Promoting Healthy Gut: 10 Natural Gut Health Supplements

You don't think about it very often, but your gut is actively operating even if you are distracted by other things. It probably takes care of more than you realize because the gut is a very wonderful place.

Body processes, including digestion, disease resistance, and brain function, are all connected to the gut. So we're trying to emphasize that your gut matters and that caring for it is essential to your overall wellness regimen.

Additionally, while your food and exercise routines impact how your gut feels, there are other things you can include in the daily schedule that could improve your gut flora and make you feel your best. Therefore, we compiled this list of the ten best natural gut health supplements.

Read on to learn about ten supplements that can help promote intestinal health.

Best Natural Supplements For Gut Health

A diet high in whole foods and low in processed foods and refined sugars promote the growth of good gut bacteria. But supplement for gut health can help fill in the nutritional gaps in your diet and strengthen your gut lining.

Let’s take a closer look at gut health natural supplements that can help promote a more hospitable environment for helpful microorganisms inside your gut.

1. Licorice Root For Heartburn

Licorice root is a popular supplement for digestive health and is helpful for flavoring food. In addition, the extract is frequently used to treat indigestion symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and upset stomach.

For instance, a 75-mg licorice capsule used twice daily in a 30-day study on 50 people with dyspepsia(1) significantly reduced symptoms compared to a placebo.

The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as acid reflux and heartburn, may also be reduced by licorice root extract.

A low dose of glycyrrhetinic acid combined with usual treatment significantly reduced symptoms in an 8-week study including 58 people with GERD(2).

2. Probiotics: Your Gut’s Best Friend

Thousands of bacteria coexist peacefully in your gut's diverse microbiome to support your body's need for nutrients and to act as a line of defense against outside invaders. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help the development of a healthy gut ecology.

Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, natto, miso, tempeh, and fermented foods, including sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. The issue is that only some respond well to these foods.

Probiotic supplements can help with that. You can get the advantages of probiotics from these supplements without having to take a chance on particular foods.

3. Medicinal Mushrooms For DigestionMedicinal Mushrooms For Digestion

Next on our list of the best supplements for healthy gut is functional fungi! Mushroom consumption has been associated with enhanced intestinal health.

The high fiber content of mushrooms is advantageous to the digestive system. They also help balance blood sugar and cholesterol, moderate hunger, and maintain digestive health.

Lion's mane(3), Chaga(4), Turkey tail(5), Cordyceps(6), Maitake(7), and Reishi(8) are the best medicinal mushrooms for improving gut health. Numerous scientific studies have proven the benefits of mushrooms in improving digestive health.

Medicinal mushrooms are conveniently available in powders, capsules, and tinctures. So pop it in your bag and enjoy it on the go. Mix it into your favorite protein shake, smoothie, or coffee; the choices are endless.

4. Peppermint To Ease IBS

Several qualities of peppermint, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, pain relieving, and immunomodulating, have been attributed to its ability to support gut health. According to multiple studies, peppermint oil(9) may decrease the bloating and pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

5. L-glutamine, The Gut Helper

L-glutamine(10)is an amino acid that supports intestinal wall repair to maintain strength. According to some experts, the dietary supplement L-glutamine may help treat diarrhea brought on by stress, illnesses, or surgery.

It might also improve some people's ability to absorb nutrients. That includes those who take cancer medications, have had a portion of their intestines removed, or have too many unfavorable microorganisms in their digestive tracts.

Animal proteins like beef, poultry, fish, eggs, leafy greens, and fermented meals contain L-glutamine. It is also available as a powder or supplement.

6. Inulin: The Prebiotic

Prebiotics, like inulin, are substances that the body does not digest. Instead, it ferments in the stomach, where it helps the good bacteria flourish.

Positive findings were found in a 2019 study(11) that examined the effects of increased consumption of vegetables with high inulin contents on intestinal health. It was claimed that this higher consumption might enhance the gut microbiota's functionality and alter people's eating habits.

7. Slippery Elm For A Soothing Effect

In North America, the slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) has long been used as an herbal treatment. It has been ingested to relieve a variety of digestive problems.

For instance, bark from slippery elm acts as a demulcent. This indicates that it can calm the stomach and gut lining and reduce discomfort.

Recent research has demonstrated that the symptoms of inflammatory bowel conditions and IBS(12) can be alleviated by taking slippery elm bark. In addition, another study found that slippery elm has an antioxidant impact on Crohn's patients(13).

