If you have issues with your digestive system, you likely experience uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, heartburn, cramps, gas, headaches, skin problems, constipation, or diarrhea. It can be difficult to manage gut health symptoms through food alone, especially when there are so many foods that can trigger discomfort. That’s why it’s often necessary to add supplements to support your gut health. Here are the top five supplements for gut health that we recommend.
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for your digestive system. These bacteria help your gut break down fiber, which increases the amount of nutrients it can absorb as well as boosts the production of vitamins and fatty acids. Probiotics can help your digestive system break down foods that are difficult to metabolize, such as those containing lactose. These good bacteria also crowd out the harmful bacteria, leading to a healthier gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome is essential not just for gut health but also for overall health, including boosting your immune system, managing inflammation, and producing neurotransmitters. Symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, acne, and even depression or anxiety can be linked to an imbalance in your microbiome and may be a sign that you need to take a probiotic supplement.
2. Prebiotics
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that your body isn’t able to digest itself, but the bacteria in your gut feed on it. This fiber serves as food for the microbiome, helping the beneficial bacteria grow and thrive. There are some natural sources of prebiotics that you can add to your diet. Some foods that contain prebiotics include garlic, onions, asparagus, leeks, dandelion greens, and chicory root. However, you may find it difficult to include enough prebiotics in your diet. If that’s the case, you may need to also take prebiotic supplements. Two types of prebiotic fibers that you should look for in a supplement are inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). These are effective prebiotics that are typically well-tolerated by the gut.
3. Digestive Enzymes
Another supplement that may help improve your gut health is one that contains digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are proteins that help your digestive system break down food. Your body produces these enzymes in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. Not everyone’s bodies are able to produce enough digestive enzymes, though. If your body is not producing sufficient digestive enzymes, you could experience digestive issues like indigestion, gas, and bloating. Taking a digestive enzyme supplement can improve these symptoms by helping your body break down food correctly. You should look for supplements that have multiple enzymes, such as lactase, cellulase, amylase, and protease, to aid in the digestion of lactose, fiber, carbohydrates, and protein.
4. L-glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid that your body uses to fuel the cells that line your gut. This amino acid is the most abundant one in your body and is necessary for gut health. L-glutamine strengthens the intestinal barrier, which helps prevent harmful substances from passing through the intestinal wall and entering into the bloodstream. Taking L-glutamine supplements can improve your gut health by encouraging the growth and repair of the lining of your intestines. L-glutamine is the form of glutamine that your body can most easily absorb, so make sure the supplement you choose specifically contains this type of amino acid.
5. Ginger
Ginger has been used for ages to treat digestive problems. This plant can reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive system as well as promote the production of necessary digestive enzymes. Ginger also has great antimicrobial properties. These properties help protect your gut from harmful microorganisms and substances in foods that can cause food poisoning. Ginger is known to reduce nausea, too, which can be beneficial when you are feeling unwell. Most people do not consume enough ginger in their diets for their gut health to benefit from its properties. That’s why many people choose to take ginger supplements to enjoy these benefits.
Shop Gut Health Supplements
Here at Moore’s Compounding Pharmacy, we want to help you reach your health goals. That’s why we carry a number of vitamins and supplements that can help improve gut health and other health concerns. Browse our supplements online to find the best gut health supplements your body can use to achieve the results you’re looking for. If you have any questions about which supplements are right for you, please reach out to us!
