The Supplements That Can Help You Get Your Digestion Back on Track
Digestion issues can really affect your lifestyle. I'm talking gas, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, heartburn, etc. If you're dealing with it every day or pretty regularly, it can be tough and you might even find that it disrupts your day-to-day life. Digestive issues, of course, depend on the specific person since everyone's bodies are different. But there are some things you can try to get your digestion and gut health back on track.
Changing up your diet can be your first step. According to The Cleveland Clinic, upping your daily servings of fruits and vegetables to five to seven can help because it's promoting a high-fiber diet. Saying yes to whole grains and limiting beef, pork, lamb, and processed meats can help, too. Also, being mindful of your consumption of added sugars and animal fats will benefit your gastrointestinal tract. Just knowing which foods may disrupt your digestion is important, too, so you can avoid anything that might cause an upset stomach.
In addition to your diet, you can make some lifestyle changes. Harvard Health says not smoking, exercising several times a week (or every day), and reducing stress can help you manage your GI health.
You might go the supplement route to improve your digestion and gut health. Many supplements are packed with ingredients that are known to be good for digestive health, such as probiotics, magnesium, digestive enzymes, and herbs, like ginger. If you do decide to try a supplement, be sure to check with your doctor first to see what their recommendations are and if any of these digestion helpers would mess with any other medications you're taking.
Take a look at our picks for the best digestive supplements below.
1. Hum Nutrition Flatter Me
Hum Nutrition's supplement contains 18 full-spectrum enzymes that work to break down protein, carbs, fiber, lactose, and fats. There's also ginger and peppermint leaf to support digestion plus fennel seed to soothe any digestive issues (like bloating) and support nutrient absorption.
2. The Nue Co. Prebiotic + Probiotic
Probiotics are the "good" bacteria you want in your gut. This one was specifically formulated to target symptoms of IBS and long-term digestive issues. It also contains prebiotics, which act as "food" or "fuel" for the probiotics.
3. Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes
The vegetarian enzymes in this supplement promote optimal nutrient absorption while also breaking down protein, carbs, fat, fiber, and dairy. The formula is free of GMOs, soy, and dairy.
4. Sakara Life Metabolism Super Powder
Sakara Life's powder improves your metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar, eliminates bloat, and decreases puffiness. It's a favorite with THE/THIRTY editors, as senior beauty editor Erin Jahns wrote, "In addition to the amazing taste (superfoods like cacao, coconut milk, and a little bit of coconut sugar make anything you add it to taste like a gloriously less saccharine chocolate milkshake), I most notably experienced improvements with my digestion, energy levels, and bloat. Considering that some of the ingredients (celery seed in particular) are natural diuretics, it's no surprise that this powder kept me, um, very regular."
5. Gaia Herbs Gas Bloating
For an herbal option, you can try these capsules that contain plant-derived activated charcoal and fennel seed, which promote the absorption and elimination of gas. It also includes a blend of herbs and essential oils which work to improve digestive function and provide natural relief to the intestine.
6. Love Wellness Bye, Bye Bloat
If you're dealing with bloating and gas, Love Wellness's Bye, Bye Bloat can provide some relief. The formulation consists of digestive enzymes, organic fenugreek (which prevents constipation), and organic diuretic (a natural laxative).
7. Now Super Enzymes
Now's Super Enzymes is made with a blend of enzymes that support healthy digestion—some include bromelain, ox bile, pancreatin, and papain. One reviewer wrote, "This product has worked wonders so far. I started taking these because I was bloated all the time and gained a little weight and had severe stomachaches after eating. Within one week, I lost all bloatedness, no stomachaches, and I lost 5lbs. We will see if it still continues. I would recommend this product!"
8. Nature's Way Ginger Root
Ginger has been used as an herbal remedy for digestive support for centuries. Each serving of these supplements contains 1.1g of ginger, and the formula is gluten-free and vegetarian.
9. Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
Seed's Daily Synbiotic contains 24 strains to support systemic health. That means it benefits digestive health, gut barrier integrity, gut immune function, cardiovascular health, dermatological health, and micronutrient synthesis.
10. Organic India Triphala Powder
Triphala is described as a "renowned food of Vedic tradition," and it's a blend of amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki fruit, which are sources of vitamin C and antioxidants. The powder works to support the GI tract and digestive system, while also promoting deep cleansing.
11. Moon Juice Magnesi-Om
Not only does this powder supplement support regular bowel movements and alleviate mild bloating, but it also promotes relaxation and supports brain health. In addition to magnesium, the formula includes L-theanine.
12. Garden of Life Raw Enzymes
With 22 digestive enzymes, probiotics, and other nutrients, these supplements will help your body process foods that are difficult to digest (like dairy, grains, sugars, beans, and broccoli). The recommended daily dosage is one capsule three times a day with meals.
13. The Beauty Chef Cleanse Inner Beauty Support Supercharged
The Beauty Chef's Cleanse powder is formulated to realign and support your natural cleansing processes. Ingredients include fiber from banana starch and Jerusalem artichoke; choline to benefit liver function and metabolism; and enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics for gut health.
14. Pure Encapsulations DGL Plus
This supplement uses deglycyrrhizinated licorice and herbal extracts to support the GI tract. It also provides immune support as it stimulates the mass, quality, and production of mucous, which is a major component of the stomach's protective lining.
15. Physician's Choice 60 Billion Probiotic
With this supplement, you get 10 strains of probiotics, plus an organic prebiotic fiber blend to improve your gut. The pills are delayed-release and acid-resistant, so they're optimized for better absorption.
16. Hum Nutrition Gut Instinct
Another probiotic option, Hum Nutrition's Gut Instinct contains 10 acid-resistant strains to boost immunity and good bacteria, while also supporting healthy digestion.
17. Amazing Grass Green Superfood Detox Digest
This blend contains alkalizing greens with over 24 cleansing ingredients and one billion probiotics. It's formulated to promote good bacteria growth, provide digestion support, and eliminate toxins.
18. Zenwise Health Digestive Enzymes
In addition to digestive enzymes, you also get prebiotics and probiotics with these supplements. They're designed to support digestion and relieve gas, bloating, and constipation. Other ingredients include turmeric, ginger, green papaya, and fennel.
Next, Why Cooking With Probiotics Might Change Your Gut Health for the Better
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
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