complete, synergistic approach to gut health that covers all the right bases.

Bonus: It Plays Well With Others

Digestive Bitters pair seamlessly with Just Thrive’s other gut-supporting staples, including their spore-based probiotic and Gluten Away supplement—which, as someone with celiac disease, I can personally say is the only gluten digestive formula I’ve tried that actually works.

Taken before meals, the Bitters capsule is designed to support nutrient absorption, reduce bloating, and leave you feeling fuller and more satisfied without restrictive food rules.

Bottom Line

Your digestion isn’t broken—it’s likely just not fully supported yet. While spore-based probiotics help balance the gut microbiome long-term by colonizing the large intestine, digestive bitters stimulate critical early-stage processes like stomach acid, enzyme, and bile production—making sure your digestion gets activated properly from the first bite.

Together, they form a complete and synergistic approach. Digestive Bitters get things moving while Just Thrive’s spore probiotics help maintain long-term gut health, microbial diversity, and a strong gut barrier. One primes your system, the other helps sustain it.

Just Thrive Digestive Bitters is that missing link: science-backed, microbiologist-formulated, and deeply rooted in how digestion is supposed to function. If you’ve tried everything and still feel off, this might be the quiet gut-reset you didn’t know you needed.

Ready to give your gut the support it’s been missing? As a Chalkboard Mag reader, you’ll receive an exclusive 20% off sitewide—automatically applied at checkout when you click here. Every Just Thrive product comes backed by a risk-free money-back guarantee, so there’s nothing to lose and everything to feel good about.

All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs. This story is brought to you in partnership with JUST THRIVE. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers

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This Summer Tomato Tart Has a Secret Energy-Boosting Ingredient

A fresh take on summer eating, this vibrant tart from our friends at Anima Mundi is layered with hydrating tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and a bright basil-Moringa pesto—designed to energize and ground all at once. Moringa, often called the “miracle tree,” has been revered for centuries in Ayurvedic and folk traditions for its ability to nourish and sustain the body. Rich in naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it offers a gentle lift in energy and clarity—no caffeine required.* With a crisp, cracker-and-sesame seed crust and a finish of flaky salt, olive oil, and fresh basil, this tart is best enjoyed at room temperature when the flavors are most alive. Perfect as a grounding lunch or a light, functional dish to share.

RECIPE

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Cool time: 20 minutes

Yield: serves 6-8

Category: savory, lunch

Recipe by: Silvia Bifaro

Ingredients

For the Sesame Cracker Crust: 

+ 2 cups crackers, crushed into fine crumbs

+ 1/4 cup sesame seeds

+ Pinch of salt

+ melted butter to taste

For the Pie Filling: 

+ 1 batch of basil Moringa pesto

+ 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese

+ 3-4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds

+ Extra Moringa powder for dusting

+ Fresh basil leaves for garnish

+ Good olive oil for drizzling

+ Flaky sea salt and black pepper

Directions

 

1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C).

2. Pulse crackers in a food processor until you have fine, even crumbs. Mix in sesame seeds and salt. Drizzle melted butter over mixture and combine until it holds together when pressed.

3. Press firmly into tart pan, creating even walls up the sides, or alternatively roll it down between two sheets of baking paper, 5mm thick.

4. Blind bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and set. Cool completely before filling.

5. Spread Moringa pesto evenly in the cooled crust. Then, dot spoonfuls of ricotta over the pesto.

6. Arrange tomato slices in overlapping circles or your preferred pattern. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Dust lightly with extra Moringa powder, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

 

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