Gut health is important for maintaining balance in the body. It is key to maintaining disease resistance and dietary absorption. Diet plays the most important role in governing the gut microbiome, and therefore, the overall health of the human body.
The primary responsibility for maintaining this health in the gut is entrusted to gut bacteria. The human stomach has several types of bacteria, all of which are responsible for the body’s overall health [1].
Some gut bacteria useful for the body are
Acidophilus
Acidophilus bacteria help create a healthy environment in the gastrointestinal tract. Taking acidophilus supplements may combat several digestive disorders, control recurring vaginal yeast infections, and help the body resist assorted diseases caused by “unfriendly” bacteria.
About 500 species of bacteria inhabit the digestive tract. Of these, the most beneficial are two particular strains of lactobacillus bacteria, acidophilus, and Bifidus. Both strains are probiotics, meaning that they help provide a proper balance of health-promoting bacteria in the intestine.
They also manufacture natural antibiotics that are able to kill dangerous microbes.
Lactobacilli may be especially useful for anyone who is taking antibiotics to treat an infection. A healthy colon should contain lactobacilli (including acidophilus and Bifidus) and coliform bacteria (including healthy types of Escherichia coli and other bacterial strains).
In many people (and particularly those on antibiotics), these counts can be upset, causing flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and poor absorption of nutrients.
You can find acidophilus as a capsule, tablet, liquid, or powder.
- Doses of Lactobacillus acidophilus preparations are based on the number of live bacteria.
- When using supplements, always read labels carefully. A therapeutic form should contain at least 1 billion organisms in each dose; smaller amounts may not be potent enough to have beneficial effects. Probiotic products should say they contain “live cultures” or “active cultures.” Make sure you check for an expiration date.
- Whatever form you purchase, store it in a cool, dry place, such as the refrigerator. Heat or freezing temperatures can easily kill live acidophilus and other probiotics.
[Also Read: 12 Keys to a Healthy Gut]
Peppermint
Particularly effective in treating digestive disorders, peppermint relieves cramps, and relaxes intestinal muscles. It freshens the breath and may clear up nasal congestion as well. The major active ingredient of peppermint is its volatile oil, which is made up of more than 100 different compounds.
The oil’s therapeutic effect comes mainly from menthol (35 to 55 percent of the oil), menthone (15 to 30 percent), and menthyl acetate (3 to 10 percent). Medicinal peppermint oil is made by steam-distilling the parts of the plant that grow above the ground.
You can take peppermint in a capsule, liquid, or oil or use it dried or fresh to make a tea.
* Leaf infusion: 3 to 6 grams 3 times a day.
* Liquid extract (1:2): 10 to 30 milliliters a week.
* Essential Oil – Orally for digestive disorders: 0.2 to 0.4 milliliters 3 times a day in dilute preparations or in suspension.
[Also Read: Natural Ways To Optimize Your Gut Health]
Essential Supplements for Digestion
1. Ginger Juice, Certified Organic – 16 fl. oz (473 ml)
Dynamic Health® Organic Ginger Juice has no sweeteners. Ginger contains naturally occurring antioxidants, including gingerols, shogaols, and zingerones. Dietary needs include
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- GMO-Free
- Kosher
- Organic
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
2. DGL Plus® – 60 Capsules
Pure Encapsulations’ DGL Plus® is a convenient source of natural compounds that may provide this support. Each capsule contains a synergistic blend of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)‚ along with several other herbal extracts.
Licorice has been used for centuries in ancient civilizations, as well as throughout modern Asia and Europe. One of these potential uses is to relieve mild stomach acid.
Unlike other forms of licorice, DGL is unlikely to cause side effects like water retention. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice has been processed to remove a compound called glycyrrhiza from the licorice root.
Take one capsule of DGL Plus® daily‚ immediately before a meal. At the recommended dosage, each bottle of DGL Plus® by Pure Encapsulations should last for about two months.
3. Whole Psyllium Husks – 16 oz (454 Grams)
Soluble fiber from foods such as psyllium seed husks‚ as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol‚ may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of whole psyllium husks supplies 6 grams of the 7 grams soluble fiber necessary per day to have this effect.
The dietary needs include
- Corn Free
- Dairy-Free
- Egg Free
- Fish Free
- Gluten-Free
- GMO-Free
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certification
- Kosher
- Nut Free
- Soy Free
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Wheat-Free
- Yeast Free
- Crustacean Shellfish Free
4. Digestive Enzymes Ultra – 180 Capsules
Other ingredients in Digestive Enzymes Ultra also contribute to the general health of your digestive system‚ as well as your overall well-being. This 180-capsule bottle is ideal if you suffer from constant digestive issues.
This product contains no hidden coatings‚ excipients‚ binders‚ fillers‚ shellacs‚ artificial colors or fragrance‚ dairy‚ wheat‚ yeast‚ gluten‚ sugar‚ starch‚ soy‚ preservatives or hydrogenated oils. The dietary needs include
- Egg Free
- Gluten-Free
- GMO-Free
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certification
- Made in the USA
- Peanut Free
- Wheat-Free
5. Probiotic G.I. – 60 Capsules
A supplement like Pure Encapsulations’ Probiotic G.I. may support the integrity of the intestines‚ which may prevent toxins from breaking through the gut. Every capsule contains 10 billion CFU of several bacterial strains.
The strains in this supplement include Lactobacillus acidophilus‚ Lactobacillus salivarius‚ Lactobacillus casei‚ Bifidobacterium bifidum‚ Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Unlike other probiotic supplements, Probiotic G.I. doesn’t need to be refrigerated once you get it home in order to maintain its effectiveness; the bacterial cultures in these capsules are shelf-stable.
It’s especially suitable for sensitive stomachs and those with certain allergies‚ since it’s soy-free and dairy-free. Most dietary sources of probiotic bacteria are foods like yogurt‚, which obviously contains dairy products.
