Gut health is a very complex and personal topic. No gut is the same, and everyone has their own needs for a healthy gut balance. Whether you struggle with bloating, weight gain, digestion, or regularity, supplements can help. There are countless gut health supplements out there, but this article will list four of the best you can buy and their benefits.
- Probiotics
Probiotics are the live bacteria and yeast that are supportive of your gut’s health. You may think of bacteria as harmful and associated with disease, but our bodies are actually full of both good and bad microbiomes. When we take probiotics, we encourage balance within our gut, which helps our bodies function the way they should.
You can find probiotics naturally occurring within some foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, and sourdough bread. That being said, there are dozens of different kinds of probiotic supplements available. You should talk to your doctor about finding the supplement that is right for you.
Probiotics can also help your body in other ways, such as through:
- Fighting and preventing colds
- Reducing allergies
- Protecting oral health
- Lowering inflammation for skin conditions
- Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics go hand-in-hand, but they most certainly have their differences. Prebiotics are fibers that encourage the growth of the healthy bacteria already inside your gut. It can take longer to support your gut’s bacteria this way, but prebiotics contain the same benefits as probiotics.
You can add prebiotics to your diet by consuming asparagus, bananas, leafy greens, berries, and more. There are also many different prebiotic supplement options that you should discuss with your doctor before trying.
- Digestive enzymes
You already have naturally-occurring digestive enzymes in your body; the enzymes within your mouth, stomach, and pancreas help break down foods and process the macronutrients. You may want to consider taking supplements if your digestive enzyme levels are not sufficient. That way, your body can use the nutrients you consume to complete its complex biological processes.
There are two different types of digestive enzymes that you can take: plant-based or microbe-based. You can combine these two kinds of supplements to help with any present digestive issues. Before taking digestive enzymes, you will want to know what your current levels are in order to find out how much you need to take. Digestive enzymes in general are very safe to take, but if you take too much, you may find yourself having nausea and cramping.
- Ginger root
Ginger root is an extremely versatile supplement that can support your gut in a variety of functions. Whether you have a stomach ache, struggling with bloating, or simply want more regularity in your gastrointestinal tract, ginger root can be a huge help.
You can take ginger root in a capsule form, and typically a range of 1,000-1,500mg is suggested. There are some herbal ginger teas that can also be situationally useful, but they are not as concentrated or effective as a ginger extract pill.
Looking for More Options?
If you’re still searching for the perfect supplement for your gut health, be sure to talk to your doctor to find the right fit. Supplements and diet changes can have varying side effects, so take your time to determine what works best for you.