Top 10 Supplements for Improving Gut Health Naturally

Given that more than three quarters of our immune system resides in our digestive tract, gut health remains a key player in health and wellness. In fact, the body’s efficiency in absorbing nutrients, digesting food and controlling the bacterial balance depends on your gut health. Eating the right foods is the best way to restoring gut health.

Best Natural Supplements For Gut Health

Taking supplements along with following a gut-friendly diet will ensure that your journey to attaining optimal health and wellness is smooth. This article breaks down the best supplements to take for improving your gut health.

1. Probiotics

Taking probiotic supplements is one of the best ways to promote gut health. They are big players in supporting the healthy growth and balance of gut flora. Probiotics come in many different strains and types. Some are designed to boost immune function while others are meant to promote hormonal function. Important factors to consider when purchasing probiotics include: strain diversity, survivability, brand quality, CFU count and recommended daily intake.

2. Digestive Enzymes

One of the most common issues associated with gut health is improper digestion or poor absorption of food and nutrients. Often times, it is a result of inadequate digestive enzymes in your digestive tract. Supplemental digestive enzymes can help your body turn the complex foods you eat into digestible nutrients like fatty acids, cholesterol, amino acids, and simple sugars. These supplements are usually taken before meals.

3. Fiber Supplements (Prebiotics)

Fiber lays the foundation for the thriving of probiotics. In fact, that is why they are also known as prebiotics. Good bacteria in the gut feed on indigestible fiber thereby allowing their population to grow. A lot of such fibers are naturally available in certain foods like chia seeds and flaxseeds; however, if for one reason or another, your body isn’t taking in as much fiber, you could always supplement. The typical dosage is about 30 to 40 grams of fiber per day.

4. Collagen

Collagen in the form of gelatin promotes the production of gastric juices for digestion. It contains the amino acids glycine and proline which help your body restore the integrity of your intestinal walls. Natural collagen production in the body declines as the person becomes older. Supplementing with collagen is a good way to maintain optimal gut health as you age.

5. Licorice Root

For centuries, licorice root was used to treat a wide range of gut issues including: digestive problems and stomach ulcers. Through its active ingredient, glycyrrhizin compound, this adaptogenic herb restores and maintains the mucosal lining of your intestines and stomach. It should not be taken in large quantities though, as it has been linked to edema. Dosages are based on body weight.

6. Caprylic Acid

Caprylic acid is a fatty acid found mostly in coconut. It has been proven to temper the overgrowth of yeast within the gut. Yeast overgrowth can cause a wide range of health issues for your gut flora. Caprylic acid supplements work best when they are taken alongside probiotics.

7. Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root contains antihistamine properties as well as antioxidants that are important in restoring integrity of intestinal lining. They have also been proven to lower inflammation and sooth irritation in the gut. 

8. Butyrate

Butyrate is a fatty acid that is naturally produced when bacteria in the gut digest prebiotic fiber; which is then used as fuel for colon cells. For people with severe gut problems, butyrate production tends to be quite low; therefore, supplementing offers an ideal opportunity to increase the levels of butyrate in the gut.

9. Chamomile

Chamomile’s healing and calming properties have been tried and tested for centuries. This herb, which is also available in supplement form, soothes indigestion, constipation and bloating. It is also used as a digestive relaxant.

10. Hydrochloric Acid (HCL)

HCL is naturally produced in the gut to help breakdown protein and other nutrients. The production of HCL, however, can reduce depending on various factors such as aging and pre-existing conditions. The immediate result of a decline in HCL production is usually bloating symptoms and malabsorption. Taking supplemental HCL before meals will help your body break down and absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Thanks to the myriad of health issues today, there is an ever increasing need for natural probiotics and prebiotics. Get your Happy Gut Pre + Probiotics by Nourished Essentials and begin enjoying the benefits of a healthy gut. With more than 15 billion CFU and 15 powerful strains, your digestive problems will become history. Your gut health should remain a top priority at all times!