The best supplements to aid your digestion
We’ve all dealt with uncomfortable, distracting and even painful digestive symptoms. Some suffer from the rare issue every one and a while, while others are very familiar with digestion problems. Whatever the case may be, supplements can be what you need to help ease your issues. The only problem is, there are so many supplements to choose from, it’s hard to decide what to try and what to pass on. If you’re looking to improve your digestive health and ease those uncomfortable symptoms, take a look at these six supplements that actually work. And talk to your doctor before taking any supplement to make sure it is right for you.
Peppermint Oil Capsules
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine, and includes symptoms like cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. While there is no official treatment for IBS, research shows that peppermint oil capsules can help ease certain IBS signs and symptoms. Research also suggests “it can be more effective than fiber” and as good as muscle relaxants. The menthol in the peppermint works to ease symptoms by dulling pain receptors and relaxing the muscles in your colon.
Our Choice: Heather’s Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules are a great choice. These capsules target IBS. They also work to improve tolerance for those prone to heartburn or reflux. One customer with IBS claims these capsules are life changing.
Probiotics
When it comes to digestive health, probiotics can make all the difference. Probiotics are good bacteria that live in your intestines, assist with digestion and deliver general gut support. If you’re lacking probiotics, a supplement is a good way to counter “bad” bacteria that can completely throw off your digestive system. Some probiotics can even help with diarrhea and other IBS symptoms.
Our Choice: Align Probiotic 24/7 Digestive Supplement is a favorite amongst gastroenterologists. The supplement claims to promote and support a healthy digestive system and help occasional abdominal discomfort, gas and bloating. Align’s supplement contains the probiotic strain Bifdobacterium 35624. According to gastroenterologist Roshini Rajapaksa, M.D., Align is “a well-studied probiotic for gut health.”
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice
Licorice root extract relieves symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, acid reflux and upset stomach. Licorice root also contains a demulcent that can soothe irritated and inflamed tissue lining your gut. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of licorice extract that does not contain glycyrrhizin, which makes DGL safer to consume.
Our Choice: Natural Factor’s Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Root Extract Chewable Tablets are one of the most popular DGL supplements out there. Natural Factor promises this supplement will aid digestion and treat stomach complaints like heartburn and indigestion. One customer claims these tablets helped with her GERD and she was “amazed at how quickly these tablets stop an acid reflux flare-up.”
Chamomile
Chamomile is often written off as an herb consumed in tea form, used to soothe and relax. While this is true, chamomile is also good for treating digestion problems. According to Healthline, some issues chamomile can relieve include gas, diarrhea, nausea and colic, due in large part to its anti-inflammatory effects. One study suggests chamomile is helpful preventing stomach ulcers because it reduces acidity in the stomach, and hinders the growth of ulcer-causing bacteria.
Our Choice: There are many forms of chamomile including supplement tablets, but Nature’s Answer Chamomile Flower is a great liquid option. This is a strong supplement that contains 2,000 milligrams per serving in a one-ounce bottle. Its gentle formula is both alcohol-free and gluten-free. This liquid is safe for oral and topical use. Nature’s Answer suggests mixing about 26-56 drops of liquid with a small amount of water three times a day.
L-glutamine
L-glutamine, aka glutamine, is an amino acid found in the body that supports the intestine and other organs. L-glutamine prevents a leaky gut, which can then cause gas and bloating amongst other issues. In certain cases, a lack of L-glutamine can cause IBS. Those with stress related IBS have reported that increasing their L-glutamine helped reduce their symptoms. When taking your L-glutamine supplement, a safe dose is somewhere between 1,000 and 3,000 milligrams per day. Too much L-glutamine can cause unwanted side effects including nausea, constipation and stomach pain.
Our Choice: Life Extension’s L-Glutamine tablets not only maintains gut health, it also helps with immune and muscle help as well. The tablets are gluten free and non-GMO. One customer says this product is “great at enhancing digestive health.” Life Extension suggests taking one or two capsules daily on an empty stomach. You can also find L-glutamine in foods including chicken, fish, dairy, lentils, beans and more.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium is a form of fiber extracted from the husks of the Plantango ovata plant’s seeds. Most people know it as a laxative, great for treating constipation. Taking psyllium husk causes a gel to form in your intestines that traps water. By absorbing water, psyllium increases stool size and makes it easier to pass. Research shows that psyllium, a soluble fiber, has a greater effect on stool than wheat bran, an insoluble fiber. Psyllium can also help make bowel movements more regular.
Our Choice: NOW Psyllium Husk Capsules are a great way to increase your intake of dietary fiber, and resolve any constipation issues you may have. One customer who’s had intestinal discomfort for most of her life claims that after taking these capsules she has “never felt better as far as [her] intestines.” NOW explains that this bulking action plays an important role in maintain regularity and gastrointestinal health.
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