Health Supplements to Keep Your Gut Feeling Breezy
by Sobreezybabe
Girls, maintaining a healthy gut is so important for both physical and mental wellness. As we all know, what's going on inside can really affect the outside - your skin, your energy levels, even your mood. So it's time to get real about gut health and start supplementing to keep that digestive system feeling breezy! Here are a few supplements I like to add to my routine to support a happy tummy.
Probiotics are a must for gut health. I love taking Garden of Life's Dr. Formulated Probiotics because they contain 50 billion CFUs from 11 different probiotic strains. Multiple strains means more coverage for a balanced microbiome. Slide these babies into your routine daily and you'll start to notice smoother digestion and fewer tummy troubles.
Prebiotics are also key - they feed the good gut bugs so they can flourish. My current fave is Organic Wholeful Prebiotic Fiber. Made from inulin and oligofructose, it supports the growth of probiotic bacteria for natural gut and immune support. Feel full and fueled with just one scoop blended into water or your morning smoothie.
Last but not least, digestive enzymes are so helpful for proper breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Look for a high-quality, broad-spectrum enzyme supplement. Mine is Designs for Health's Super Enzymes - it contains enzymes from various plant and animal sources to aid in starch, protein and fat breakdown. No more bloating or uncomfortable fullness for this girl!
For those who want a little more clarity, I'll share the main five core gut health supplements I take daily, why I take each one, when I take them, and how they've relieved my stubborn digestive woes. I'll also note the lifestyle habits that complement my supplement routine for maximal gut healing and microbiome balance. If you struggle with digestion or suspect gut issues may be dragging down your health, my personal gut health stack could provide some ideas and inspiration!
My Core 5 Gut Health Supplements
✨️ Probiotic
I take the HyperBiotics PRO-Women Probiotics with a clinically-studied strain called L. reuteri. I chose this probiotic because it contains 30 billion CFU and over 5 rigorously-tested strains ideal for women's microbiome balance. Since I started taking it, my digestion has improved drastically! The strains help me properly break down nutrients, metabolize food energy better, and prevent issues like bloating or constipation. The HyperBiotics probiotic also supports vaginal health and immune function - added bonuses!
✨️Prebiotics
While probiotics contain the live cultures, prebiotics serve as the "food" for those microbes. Without prebiotic fibers that feed our gut bacteria, our probiotics won't flourish. I get my daily prebiotic dose from supplements and foods sources. I take Prebiotin prebiotic supplement which contains insulin, acacia fiber, and other plant-based fibers that support microflora growth. I also try to eat plenty of prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus and bananas.
✨️Digestive Enzymes
Since digestive enzymes are so critical for properly breaking down nutrients from food, I supplement with a full-spectrum enzyme complex by Pure Encapsulations. It contains key enzymes to help digest carbohydrates, fats, fiber, lactose, and proteins. For me, this has alleviated post-meal bloating and discomfort significantly! It also reduces occasional gas and diarrhea since my body can now effectively extract nutrients.
✨️L-Glutamine
As an amino acid that helps repair intestinal wall lining, L-glutamine has been a game-changer for healing my leaky gut issues. High stress levels can cause the tight junctions between intestinal cells to weaken, allowing undigested molecules to enter the bloodstream where they don't belong. This can trigger widespread inflammation.
The L-glutamine compound literally helps "glue" intestinal barrier cells back together and stimulates regeneration. I notice less brain fog within an hour of taking it which tells me there's less inflammation. I take a high-potency 5,000 mg L-glutamine supplement twice daily.
✨️Betaine
HCL Even while taking digestive enzymes, I still struggled with that heavy, bloated sensation after eating larger meals. I had a suspicion I wasn't producing enough stomach acid naturally to break down food. Based on symptoms, my nutritionist had me start supplementing with betaine HCL capsules when I eat protein-heavy meals.
Betaine HCL increases the level of hydrochloric acid in my stomach to support protein digestion. Along with the digestive enzymes, this has helped me properly break down and metabolize meals without heaviness or sluggishness after eating. I make sure to cycle it 5 days on, 2 days off.
When I Take My Gut Health Supplements Consistency and timing are essential to maximizing results from my gut health stack. Here is my daily regimen:
Morning:
• Probiotic on empty stomach
• Prebiotic with breakfast
• L-glutamine before breakfast
With meals:
• Digestive enzymes with all meals
• Betaine HCL with larger protein-based meals
Evening:
• Second dose of L-glutamine on empty stomach
Lifestyle Strategies That Complement My Supplements
While probiotics, enzymes and key supplements provide the primary digestive/gut support, I also follow certain lifestyle habits to cultivate maximum microbiome balance and gut health. These include:
• Low inflammatory diet high in prebiotic fruits/veggies
• Managing and reducing stress
• Daily movement and exercise
• Prioritizing high-quality sleep
• Practicing mindfulness and gratitude
The combination of strategic supplements along with these core lifestyle factors has truly allowed my gut — and overall health - to thrive. The days of feeling sluggish and bloated are behind me!
I hope walking through my personal daily stack offers some ideas on how you can craft a tailored regimen based on your unique digestion and gut health needs. Be patient, experiment smartly with strategic supplements, and nurture your overall wellbeing through healthy lifestyle habits. Here's to happy guts and better health!
Nourish that gut, nourish your wellbeing babes. Start supplementing today and feel the breezy benefits!
*Remember to not make any changes to your health without consulting a licensed health practitioner*