Gut health has become increasingly trendy in recent years. As new research emerges year after year showing how significant our gut health actually is for overall health, the awareness and interest have grown rapidly and continue to do so.

As a result of this, there has been a surge in products, supplements, and dietary trends that focus on improving gut health, such as probiotics, fermented foods, and gut-healing diets. 

With the gut health market being so saturated with products and information at the moment, it can take time to recognise the supplements that are genuinely beneficial for gut health. 

If you want clarity on this topic, you’ve come to the right place! Below, we have compiled a short list of 4 of the most effective supplements for gut health. While many more can have potential benefits, this is a less exhaustive list that is a little more digestible (no pun intended). 

Best 4 Supplements for Gut Health

Probiotics

Probiotics are, without a doubt, the most popular and effective supplement for gut health. They are live microorganisms, typically bacteria or yeasts, that are beneficial when consumed in adequate amounts. They are often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria, and they introduce these beneficial microorganisms into our gut which helps to maintain a balanced and diverse microbiome. 

If you’re familiar with gut health, you may already know that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, mental health and even skin health. So, probiotics can help restore and strengthen the population of good bacteria in the gut, supporting digestive health, immunity, and overall health and wellness.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics, not to be confused with probiotics, are a dietary fibre that nourishes and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Unlike probiotics, which are the live microorganisms themselves, prebiotics serve as a food source for the good bacteria already residing in our gut. 

You can find prebiotics in various fibrous foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods pass through the upper gastrointestinal tract undigested until they reach the colon, where the gut bacteria then ferment them. 

While we can often find sufficient prebiotics in food, there are also many benefits to supplementing with prebiotics, which is why they are often paired with probiotic supplements. 

For example, our hero product, Gut Care, contains premium prebiotic fibres, yeasts, and live probiotics. Products like these are designed to provide a convenient way to increase probiotic and prebiotic intake, particularly for those with dietary limitations.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are substances that help break down and digest food throughout our digestive process. These enzymes are naturally produced in the body, primarily by the pancreas and small intestine, but the breakdown of food starts as early as our mouth with the help of saliva. 

Digestive enzymes play a key role in the overall digestive process by breaking down complex nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, into smaller molecules the body can absorb more easily. Essentially, they ensure that the nutrients from the food we eat are properly absorbed and utilised.

Taking digestive enzyme supplements can help support the digestive process by providing additional enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food. They can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption and reduce the likelihood of digestive discomforts like bloating or other gastrointestinal issues. 

Supplementing with additional digestive support in the form of enzymes can indirectly contribute to a healthier gut, ensuring our food is properly broken down and digested, giving us a better chance at avoiding digestive disturbances and imbalances in the gut.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a popular and effective supplement for overall health and well-being, but they do have some specific benefits for the gut. Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fat essential for our body, having numerous health benefits. 

They play a role in reducing inflammation in the body, including the gut. Chronic inflammation in the gut can contribute to various digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

By reducing inflammation, omega-3s may impact alleviating symptoms associated with IBD and IBS, as well as promoting a healthier gut environment. 

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to support the integrity of the gut lining potentially.¹ For clarity, the gut lining acts as a protective barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream while allowing beneficial nutrients to be absorbed. 

Some great sources of omega-3 include fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and some algae-based supplements. Though omega-3s are often taken as a supplement to help bridge any gaps in intake, they are ideal for those who may find it tricky to obtain sufficient amounts from their diet. 

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you narrow down your search for the best, most important gut health supplements. We recommend checking out our full range of Gut Solutions, with products tailored to the skin, immunity, and general gut health!