Supplements for Digestive Health

Sometimes the digestive system has trouble properly breaking down certain foods. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and cramping. Whether you have an occasional problem with indigestion or chronic conditions, supplements can help your system by providing a source of balanced nutrients and helpful bacteria.

Digestive health products can help resolve common chronic issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and constipation. They can do this by facilitating the breakdown of proteins and assisting with absorbing them completely. There are lifestyle changes that can enhance our products' effects so that you get the maximum benefit.
 

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Common Digestive Issues 

Millions of people suffer from chronic and acute digestive disorders every year. Some vitamins and minerals can lower the risk of developing them and aid in diminishing the symptoms. Below are a few common digestive problems that you might be familiar with and brief explanations of what supplements can serve to counter them.  

Gastritis

Gastritis is often initially caused by a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the stomach lining. The symptoms can include stomach pain and nausea. Vitamin A, C, E, B and magnesium, calcium, zinc are all supplements that can help with this condition.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

This is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract caused by an adverse immune response. It can come in various forms, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Vitamin D is taken by individuals with IBD to make it easier for their body to absorb calcium, which can lessen inflammation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a chronic disorder that affects approximately 1.5 million Americans a year. At least three instances of stomach pain every month for three months is enough to get you diagnosed with IBS. It often causes constipation. Fiber-rich supplements, laxatives, and probiotics are common treatments.

Supplements For Digestive Health

 Because there are several diverse causes for digestive issues (e.g., inflammation, immune responses, chronic constipation, etc.), you will want to speak with your doctor to find the right supplement for you and your lifestyle.

Super Strength Digestive Enzymes 

This super supplement makes it easier for your body to digest specific vitamins and amino acids from problematic foods (e.g., processed foods, etc.). Some of the ingredients in this digestive product include the following.  

• Amylase: This enzyme plays a part in the breaking down of starches and sugars. Amylase makes it easier for your body to absorb carbohydrates.  
  
• Bromelain: It is an enzyme extract found in foods like pineapple that works to lower inflammation, swelling, and digestion. 
• Bromelain: It is an enzyme extract found in foods like pineapple that works to lower inflammation, swelling, and digestion. 
• Lipase: Like so many other enzymes in this product, Lipase ensures digestion and absorption of fats that might be hard for people with some malabsorption disorders to achieve through simple dietary changes.  
  
• Betaine: This chemical compound can help stop harmful buildups of amino acids.  
  
• Glutamic Acid: It is an a-amino acid that becomes glutamate, which helps cell communication between nerves and the brain.  
  
• Papain: This proteolytic enzyme is a papaya fruit extract. It is beneficial in breaking down proteins into more easily digestible fragments. 

Probiotic

Probiotics are made from living microorganisms that keep your body's digestive system healthy. This "good bacteria" is often used to restore a balance to the flora (e.g., bacteria, fungi, archaea) in the human gut where problems start to develop when certain changes occur due to dietary changes, medication side effects, stress, or other causes. Studies have shown that mental stress and high-fat diets have similar adverse effects on flora. Research conducted by Ohio State University in 2020 revealed that probiotics help fight off psychological and physical symptoms related to gut microbiota. They also found that probiotics affected the following conditions.

• Improved sleep and autonomic balance 
  
• Reduced stress and cortisol levels
• Resulted in healthier bowels

Probiotics help by controlling the number of harmful bacteria present in your gut and make it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. They can be found in a number of popular foods, including the following 

• Certain cheese
• Kefir
• Yogurt
• Kombucha
• Sauerkraut
• Miso
• Pickles
• Kimchi
• Tempeh
• Sourdough bread

Starch blocker

Starch blockers make it harder for your system to digest carbohydrates. These are often used by individuals with diabetes and for weight loss supplements. It allows them to eat foods higher in starch and sugars without the immediate glucose spike that might otherwise cause problems with their blood sugar levels. They work by inhibiting the enzymes that breakdown certain nutrients. One of the possible side effects of taking these alpha-amylase inhibitors is the loosening of stool, which can be useful for anyone who suffers from chronic constipation. 

Other Notable Vitamins

Supplements for digestive health include the following vitamins and compounds. These are useful for clearing your intestine and facilitating the absorption of vital nutrients. 

L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is vital to the digestion process. It is an α-amino acid found in the stomach and is known to be one of the best treatments for IBS, Crohn's, and ulcerative colitis. 

Chamomile

Chamomile is a plant that herbalists have been using for generations to treat many health issues. It is often used to treat stomach aches and to calm nerves. They reduce gastrointestinal difficulties and have anti-inflammatory properties. Some other advantages of taking a chamomile supplement include lowering blood sugar, boosts the immune system, and helps with sleeping disorders.

Psyllium: Fiber for Constipation 

There are digestive supplements that include several parts of the psyllium plant, including the seed husks. This product must be taken as instructed for the best result. Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to further constipation. However, if taken as directed with plenty of water, it clears constipation and flushes out the colon. It is not absorbed and instead works to push through blockages to relieve digestion issues. Psyllium can also be used in the following ways. 

