Have you ever wondered why some people remain energetic throughout the day? Their moods are lifted 24/7, and they exude good energy!
A healthy gut deserves the credit!
We often, in our limited understanding, think that a good gut equals good digestion, but there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes. Our gut health stimulates many other functions of our body, which include our mood, our mental state, the ability of our immune system to fight off pathogens, and so on. So, with this, it’s easy to deduce that maintaining good gut health should be a priority when it comes to taking care of our health.
Maintaining our gut health isn’t just about eating right and exercising regularly. There’s a lot that needs to be done to keep it in an optimal state. No matter how hard we try, it’s nearly impossible for us to provide our bodies with every possible nutrient that it requires. This is where we seek assistance from supplements whose purpose is to make our lives easier and our bodies bloom with health.
Supplements can be listed in various categories. They can be probiotics, prebiotics, fiber supplements, digestive enzymes, and so on. The dilemma is to choose the category that will provide the maximum assistance to your gut health.
To help you with this, we have created a complete guide so that you can take the next step toward choosing the best supplement for your gut health.
How Do Supplements Help Maintain a Healthy Gut?
Supplements are meant to complement your diet and fulfill nutritional deficiencies. As discussed above, supplements can be of various types and must be included in your routine.
Here’s Why!
As we consume our meals, it is practically impossible to include every micronutrient that our body needs to perform optimally. That’s why supplements are recommended to meet our bodily deficiencies. They play a vital role in helping us stay up to date with our nutritional index.
When talking about our gut health, supplements must include the ingredients that boost our immunity.
We have covered this topic at length for your better clarity. Go and find what you must look for when choosing gut supplements.
Types of Supplements
- Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that help break down food, resulting in better nutrient absorption. They support healthy gut flora and help our bodies fight against harmful pathogens. Including probiotics in our diets helps us reduce symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. They are also known for improving our daily moods and mental health. The sources of probiotics include yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and supplements.
- Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that provide nutrition to the helpful bacteria. It supports the gut microbiome and promotes a healthy gut environment by aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. Prebiotics work towards reducing gut inflammation and enhancing immune responses—contributing to our overall well-being. Among the sources of prebiotics are garlic, onions, bananas, and supplements.
- Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are fundamental proteins that help break down food into proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It helps get rid of symptoms like gas, bloating, and indigestion while supporting the inner gut lining. These enzymes prevent the accumulation of undigested food—eventually contributing to our gut health.
- Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplements are products that have dietary fiber—supporting regular bowel movements. It acts as the prebiotic that supports the gut microbiome—feeding the beneficial gut bacteria. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and weight management. For those who want to feel fuller for longer durations and limit their calorie intake—fiber supplements are the key.
- Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are products made from plants and other organic sources. They aid in digestion and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Containing anti-inflammatory properties that support gut health, herbal supplements enhance detoxification and also boost the immune system.
Ingredients That Gut Supplements MUST Include
When we talk about gut supplements, there are certain ingredients that we cannot afford to miss. Known for their therapeutic properties, these ingredients work like magic in improving our gut health. Among them are ginger, cinnamon, honey, apples, and green tea. Each ingredient has unique properties and lends substantial contribution when it comes to maintaining our gut health.
Let’s find out in detail how they support our Gut Health.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a key ingredient in stimulating the production of stomach acid, which helps with food breakdown and nutrient absorption. It contains pectin, which further assists in feeding the beneficial bacteria, serving as a powerful prebiotic. Including apple cider vinegar in dietary supplements can help us improve our insulin sensitivity and, thus, help regulate our blood sugar levels. Apple Cider Vinegar includes acetic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps soothe the gut lining.
- Ginger
Most people do not like the spicy yet slightly sweet flavor of ginger. If you are one of them, you will be surprised to know that it has multiple benefits for your gut health. Ginger has antiinflammatory properties and aids digestion by producing digestive enzymes. It gives relief when you are nauseous, reduces bloating, and promotes efficient absorption. Consuming ginger regularly will enhance your gut motility, ensuring smooth and timely bowel movements.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the common spices we use in our meals. It has several benefits for your gut, as it is a natural prebiotic and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. It plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and improving digestion by reducing gut inflammation. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that protect your digestive area from harmful pathogens and ensure a balanced and healthy gut microbiome.
- Honey
We all love the sweet and floral taste of honey. Not only does it taste great, but it also has multiple benefits for your health. It acts as a natural probiotic, which helps the beneficial bacteria to grow in the intestine, soothe the digestive system, and reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and gastritis. Honey has natural antioxidants and enzymes that help you break down food and promote better digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Green Tea
Green Tea, with a slightly grassy flavor and a hint of bitterness, is beneficial for gut health. It contains catechins, a great antioxidant that can treat chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It boosts metabolism and helps with digestion. Green Tea is the best when it comes to improving the overall function of your digestive system, as it contains polyphenols to protect you from various diseases.
Beneficial Combination of Ingredients to Include as a Gut Supplement
#1: Blueberry and Green Tea
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the body. Green tea is a powerful ingredient that helps with weight loss. When combined together, they work magically to support a healthy gut—warding off symptoms like gas, bloating, and an imbalanced microbiome. This combination of ingredients increases the metabolism and results in increased energy levels. When we make it a point to include them as a gut supplement, we are bound to receive a bundle of health benefits—contributing to our overall health and well-being.
SHOP ON AMAZON#2: Apple Cider Vinegar and Cinnamon
Apple Cider Vinegar promotes satiety and helps reduce appetite. When we combine it with cinnamon, we are creating a powerful meal companion that helps us reduce blood pressure and improve heart health simultaneously. In addition to this, cinnamon also lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. So, including this combination of ingredients as your gut supplement would mean—quick weight loss, no bloating, and a high energy level to sail through your day with full vigor.
#3: Ginger, Honey, and Apple Cider Vinegar
Ginger is known for improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. When we combine it with apple cider vinegar, it works toward multiple health areas at once—resulting in our holistic well-being. It relieves oxidative stress, stabilizes blood sugar levels, boosts metabolism, aids in weight loss, and enhances immune responses. Last but not least, honey has antioxidant properties and provides cardiovascular benefits.
Takeaway
Food rich in antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, boosts metabolism, and helps with digestion and food breakdown. It is important to keep your gut healthy to improve your overall health.
If you are looking for beneficial products that are not only organic but also help improve your gut health, Suu is the best choice. It combines Japanese culinary customs and health traditions to provide you with a blend of taste and a healthy gut.
A happier and healthier gut leads to a happier life.
References:
- The beneficial effect of vinegar consumption associated with regulating gut microbiome and metabolome
Current Research in Food Science, 2024. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266592712300134X - Modulation of the intestinal microbiota by apple cider vinegar in rats subjected to a cafeteria diet https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878648019304392
- Vinegar (acetic acid) intake on glucose metabolism: A narrative review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2405457719303055
- 4. Fruit vinegar as a promising source of natural anti-inflammatory agents: an up-to-date review https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40199-023-00493-9
- Effects of vinegar consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382022000774
What are the primary roles of probiotics and prebiotics in gut health improvement?
