Bitterness or Anger is a basic human emotion that everyone is likely to experience at some point in life.  While Anger can be a reaction to one thing followed by the individual moving past it, Bitterness is something that builds up and lingers.  Bitterness, if channeled into a positive light allow the person to put things in perspective about his/her behavior.  It is important to remember that Bitterness is an emotion, not a state of mind.

There are many symptoms to look out for when it comes to Bitterness.  One can identify a Bitterness problem based on behavioral traits.  If the person becomes easily aggravated, seems disturbed by a specific thing or person, or finds it difficult to release the feeling that he/she has held on to, then he/she may have to give the issue attention.  Other symptoms are listed below.

• Reacting to one Specific Thing or Person
• Consistently Having the Same Argument
• Lack of Sleep
• Anxiety
• Frustration
• Depression
• Social Isolation
• Paranoia 

Often times, Bitterness is the result of suppressed feelings that the individual has kept inside.  Because Bitterness is an emotion people experience as a reaction to something, many things can be the cause of it.  When someone is bitter, bodily reactions take place, for example, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, intense sweating, or heavy breathing. Because Bitterness is a case by case emotion, it is important to identify the cause(s) that triggers it in you.  Common causes are:

• Mental Health Issues
• Depression
• Poor Physical Health
• Hunger
• Pain
• Withdrawal from Substances
• Humiliation
• Injustice
• Financial Problems
• Infidelity
• Alcohol or Drug Abuse
• Disappointment

• Be honest with yourself and admit that you have a problem.  Looking at your behavior is key to identifying what triggers the Bitterness to arise.  Asking for or seeking help is not a sign of weakness.  Talking it out with someone or having therapy sessions can help the person identify the anger trigger.
• Relaxation can help combat the feeling of Bitterness.  Meditation is a great way to calm the mind and relax the body.  Breathe deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth; you can even utter the words "relax" or "be calm" to audibly help yourself.  
• Exercising can help take the mind of what irritated you in the first place.  The mind focuses on the exercising, which is taking place, as opposed to what triggered the Bitterness.  
• Avoiding substances like drugs or alcohol is best if a person harbors Bitterness.  These substances alter one's emotions and can often increase the effects of Bitterness.  People can develop destructive tendencies or become violent when using these substances. 
• Better communication helps people with Bitterness arrive at a clear conclusion.  It's important to take a second, slow down, and realize what has been said.  This will allow the Bitterness to subside and calmer, more rational thoughts will prevail.  If bitter people jump to false or inaccurate conclusions, they can often feel criticized, but it's important to not fight back as that can lead to a destructive outcome. 

• Endives
• Radishes
• Carrots
• Seeds (sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds)
• Raw Nuts (pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, and coconuts)
• Fennel
• Celery
• Purple Cabbage
• Asian Pears
• Bananas