8. Ginger For Comforting The Stomach

Ginger is used in Asian medicine to relieve stomachaches. In the west, it is a popular remedy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Even backed by scientific research, ginger is one of the best supplement for gut health.

The effects of ginger juice on research participants were examined in a 2021 study(14). As a result, it was discovered that ginger juice could improve gut health by altering the composition of the gut flora. Because of this property, ginger may also aid in the control of obesity.

You can consume ginger by adding it to your food or by taking it as a tablet or juice.

9. Chamomile: More Than Just A Calming Tea

Many different diseases can be treated with chamomile. For example, naturalists have tried using chamomile to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, and digestive issues like upset stomach, colic, and nausea. However, chamomile may cause an allergic reaction in people with particular plant sensitivities, such as ragweed.

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Therefore it can promote a healthy gut microbiota while reducing inflammation and destroying pathogenic gut bacteria. Additionally, it can decrease diarrhea.

The effects of chamomile on the body were the subject of a 2016(15) review. The researchers noted that while chamomile has various health benefits, they focused on its advantages for gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis.

10. Moringa Leaf Powder For Healthy Gut Flora

The beneficial effects of moringa leaf on the gut microbiota can promote healthy gut flora. According to the authors of a 2018 study(16), due to its beneficial impact on the gut, it can help manage obesity and lower levels of inflammatory response in the body.

Additionally, as it affects the lining of the intestines, it might reduce the consequences of leaky gut syndrome.

FAQs About Gut Health Supplements

What Are The Best Natural Supplements For Gut Health?

Ginger, chamomile, medicinal mushrooms, and probiotics are some of the most loved natural supplements for improving gut health. Additionally, moringa leaf powder, slippery elm, inulin, and peppermint help maintain the digestive system's health.

How Can I Improve My Gut Health Naturally?

Eating slowly, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and taking a prebiotic or supplement can help improve gut health. Recognize the signs of an unhealthy gut, and speak to your healthcare provider about which supplements may be right for you.

What Are The Three Gut Superfoods?

Ginger, probiotics, and teas are food filled with gut-friendly nutrients.  These superfood helps with digestion and improves the overall health of the body.

Key Takeaways

Look no further than your gut health, If you are looking for the secret to achieving optimal health. And including these ten best natural gut health supplements will help you get more nutrition from your diet, promote healthy gut bacteria, and strengthen your immune system.

References

1. An Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study, (1)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3123991/ 
2. Outcomes in patients with nonerosive reflux disease treated with a proton pump inhibitor and alginic acid ± glycyrrhetinic acid and anthocyanosides, (2)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3615700/ 
3. Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide facilitates restoration of injured intestinal mucosal immunity in Muscovy duck reovirus-infected Muscovy ducklings, (3)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813017321402 
4. Orally administered aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus ameliorates acute inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, (4)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22819687/ 
5. Coriolus Versicolor Downregulates TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Cascade in Dinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid-Treated Mice: A Possible Mechanism for the Anti-Colitis Effect, (5)https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/2/406/htm 
6. Cordyceps sinensis preserves intestinal mucosal barrier and may be an adjunct therapy in endotoxin-induced sepsis rat model: a pilot study, (6)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4509218/ 
7. Prebiotic Effect of Maitake Extract on a Probiotic Consortium and Its Action after Microbial Fermentation on Colorectal Cell Lines, (7)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8617840/ 
8. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide fractions accelerate healing of acetic acid-induced ulcers in rats, (8)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15671683/ 
9. The impact of peppermint oil on the irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis of the pooled clinical data, (9)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6337770/ 
10. Glutamine and the regulation of intestinal permeability: from bench to bedside, (10)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27749689/ 
11. Effects of a diet based on inulin-rich vegetables on gut health and nutritional behavior in healthy humans, (11)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6537941/ 
12. Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study, (12)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20954962/ 
13. Antioxidant effects of herbal therapies used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an in vitro study, (13)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11860402/ 
14.  Gut Microbiota Variation With Short-Term Intake of Ginger Juice on Human Health, (14)https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.576061/full 
15. A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile), (15)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5074766/
16. Investigating of Moringa Oleifera Role on Gut Microbiota Composition and Inflammation Associated with Obesity Following High Fat Diet Feeding, (16)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6108815/