Your gut plays a substantial role in your health. Not only does your gut health affect digestion and nutrient absorption, but it also directly impacts your immune system, blood sugar control, weight management, mental health, and more. Your gut contains a diverse microbiome with a careful balance of bacteria that provide disease prevention and numerous health benefits. Signs of an unhealthy or imbalanced gut may include constipation, bloating, gas, diarrhea, cramps, and others. Taking certain supplements can help improve your gut health and, as a result, your overall health. Here are some of the best supplements for gut health:
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are well-known as one of the best supplements for gut health. Probiotic supplements contain live bacteria that benefit your digestive system. These bacteria assist with the digestion of difficult to metabolize foods and help your gut break down fiber, which boosts nutrient absorption and the production of beneficial vitamins and fatty acids. If you are struggling with bloating, gas, diarrhea, acne, or depression and anxiety, you may have an imbalance in your gut that can be helped by taking probiotics.
2. Prebiotics
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that your body can’t digest but your gut microbiome can. This fiber feeds the good bacteria in the gut so they can thrive and multiply. You can get prebiotics from certain foods such as garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas, apples, and leeks. If you’re not getting enough prebiotics in your diet, you may need to take prebiotic supplements for gut health support. Look for supplements with inulin or fructooligosaccharides (FOS), as these are types of prebiotics that are effective and well-tolerated.
3. Vitamin C
Another one of the top supplements for gut health is vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in maintaining gut health. This antioxidant can help reduce inflammation in the gut, improve the gut barrier, and support nutrient absorption from the food you eat. It may also help balance the good and bad bacteria in your gut, leading to a healthier microbiome and improved digestion.
4. Vitamin D
Research suggests that vitamin D may have anti-inflammatory effects in the gut and can help regulate balance in the gut barrier. A deficiency in this essential vitamin is common, especially in the northeastern United States and other areas with little sunshine. If you have low vitamin D and you can’t get enough sunlight to maintain sufficient levels, you may benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement to support a healthy gut and your overall health.
5. L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid that is critical for your gut health. This is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It fuels the cells that line the digestive tract and helps strengthen the intestinal barrier, which prevents harmful substances from moving into the bloodstream. You may benefit from taking L-glutamine supplements for gut health to support the growth and repair of the intestinal lining.
6. Curcumin
One of the best supplements for gut health is curcumin. This is a natural compound found in turmeric that contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Taking curcumin supplements may help reduce inflammation in the gut. Gut inflammation is linked to a variety of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). People with leaky gut syndrome could further benefit from curcumin, as this compound may deactivate damaging compounds and help close holes in the gut lining. Curcumin also contributes to a restored gut microbiome and positively influences the connection between the gut and brain.
7. Ginger
Ginger is a great supplement for gut health. This root has been used to treat digestive issues for centuries. Ginger can help reduce inflammation in the gut and soothe the digestive tract. It also has antimicrobial properties that may help protect your gut from harmful microorganisms and spoilage in foods that can cause food poisoning. As an added benefit, ginger can reduce nausea and promote the production of digestive enzymes for healthy digestion.
8. Gentian Root
Gentian root has been used in traditional medicine for generations to treat digestive problems. This bitter herb is known for its ability to stimulate digestion and improve gut health. Its bitterness is thought to increase saliva production and promote stomach acid and digestive enzyme production. Gentian root supplements are often used for digestive issues such as loss of appetite, bloating, heartburn, and diarrhea.
Improve Your Gut Health with a Total Gut Restoration Kit
These are some of the best supplements for gut health. To help you achieve a healthier gut, we offer an advanced 3-month protocol designed to support and restore gut health. Our Total Gut Restoration Kit includes a triple-threat of three unique supplements specially formulated to maintain a balanced microbiome and promote a healthy gut barrier so you can achieve better gut health and overall health.
If you have any questions about taking supplements for gut health or other things you can do to support a healthy gut, please reach out to us at Magnolia Pharmacy today!
