The Best Supplements for Digestive Health

Did you know that digestive diseases affect between 60 and 70 million Americans? There are some signs that this occurrence may be drastically underreported, and conditions underdiagnosed.

These diseases are linked to more than just simple digestive issues, however. They are also leading contributors to heart, skin, and autoimmune disorders. This realization is in part why many people have started focusing on improving their digestive health.

The digestive system is a complex one. You control it, in part, by deciding what to eat. Some foods aid in digestive health, while others make your system work overtime. So, what can you do to address these deficiencies? Supplements.

If you are managing digestive issues, keep reading. In this blog, you will find an overview of the gut microbiome and learn why maintaining a healthy one is vital to digestive health. We will also share recommendations on how you can stay healthy by consuming the right foods and supplements.

What is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. Many of them are located in the small and large intestines. They include thousands of different species of bacteria, as well as fungi, parasites, and viruses.

That may sound horrifying, but these “bugs” coexist and play a crucial role in the daily operations of the human body. They stimulate the immune system, process toxic food compounds, and break down vitamins, amino acids, and macronutrients. They also play an important role in controlling your immune system and optimizing brain health.

How is the Microbiome Disrupted?

Almost every human being is exposed to “good” microorganisms during delivery, through infancy, and from breast milk. The microbiome will naturally flourish unless its balance is disturbed. This can happen during certain illnesses, from diets, or after taking medications that kill the microorganisms (such as antibiotics).

Disturbances in the microbiome have been linked to a myriad of diseases including:

  • Asthma
  • Autism
  • Cancer
  • Celiac disease
  • Diabetes
  • Eczema
  • Heart disease
  • Multiple sclerosis

Microbiome disruptions can additionally lead to malnutrition, obesity, and high blood pressure. The good news is that you can restore your microbiome through a healthy diet but will often require the extra implementation of gut supplements.

Supplements for Digestive Health

Here are four of the best supplements that you can take to create or support a healthy gut microbiome.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria or yeasts.

They can prevent or treat irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive issues caused by antibiotics or bad viruses, bacteria, or parasites. They can promote heart health and are overall good microorganisms that support a healthy gut.

Probiotics can also treat skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, by reducing inflammation in the body. Even if you do not suffer from such ailments, they can improve your skin health in general.

You can get probiotics from certain types of foods. These primarily include fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut (natural, not canned), and kimchi. Other foods include tempeh, miso, and natto. You also can get probiotics from some buttermilks and cheeses.

Probiotic supplements contain various strains of these bacteria. Which one is best for you depends on the type of health benefits you are looking for.

L. actobacillus is the most common type and can aid in digestive issues and reduce inflammation in the body.

Bifidobacterium is ideal for symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome.

S. boulardii is a yeast usually derived from certain fruits. It can aid in digestion and can be a potent aid against certain infections.

A combination of these bacteria in addition to other ingredients and prebiotics intended to boost gut health can be found in supplemental form in Active Probiotic ND 50.

Prebiotics

You may have already heard of probiotics, but prebiotics have gained much attention in the last few years. These are fibers that are a food source for the good bacteria in your gut, allowing them to thrive and multiply.

Prebiotics are easier to come by in natural food sources than probiotics. Most fruits and vegetables act as a fiber source for gut bacteria. Prominent ones include asparagus, bananas, berries, garlic, onions, tomatoes, legumes, and green vegetables.

Other products, including some breads, cereals, and yogurts, may come fortified with prebiotics. If they do not advertise it outright, look for these ingredients:

  • Galactooligosaccharides
  • Fructooligosaccharides
  • Oligofructose
  • Chicory fiber
  • Inulin

Dietary Fiber

You have probably heard: “Eat more fiber, it’s good for you.” But why?

Dietary fiber describes parts of plant-based foods that your body cannot digest and absorb. Because your body is unable to absorb these foods, they can move through your digestive system with greater ease.

One of the best things you can do to reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory disease is to increase your intake of dietary fiber. Not only can this improve your digestive health, but it can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease as well.

Dietary fiber can be broken down into two categories: soluble and insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a thick material. It can help lower cholesterol and stabilize glucose levels. You can get soluble fiber from many different foods including oats, barley, and beans. Apples and citrus fruits often contain a lot of soluble fibers, as do vegetables like peas and carrots.

Insoluble fiber helps move materials through your digestive tract. This prevents constipation and promotes regular bowel movements. Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, and beans are good sources of insoluble fiber in addition to vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes.

L-Glutamine

L-glutamine has become popular in the fitness industry primarily as a workout supplement. That is because of its ability, as an amino acid, to act as a building block of protein. This can help reduce muscle soreness in the body and support cellular function.

While these benefits remain, researchers have discovered that L-glutamine has other health benefits as well, primarily the maintenance a healthy gut.

L-glutamine is one of 20 naturally occurring amino acids found in high protein foods. It is vital to your body because while it can produce small amounts on its own, you need more to stay healthy.

Leaky gut syndrome, a condition that is one of the main causes of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and severe psoriasis, can be combatted by L-glutamine in your body. It also is great at fighting ulcers and improving intestinal health in general.

L-glutamine is prevalent in many animal protein sources and dairy products. Eggs, milk, cottage cheese, beef, bone broth, venison, and turkey top this list. You also can find L-glutamine in non-animal sources including asparagus, broccoli rabe, tofu, and spirulina. Also, dried spirulina supplements are a popular option for getting L-glutamine.

Learn More About Digestive Health

Now that you know what goes into digestive health and ways to improve your gut, you can make the necessary adjustments to establish a healthy gut microbiome. Remember that this is an ongoing process. Remain diligent and you will see results over time (if not immediately).

EVEXIAS Health Solutions is a leading provider of integrated wellness solutions. Our network of providers are experts at addressing myriad ailments and health conditions. Find a provider near you today to learn more about ways you can improve your gut and overall quality of life.

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