• Works to stop both constipation and diarrhea
• Helps balance blood sugar
• Positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol
• Improves weight loss

Ginger 

Another favorite of natural healers all over the world, ginger can provide many health benefits. Some studies prove it helps with nausea and vomiting symptoms. It also aids in fighting off heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach pains. Other ways it can improve your fitness include the following. 

• Anti-inflammatory
• Decreases cancer risk
• Decreases likelihood of developing heart disease

Vitamin D 

This supplement consists of fat-soluble Vitamin D, which is primarily found in sunlight and absorbed into the skin. It is also found in some foods (e.g., red meats, milk, etc.). Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, and many doctors prescribe supplements to make sure their patients get enough to keep their bodies healthy. A lack of Vitamin D can inhibit the body's ability to digest certain foods.  

Other Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Digestion  

Taking a supplement is only part of the equation. You must also make lifestyle changes based on the advice of your doctor to improve your gut fitness. The only way to make sure that the uncomfortable or painful symptoms stop is by finding the root cause, treating it, and altering your routine to accommodate healthier alternatives.
 

Regular Exercise 

Exercise is vital to every aspect of your mental and physical health. There is some evidence that exercise can decrease instances of bloating, stomach cramping, and stress for those who suffer from disorders like IBS. Most painful bloating is caused by gas trapped in your intestines, and exercise is an excellent way to get that gas to pass more easily. This can bring immediate relief. It is also known to release certain hormones that decrease stress, which will aid in your goal of keeping gut flora balanced and full of "good bacteria".

Change Diet

You can add high alkaline foods to your diet to help with issues related to excess stomach acid. It is also important to check for food allergies to see if there is something you are eating that is reacting negatively to your system. Taking these out of your diet can have an immediate positive effect. High fiber foods and foods that feature probiotics are excellent for your gut health.

De-Stress 

There are some studies that point towards specific types of stress as having a negative effect on gut flora. These include heat, crowding, exam-related, and isolation stress. If you often find yourself dealing with one or more of those, then it might be a good idea to try and alter your daily routine so that you can find some relief. A good way to do this is by either cutting out the stressful activity or incorporating relaxation techniques to help take off some of the psychological pressure. Mindfulness, relaxation breathing, and activities like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are all things that have been proven to help lowers stress levels.

Eat Slower

By eating slower and being sure to chew all of your food thoroughly, the stomach will have less work to do to absorb it. Saliva is an integral part of the digestive process, so you must give it time to work. If you are uncertain how many times you should be chewing your food, then a good rule of thumb is 30 chews for each bite unless it is a watery or very soft type of food (e.g., jello, pudding, etc.).

Hydration

One of the top causes of constipation is dehydration. By having enough fiber in your diet and keeping yourself hydrated, you can avoid constipation by making it easier to pass stool.  

FAQs

What foods neutralize stomach acid? 

Stomach acid is secreted by the stomach lining and mostly consists of hydrochloric acid. Its primary function is to assist with breaking down nutrients so the body can easily absorb them. Depending on hormone levels and several other processes, too little or too much stomach acid may be produced with can lead to digestive and other issues. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (e.g., zinc, etc.), unbalanced hormones, medication side effects, and other things can all lead to a change in your stomach's acid content.

You can make several changes to your diet, which will help neutralize an overabundance of stomach acid. Foods and drinks high in pH or alkaline will reduce stomach acid. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy, including the following, are excellent sources of high alkaline content.

• Bananas
• Melons
• Soybeans  
• Tofu
• Milk
• Eggs
• Seafood
• Lean meats  
• Oatmeal  
• Ginger  
• Yogurt  
• Fresh green vegetables 

What are the symptoms of a bad digestive system?

There is a wide range of symptoms that may indicate there is something wrong with your digestive system. They vary from mild to severe, and because there can be any number of causes for them, it is best to get checked out by a medical professional when you start to notice them. This is the best way to catch serious disorders before they cause even more damage. One or more of the following symptoms may point towards problems occurring in your gut.  

• Blood in stool
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pains and cramps
• Unusual weight gain or loss 
  
• Unusual sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia, broken sleep patterns, lethargy, etc.) 
  
• Eczema and other skin conditions 
  
• Sudden issues with an autoimmune disease or food allergies 
  

What to eat or drink to clean your intestines? 

Things that can flush out your digestive system include a number of drinks and foods that can have an enhanced effect when taken with the appropriate supplement. Below are a few foods that will clean your intestines. 

• Broccoli
  
• Kale
• Chard
• Spinach
• Milk
• Oatmeal

Fiber is also quite important for digestive hygiene. Some foods high in fiber include fruits with edible skins (e.g., pears, etc.), whole grains, cornmeal, brown rice, avocados, legumes, and barley. We previously mentioned that Vitamin D and calcium play a large part in maintaining digestive health, and these can be found in dark, leafy vegetables.