6 Gut Health Supplements That Changed My Life! (As an IBS sufferer)
After years of dealing with a problematic gut, trying out different diet plans, and incorporating gut-friendly foods and exercises into my daily life, the emergence of supplements that aided gut healing has been a welcome sight.
These are packed with ingredients like probiotics, super greens and digestive enzymes that work wonders to relieve symptoms like bloating, constipation and irregular bowel habits.
Working smart rather than hard has never been so easy.
Speaking from experience, I know how difficult and time-consuming it is to find the best supplements among the extensive variety available, which is why I have accumulated the best options to make the selection smoother for you.
6 Best Gut Health Supplements
1. Optibac Every Day MAX Probiotics:
CFU: 75 billion
Dosage: 1 capsule daily
Probiotics Strains/Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis Bl04, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications:
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place below 25C and out of direct sunlight. For maximum potency, it can be refrigerated after opening.
Cost: $48.99 for 30 capsules.
Benefits:
Relieve constipation and bloating :
I have observed symptomatic relief with regular use as the three stains mentioned have been scientifically proven to address a range of digestive health issues, including occasional constipation and bloating.
I found similar results reported in a 2-week trial conducted on 156 participants with self-reported constipation and bloating. Their flatulent symptoms significantly decreased until the end of the trial, which was not the case with the placebo group.
Natural and Premium Quality and Quantity :
The high CFU count guarantees that the strains will reach the gut alive. This would not be the case with low CFUs since many strains degrade in the upper digestive tract before reaching the gut.
Additionally, we need a balanced amount of good bacteria for optimal gut function and ONLY a high-quality supplement can complement your body’s natural gut bacteria, helping the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria to flourish.
Minimal Side Effects :
As someone with long-standing IBS and trying out products that potentially aggravated the symptoms rather than alleviating them, this supplement has been a treat!
Because probiotics, including prebiotics with fructo-oligosaccharides, may cause irritation in people already having gut health problems. BUT, this one is free from any prebiotic FOS, which makes it super suitable for those with IBS.
Pros
Cons
2. Culturelle Daily Digestive Probiotics:
CFU: 10 billion
Dosage: 1 capsule per day, in the morning/evening, with or without food
Probiotics Strains/Strains: Lactobacillus GG
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: N/A
Storage: Shelf-stable
Cost: $26.99
Benefits:
Well-proven Efficacy
Evaluating which strains of probiotics are actually useful can be daunting; therefore, having a product that contains 100% of the most thoroughly researched probiotic – Lactobacillus GG is a safety net we all need. Studies show that Lactobacillus GG is strong and sticky enough to survive harsh stomach acids and adhere to intestinal walls, ultimately restoring the balance between beneficial and non-beneficial gut bacteria.
Best supplement for kids
The best part about Culturelle is that it is available for every age. Ranging from flavorless powders to chewable probiotic gummies – this has been a constant companion to the diet of my kids who are genetically predisposed to having gut issues like bloating, diarrhea, gas etc.
An unhappy gut leads to an unhappy child and by default an unhappy you, so break the cycle by incorporating probiotic supplements in your child’s daily health routine.
Gut Protection and Immunity
According to a study, the Lactobacillus GG strain has proven to be beneficial for intestinal disturbances caused by viruses/bacteria and also useful for prophylaxis against them. In addition, it stabilizes gut permeability and I have firsthand noticed suppression of allergic reactions to food hypersensitivity with its regular use.
Pros
Cons
3. Yourbiology Gut+ Probiotics:
CFU: 20 billion
Dosage: 2 capsules daily, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Probiotics Strains/Strains: Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Breve, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus Paracasei, Lactobacillus Fermentum, Saccharomyces Boulardii, Lactobacillus Casei, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: GMP-certified
Storage: Shelf-stable, no refrigeration needed
Cost: $64.99
Benefits:
Holistic digestion
Along with having 10 potent probiotic strains, it also contains 3 digestive enzymes and 2 prebiotics. The enzymes help break down food, probiotics support the gut microbiome and prebiotics work synergistically with the probiotics, ensuring easier and more integrated digestion than other purely probiotic supplements.
Boosts energy, focus AND mood
Our gut microbiome influences our brain chemistry, and when our gut is optimized with good bacteria, it supports clearer thinking and stable energy. According to NCBI, the Lactobacillus species is proven to reduce stress levels by working on the gut-brain axis and increasing serotonin levels – the happy hormone.
