Best Supplements for Gut Health

Gut health is one of the most important factors in our overall health. Our gut controls so many aspects of our health, including our immune health, hormonal health, skin health, and of course, our digestive health. There are many supplements on the market these days that promote healthy digestion but also work to keep the gut healthy. These supplements may work to add probiotics to your gut or add an acidic component to increase the acidity of your gut, aiding in better digestion.

Regardless of the functioning behind the specific gut health supplement, these supplements are essential to our health. So much of our health begins in our gut, and without a healthy digestive system, our other systems begin to fail us. Let’s take a look at some of the best gut health supplements.

The benefits of healing your gut through supplements extend beyond just healthy digestion. Gut health supplements can benefit proper digestion, a more balanced gut microbiome, better absorption of nutrients, decreased bloating and heart burn, more stable mood, and proper hormonal health. They can also prevent skin issues, support the immune system, promote heart health, and improve anxiety.

These benefits show how far-reaching gut health really is within the body. Although healing your gut through these supplements improves your digestion, it also helps keep your body healthy and stable.

As with almost any supplement, not all gut health supplements are going to live up to their claims and hype. Additionally, gut health supplements can come in many different forms, from fiber-focused options to peppermint oil choices, making finding the right selection difficult.

Gut health supplements can include a variety of ingredients. Popular ingredients for gut health supplements can typically include probiotic and prebiotic strains, digestive enzymes, fiber, and peppermint oil. Some supplements will focus primarily on certain ingredients, while others may use a blend, with both providing benefits for a healthy gut and proper digestion.

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What are the different types of gut health supplements?

There are a lot of different gut-healing supplements on the market that help heal the gut in specific ways. Below are the more popular types of gut-healing supplements and some of their associated functions:

• Probiotics (help balance the gut microbiome by adding healthy bacteria)
• Peppermint Oil (helps with bloating and IBS/ constipation)
• Ginger (helps with nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort)
• L-glutamine (helps with constipation, diarrhea, and helps you absorb nutrients better)
• Psyllium (contains a large amount of fiber that aids in proper bowel movement habits)
• Apple cider vinegar and other acidic compounds (healthy acids add acidity to your gut, which is beneficial if you do not have enough stomach acid to break down your food)
• Digestive enzymes (help break down food more readily)

Should you take supplements for gut health?

Gut-healing supplements can be taken by pretty much anyone. However, it’s important to note that you should always consult with a doctor before using any of these supplements. Gut health supplements become especially crucial for individuals suffering from digestive disorders, including the following:

• IBS
• Crohn’s disease
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Also can be beneficial for immuno-compromised individuals as nutrient uptake occurs in our guts

Depending on your specific health situation, you may require one or a combination of any of these gut-healing supplements. Do your research on your specific condition and consult with your doctor to find a product or type of supplement beneficial for you.

Do gut health supplements really work?

Gut-healing supplements are all over the market these days. It really depends on what the specific product is, and it’s ingredients in terms of determining whether or not it’s effective. It also depends on your health condition, as well. For example, for someone with IBS in the form of constant diarrhea, supplements that help you go to the bathroom, like fiber supplements (Metamucil, psyllium husk), might not be the best option. Additionally, if you’re looking to heal constipation issues, some supplements like peppermint oil may be more beneficial for someone, whereas a probiotic/prebiotic blend may be more beneficial for another person. It really comes down to the specific product and its reviews/efficacy, as well as your unique health condition.

Are there dietary sources that can help gut health?

Gut health is very important, but it does start with your diet and lifestyle. It’s important to eat a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and especially fiber. Drinking enough water and engaging in some form of exercise every day also contributes to a healthy gut. Additionally, stress also impedes our gut health, so finding ways to de-stress can benefit your gut immensely. Below are some dietary sources that help heal the gut:

• Probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods (kimchi, yogurt, leafy greens, beetroot, kombucha)
• Chickpeas and other beans
• Whole-grain bread
• Psyllium husk powder
• Flaxseeds
• Chia seeds
• Lentils
• Ginger
• Avocado
• Papaya
• Salmon
• Banana
• Bone broths
• Brown rice
• Miso
• Broccoli