The 8 Best Supplements for Gut Health, According to a Nutritionist

Certain strains of probiotics — or live bacteria — can support gut health by helping to keep “good” bacterial diversity and balance at the same level. Some data shows that an imbalance between “good” and “bad” bacteria is linked to several gastrointestinal disorders, and taking probiotics has been shown to help make bowel movements more regular.

FLORASSIST Balance Probiotics by Life Extension contains seven strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics that help colonize the gut. Bonus? This dietary supplement uses dual encapsulation technology to protect the probiotics on their way to the gut.

While probiotics are an important part of gut health, they’re not the only key factor in a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics — or indigestible fiber — serve as fuel for probiotics, which can help them thrive in the gut. Prebiotics can also affect the pH of the gut, which in turn can affect which bacteria thrive in that environment, since certain “bad” bacteria don’t thrive in an acidic environment.

Thorne Prebiotic+ Not only does it contain prebiotic fiber, but it also contains other “bonuses” like green tea extract and pomegranate extract for added health benefits.

Now you know prebiotics and probiotics, but what about postbiotics? The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines a postbiotic as “a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host.” Overall, postbiotics may offer some unique benefits when focused on the gut microbiome focused, but before we can know for sure, more data is needed.

Ritual Synbiotic+ contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support gut health that may help people on their gut health journey.

L-Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that becomes essential during times of stress (ie your body depends on you consuming enough to meet its needs). This amino acid is an important component of intestinal cells and can help improve the function of cells in the small intestine. Some data also suggests that it may positively support a healthy balance of the gut microbiome and help treat inflammation that can occur in the gut.

Life Extension L-Glutamine provides 500 milligrams of this important amino acid.

Your body needs certain enzymes to digest food. These digestive enzymes help break down the macronutrients we eat, and without them, digestive issues like diarrhea or excess bloating can occur.

Most people produce adequate digestive enzymes. However, if you are not producing enough, taking a digestive enzyme supplement may be beneficial Pure Encapsulations digestive enzymes.

If you suffer from lactose intolerance, you already know all about gas and diarrhea, which can often occur after consuming dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant do not produce enough lactase enzyme that the body needs to break down the lactose sugar that is naturally found in many dairy products. But being lactose intolerant doesn’t mean you have to give up that beloved glass of milk that you enjoy with some Oreo cookies. Those who suffer from lactose intolerance can opt for lactose-free milk or supply their body with the enzyme lactase through a dietary supplement.

lactaide is a very popular lactase supplement that can help people relieve their symptoms when they are lactose intolerant and can’t go without a delicious scoop of ice cream or a creamy cup of cottage cheese.