What Supplements to Take for Gut Health

Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in nutrient absorption, immunity, and digestion. While a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential for maintaining a healthy gut, certain supplements can further support your gut microbiome and enhance your overall well-being. Read on to discover the best supplements for gut health and how to naturally improve your digestive health.

The Importance of Gut Health

Gut health impacts numerous systems and functions in your body. Everything you consume can affect your gut health, and in turn, your gut health can influence your overall health. The best supplements for gut health support beneficial gut bacteria, boost immunity, and help you extract more nutrients from your food.

If you’re wondering how to improve gut health naturally, keep reading to learn about effective digestive health supplements backed by research.

The Best Supplements for Gut Health

A diet rich in whole foods, particularly diverse vegetables and other plants, is key to fostering healthy gut bacteria. However, maintaining such a diet consistently can be challenging. When your diet falls short, the best gut health supplements can help keep your gut microbiome functioning optimally by providing essential nutrients, supporting beneficial bacteria, and strengthening your gut lining.

1. Probiotics

Your gut microbiome is home to trillions of microorganisms that maintain health and serve as your first line of defense against pathogens. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help regulate the gut microbiome, supporting immune health and other aspects of well-being.

To improve gut health naturally, consume more probiotic-rich foods such as:

  • Yogurt and kefir
  • Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi
  • Fermented soy products including miso, natto, and tempeh
  • Kombucha

A 17-week randomized study published in the journal *Cell* found that a diet rich in fermented foods increased microbiome diversity and decreased inflammation markers. Beyond fermented foods, probiotic supplements are also available, commonly containing strains like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These strains support various health areas, from weight management to immune system health.

Biohacking Tip: Some probiotic supplements are best taken on an empty stomach in the morning. For convenient daily digestive support, try Biohacking Innerfuel Prebiotic, which can be added to your favorite beverage.

2. Prebiotics

Prebiotics are nutrients that, while indigestible to humans, can be digested by gut bacteria. Prebiotic fiber passes through the digestive tract and is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine, promoting digestive health.

Prebiotics support beneficial gut bacteria by:

  • Increasing populations of helpful Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli
  • Producing beneficial metabolites
  • Inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria
  • Enhancing immune system defense
  • Improving gut barrier permeability

For a dietary supplement that specifically benefits your gut bacteria, try Biohacking Innerfuel Prebiotic, which contains 17 grams of plant-based prebiotics for gut health and immune support.

Biohacking Tip: Add more polyphenols to your diet with Biohacking Polyphenomenal, a supplement containing nine polyphenol-rich berries and botanicals.

3. Licorice Root

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) supports the mucosal lining of the digestive tract, which regulates what enters the bloodstream. Studies have shown that licorice root can reduce pain and nausea and expedite healing in patients with ulcers. Another study found that licorice root extract, combined with standard treatment, was more effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria causing chronic stomach inflammation.

Look for deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has been processed to remove glycyrrhizic acid, a compound that can have adverse health effects. Licorice root is available as tea, powder, or supplement and is often combined with other ingredients to support digestion.

4. Collagen Protein

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, forming structures like bones, connective tissues, and the digestive tract. It provides building blocks for a healthy gut and supports joints and bones. While your body produces some collagen, it relies on dietary sources for adequate supplies. Collagen protein supplements can help fill this gap.

Biohacking Gut Health Collagen Protein contains collagen, prebiotics, probiotics, and zinc carnosine to support a healthy gut microbiome. It’s unflavored, making it easy to mix into various foods and beverages.

5. Zinc Carnosine

Zinc carnosine is a compound that enhances gut integrity by maintaining a strong intestinal lining. Zinc supports overall health, and many people don’t get enough of it. Zinc-rich foods include beef, turkey, pork, and chicken.

Biohacking Tip: Zinc is a key ingredient in Biohacking Immune Gummies.

6. L-Glutamine (Optional)

L-glutamine is an amino acid that supports a healthy intestinal lining. While more clinical studies are needed to confirm its benefits in humans, it has shown promise in animal studies. L-glutamine is available as a powder or supplement and is found in foods like beef, chicken, fish, eggs, leafy greens, and fermented foods.

How to Improve Gut Health Naturally

Prioritize whole-food nutrition by eating a diverse diet, then use supplements to fill any nutritional gaps. Consider these tips for additional gut health benefits:

  • Eat Probiotic Foods: Consume more fermented foods rich in probiotics, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, and yogurt. If you experience bloating or constipation, reduce or pause consumption and consider a daily probiotic supplement.
  • Add More Fiber: Fiber ferments in your gut, feeding beneficial bacteria and promoting digestion and regularity. Both prebiotic fiber and resistant starch support gut health.
  • Avoid Sugar and Processed Foods: High-sugar diets can harm your gut by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria. Reduce sugar intake, including simple carbohydrates and alcohol, and consider alternative sweeteners.
  • Drink Bone Broth: Collagen-rich bone broth provides essential amino acids for gut and tissue health. Opt for broth from grass-fed beef or free-range chicken, or make your own with a homemade recipe.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Sleep loss increases inflammation and negatively affects gut bacteria. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

Gut health is foundational to overall health. A healthy gut allows you to absorb more nutrients and supports a robust immune system. Adding the best gut health supplements can help fortify your defenses and improve your well-being. Learn more about how to improve gut health naturally.