I noticed a significant decrease in brain fog along with improved digestion and regular bowel movements after including these in my daily routine.
Promotes healthier-looking skin
Poor gut health reflects on all our other organs, including the skin. When I was dealing with IBS, my skin changed drastically, and it started looking dull and lifeless with regular inflammatory flare-ups, and one of the things that helped revive it was probiotics.
Research studies indicate that strains like Lactobacillus Paracasei, which are present in this supplement, suppress skin inflammatory responses and promote the restoration of skin barrier function.
Pros
Cons
4. Biotics 8
CFU: 20 billion
Dosage: 3 capsules per day
Probiotics Strains/Strains: Saccharomyces Boulardii, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus Paracasei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacterium Longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: GMP-certified
Storage: Shelf-stable, no refrigeration needed
Cost: $64.99
Benefits:
Fortified Digestion and Immunity
Our gut contains 70% of our immune cells, so supplementing with this blend of probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes means improved digestive health as well as immune health. Research indicates that specific probiotic strains enhance innate immunity by maintaining an optimal gut microbiome.
Best supplements for Men
One of the only gut health supplements that are suitable and customized for men, these are proven to increase muscle growth and boost testosterone levels. Scientists report that 6 weeks of supplementation with Lactobacillus Plantarum were associated with significant decreases in body weight and increases in muscle weight.
There’s one health pill I make my husband take daily, and it’s this one. Because, it offers what all men need for enhanced digestion, strength and energy levels.
Pros
Cons
4. YourBiology Supergreens
CFU: N/A
Dosage: 1 scoop in 8-12 ounces of any liquid, three times a day
Probiotics Strains/Strains: N/A
Form/Type: Powdered form
Certifications: GMP-certified, third-party tested
Storage: Shelf-stable, does not require refrigeration
Cost: $69.99
Benefits:
Better Gut Function
The supergreens (spinach, spirulina, wheat grass, matcha) combined with minerals, vitamins, and apple pectin fiber help regulate bowel function and reduce gut inflammation, making this essential for enhanced digestive function. Minerals like manganese and selenium are essential for thyroid health and in turn help with weight fluctuations that people with thyroid-related diseases suffer from.
Super energy and focus
Feeling drained and need a pick-me-up? Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibers, etc. This nutrient-rich formula guarantees a surge in energy levels and boosted brain function.
I noticed a huge difference in my vitality and focus after consistent use of this supplement. Research also states that superfoods like beetroot and grape seed extract are proven to relieve stress, improve blood flow, and increase exercise performance.
Glowing and Radiant Skin
The combination of supergreens, vitamins, and superfoods work harmoniously to strengthen gut function, provide nutrition, and detoxify your body leading to a healthier, more glowing you.
Also rich in vitamins A, B3, B5, B7, and C – these supplements have been great for my skin, hair, and health given that they increase collagen levels and prevent oxidative damage.
Pros
Cons
5. Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes
CFU: N/A
Dosage: 1-2 capsules with each meal or as recommended by your health professional
Probiotics Strains/Strains: N/A
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: NSF-certified
Storage: Shelf-stable
Cost: $51
Benefits:
Advanced Digestive Support
For people with digestion issues, an assortment of digestive enzymes is your calling to put an end to bloating and indigestion. The food we consume needs to be completely degraded for our bodies to reap the benefits of all its nutrients. This supplement contains undiluted pepsin and pancreatin, which is composed of protease, lipase, and amylase that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, respectively.
In addition, research indicates HCl promotes the absorption of folate, vitamin b12 and iron, preventing iron-deficiency anemia. Hence, it has been my go-to for optimizing the absorption of all essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Your Aid in Aging and Indulging
As we age, our bodies go through multiple changes – one of which being the reduction in the production of digestive enzymes and, by default compromised digestive function. This is where Thorne’s advanced digestive enzymes come in to replenish vital factors like HCl, pepsin, pancreatic enzymes, and ox bile. This supplement is also super useful for cheat days and over-indulgence when consumption of red meat or fatty meals leads to uncomfortable gut symptoms.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Our gut is the cornerstone of our overall health, and healing it has impacts that go beyond that single organ. These supplements have proven to be efficient in reducing many of my gut troubles like indigestion, bloating, and inflammatory flares, which in turn has elevated my general health.
This is YOUR SIGN to give your gut the help it needs by incorporating probiotics, supergreens, fibers, and digestive enzymes – all conveniently packed in these supplements.
