Recent clinical studies have shown that taking care of your stomach and intestines is an effective way to enjoy a healthy life. Researchers have also found that maintaining your gut’s health can help in relieving some of the gastrointestinal symptoms that can ruin your day.
Additionally, studies have identified that supplements are crucial for boosting people’s gut health. Therefore, if you have been pondering whether supplements are good for your body, the answer is yes. But which of the many products in the market can boost your health? Scroll down the article to discover some of the recommended supplements for your digestive system.
Must-Have Nutrients in Your Gut Health Supplements
The experts from PureHealth Research have identified ingredients that can support the micro-biome of your gut and optimize its functions. However, not all of them are appropriate, especially for people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes. To that end, it is always good to check with your doctor before taking any supplement, as dosage matters to a great extent.
Probiotics
Probiotics are microbes that thrive in the gut. Most of these microorganisms have a few significant functions, which include:
- Producing healthy substances in the gut
- Boosting one’s immune response against disease-causing microbes
- Maintaining the optimal level of microbes required in the gut
It is worth noting that a probiotics supplement is not a magic bullet, and the beneficial bacteria it supplies will not live in your intestines forever. Therefore, you should embrace fermented foods such as kimchi, yogurt, and kombucha to boost your gut health.
L-Glutamine
Glutamine is one of the essential nutrients for your gut health. The element has anti-inflammatory properties that are important in relieving conditions such as colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis. The aspect relates to the fact that inflammation plays a critical role in the development of such disorders. However, not everyone can take L-glutamine. If you start experiencing nausea, joint pain, or hives, you might be allergic or have taken too much. Work closely with your doctor while taking a supplement containing this nutrient to avoid any side effects that might be associated with its excessive intake.
Peppermint
Recent research has associated peppermint with various properties that are critical in supporting one’s gut health. They include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing inflammation along the gut
- Anti-microbial attributes that help in killing harmful bacteria
- Anti-oxidant traits that protect cells against damage
- Immunomodulating properties that help boost one’s immune system
- Anesthetic effects that relieve pain
Experts also maintain that the benefits of peppermint are achievable using minimal doses. On that account, you should always determine the correct dosage. Some potential side effects of peppermint are abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, and dry mouth.
Collagen Protein Powder
Collagen peptides have properties that aid in maintaining, reinforcing, and repairing intestinal mucosa. This source of protein is vital for your gut health, especially if you have been experiencing frequent abdominal pains. However, excessive intake of collagen peptides has been associated with liver dysfunction and uncontrolled weight gain. Additionally, prolonged usage of this supplement might affect the microbiota in the gut. It is, therefore, paramount to strictly follow the prescription given by your doctor to avoid the adverse side effects associated with this supplement.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the supplements pregnant women widely use to relieve nausea and vomiting. Additionally, ginger juice can help promote your gut’s health by modulating its microbiota composition. The best thing about this root is that you can incorporate it into your meals or take it as a pill or juice. However, managing your intake is critical. Consuming more than 5 grams a day may lead to general stomach discomfort and heartburn.
Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that help in treating digestive problems such as nausea and colic, according to ScienceDirect. It prevents inflammation and destroys harmful microbes that can affect one’s gut health. Research studies have also linked the supplement with combating diarrhea. Experts maintain that chamomile is safe to ingest, but it can cause drowsiness, so do not drive if you’ve taken a large dose. It rarely triggers allergic reactions, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. In large quantities, it might cause vomiting.
Artichokes
The positive effects linked to artichokes in promoting gut health include relieving bowel issues such as indigestion, nausea, and abnormal flatulence. Other than boosting your gut health, artichokes have been associated with lowering cholesterol levels in one’s blood and preventing the development of various heart diseases. Since artichokes can increase the secretion of bile, which can be dangerous among victims of obstructive gall bladders disease, it is wise to check with your doctor before taking this supplement.
Psyllium
Psyllium is one of the nutrients that are widely popular because of its bulk laxatives (more details). It is rich in fiber, which aids the absorption of water from the intestines, making stools easy to pass. In other words, the supplement helps treat constipation as it retains moisture in the gut and eases bowel movements. Psyllium can initiate some positive effects in the gut microbiota, promoting healthy bacteria more so among victims of constipation. In addition, excessive intake of this supplement may trigger diarrhea. Pay your doctor a visit if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Breathing difficulties
- Swallowing problems
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Nausea
Bottom Line
Although you can adopt various measures to promote gut health, medical specialists identify supplements as one of the most effective. Supplements such as probiotics and ginger promote the microbiota in one’s gut that aids in digestion and prevents other bowel issues such as diarrhea. Other supplements, such as peppermint and chamomile, have anti-inflammatory properties that relieve inflammation in the gut. Some have anti-microbial properties that help kill harmful bacteria that can tamper with gut health.
However, as much as these supplements are suitable for your gut health, you must work closely with your doctor to identify their correct dosages. Additionally, your physician will help determine the right supplement to relieve some of the bowel issues that might tamper with your digestive system.