Your gut is one of the most critical organs in your body, responsible for many vital functions like digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immunity. Unfortunately, many people don’t give their gut health the attention it deserves until they experience problems such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea. Fortunately, there are several supplements you can take to help improve your gut health and maintain a healthy digestive system. Here are some of the most popular gut health supplements you should consider taking:
Probiotics
These are beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive tract and help to support a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria. They can help reduce uncomfortable digestion symptoms, relieve gas and bloating, improve nutrient absorption, boost immunity, and even reduce inflammation in the body. You can substitute certain foods for prebiotic supplements which will also help to balance your diet, giving you the recommended dose of healthy bacteria without the need to eat as much.
Know that probiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and different strains can have varying effects on individuals. Try experimenting with different varieties to see which one works best for you.
Fermented Food
Sometimes adding fermented foods (like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, or kombucha) to your diet is also a good idea. You can always take probiotic supplements, but if you can tolerate dairy, try adding Greek yogurt with live cultures into your diet.
L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is one of the four key ingredients in Total Restore formula (the other three being: N-acetyl D-glucosamine, Licorice root extract and PepZin GI™). This essential amino acid helps promote cell growth and repair, especially in the digestive tract. It has been shown to reduce inflammation, heal leaky gut syndrome, support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption and reduce symptoms of IBS.
There are a few ways you can supplement with L-glutamine. You can take a powdered form or capsules or add them to smoothies or other foods. Just remember that L-glutamine is quite powerful and should be taken in moderation.
The intestines’ permeability also improves with the digestive enzyme supplements containing bromelain and papain. These enzymes help to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats so they can be better absorbed into the body.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen is a protein that helps provide your gut with both structure and nutrition. Collagen peptides can help reduce inflammation, improve digestive function and protect the gut’s lining from damage.
The best part is that collagen peptides are easily absorbed into the body and can be taken in powder or capsule form. When buying online, look for a reputable brand that follows strict quality and safety standards. You want sellers with broad exposure if you are looking for a BPC-157 peptide. Since the BPC 157 peptide was found in the early 90s, it has helped deal with certain bowel disorders. It also helps in wound care and has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, finding the finest sellers with the best products would be best.
Curcumin
This turmeric substance is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce inflammation in the gut, boosts immunity, and supports healthy digestion.
You can take curcumin supplements or add turmeric to your cooking regularly. If taking it in supplement form, look for products that have added black pepper extract, as this helps enhance the absorption of curcumin into the body.
You can add other anti-inflammatory spices like ginger and garlic to support your gut health further. This helps reduce bloating and improves overall digestion. Also, try adding in foods with prebiotics, like asparagus and artichokes, which can help feed the good bacteria in your gut.
Digestive Enzymes
Taking digestive enzyme supplements can help improve your body’s ability to digest and absorb the nutrients from food. This is especially important in people with digestive issues, as they may not produce enough necessary enzymes for proper digestion.
Commonly used enzymes like amylase, protease, lipase, and lactase can help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats for better absorption into the body. This can help improve your digestive health. When looking for a digestive enzyme supplement, check that it contains all these enzymes in adequate amounts.
Berberine
It’s an alkaloid found in certain herbs and has been used for centuries to support gut health. It helps maintain a healthy balance of ‘good’ bacteria in the gut, promotes healthy digestion, reduces inflammation, and even fights off infection.
You can take berberine as a supplement or look for products that contain it, such as herbal teas and tinctures. This potent supplement should be taken in moderation to avoid side effects like nausea or digestive discomfort.
When it comes to intestinal mucus and the gut, berberine can help restore healthy mucosal membrane integrity and may even reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This is particularly helpful for those who suffer from digestive issues regularly.
Zinc
This is an essential mineral that has a wide range of functions in the body, including gut health. It helps regulate the immune system, protect from infections, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy digestion.
Zinc can be taken as a supplement, or you can get it from foods like oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and spinach. If you do take a zinc supplement, make sure to look for one that is in the citrate form, as the body more readily absorbs this.
Besides these supplements can help strengthen the gut lining, it is still vital to ensure you are eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods that irritate the gut. This includes processed foods, fried items, dairy, and gluten.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
DGL is an herbal supplement used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It helps reduce inflammation, support immune function, and improve digestion. It can also help reduce symptoms of certain digestive disorders like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.
You can take it as a supplement or look for products that contain DGL, such as teas, tinctures, and capsules. Check with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, as some may interact with medications or have other side effects.
The continuous use also helps in boosting mucus production, which can act as a protective lining in the gut. This helps reduce the risk of infections and improves overall digestive health. It would be best if you consistently took these supplements and ensured a balanced diet.
Improving your gut health is crucial to overall well-being, and several supplements are available to help with this. From L-glutamine and collagen peptides to curcumin, digestive enzymes, and berberine – these supplements can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, protect the lining of your gut and promote a healthy balance of bacteria.
