Top 5 Gut Health Supplements
The term 'gut health' has gained significant traction both in the medical community and within the food industry. Gut health refers to various vital functions of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) including food digestion and absorption, absence of GI illness, maintenance of a balanced intestinal microbiota, robust immune function, and overall wellness. The gut barrier and gut microbiota plays a huge role in gut health. A compromised gut barrier or changes in the gut microbiome increases susceptibility to a range of gastrointestinal disorders, including infections, inflammation, and functional disturbances, along with other chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and autoimmunity. Gut health is a key piece in preventive medicine.
In this article, we will explore a range of gut health supplements that could assist you in improving and healing your gut.
Top 5 Gut Health Supplements
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera covers a wide range of conditions from skin conditions, constipation, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), fungal diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. It has been clinically studied in the treatment of constipation, DM, metastatic cancer, and ulcers and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Aloe vera contains anthraquinone glycosides. These are plant compounds that could help resolve constipation because of the laxative effects. Other studies show that aloe vera can be helpful with GERD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Butyrate
Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by the gut microbiota through the fermentation of dietary fiber, plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health. Research has shown that butyrate supplementation can enhance intestinal barrier function, reduce inflammation, and regulate immune responses in the gut. Additionally, butyrate has been associated with improvements in symptoms of various gastrointestinal disorders, highlighting its significance as a therapeutic supplement for gut health.
3. Lions Mane
Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has gained attention for its potential benefits on gut health. Clinical studies suggest that lion's mane may support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. Furthermore, research indicates that lion's mane extract may help protect against gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Its neuroprotective properties could also indirectly benefit gut health by supporting brain-gut communication.
4. Digestive enzymes
Digestive enzymes are proteins produced by the body to aid in the breakdown of food into smaller, absorbable components. These enzymes play a critical role in facilitating the digestion and absorption of nutrients from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Clinical studies have demonstrated that supplementation with digestive enzymes can help alleviate symptoms of digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and indigestion, particularly in individuals with conditions like pancreatic insufficiency or irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, digestive enzyme supplements are commonly used to support overall digestive health and optimize nutrient absorption, especially in individuals with age-related enzyme decline or those following a diet high in processed foods.
5. TUDCA
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a bile acid derivative that has gained interest for its potential therapeutic effects on gut health and liver function. Research suggests that TUDCA may protect against bile acid-induced damage in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Clinical studies have investigated its use in conditions such as cholestasis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), demonstrating promising results in reducing inflammation, promoting cell survival, and improving liver function tests. TUDCA's ability to modulate bile acid metabolism and exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects makes it a subject of ongoing research for various gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders.
The concept of gut health has emerged as a cornerstone of overall well-being, including a myriad of functions within the gastrointestinal tract crucial for maintaining optimal health. From the integrity of the gut barrier to the composition of the gut microbiota, every aspect plays a pivotal role in preventing a spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders and chronic conditions, extending even beyond the digestive system. Through exploring the top gut health supplements like Aloe Vera, Butyrate, Lion's Mane, Digestive Enzymes, and TUDCA, these natural remedies hold promise in nurturing and healing the gut. As we journey towards a holistic root cause approach to wellness, these supplements stand as valuable allies in your pursuit of optimal health.
Our Supplement Favorites For You
Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice (Inner Fillet)
BodyBio Sodium Butyrate - Use code organicallyglow for 15% off
BodyBio TUDCA - Use code organicallyglow for 15% off
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References:
Bull, M. J., & Plummer, N. T. (2014). Part 1: The Human Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 13(6), 17–22.
Di Vincenzo, F., Puca, P., Lopetuso, L. R., Petito, V., Masi, L., Bartocci, B., Murgiano, M., De Felice, M., Petronio, L., Gasbarrini, A., & Scaldaferri, F. (2022). Bile Acid-Related Regulation of Mucosal Inflammation and Intestinal Motility: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Application in IBD and Microscopic Colitis. Nutrients, 14(13), 2664. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132664
Foster M, Hunter D, Samman S. Evaluation of the Nutritional and Metabolic Effects of Aloe vera. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 3. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
Liu, H., Wang, J., He, T., Becker, S., Zhang, G., Li, D., & Ma, X. (2018). Butyrate: A Double-Edged Sword for Health?. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 9(1), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmx009
Panahi, Y., Khedmat, H., Valizadegan, G., Mohtashami, R., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial. Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan, 35(6), 632–636. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5
Størsrud, S., Pontén, I., & Simrén, M. (2015). A Pilot Study of the Effect of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extract (AVH200®) in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of gastrointestinal and liver diseases : JGLD, 24(3), 275–280. https://doi.org/10.15403/jgld.2014.1121.243.sst
Wang, W., Zhao, J., Gui, W., Sun, D., Dai, H., Xiao, L., Chu, H., Du, F., Zhu, Q., Schnabl, B., Huang, K., Yang, L., & Hou, X. (2018). Tauroursodeoxycholic acid inhibits intestinal
Wong, J. Y., Abdulla, M. A., Raman, J., Phan, C. W., Kuppusamy, U. R., Golbabapour, S., & Sabaratnam, V. (2013). Gastroprotective Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract against Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Rats. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2013, 492976. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/492976.