For those who are interested in digestive health supplements, there are a lot of choices available to choose from. There is the herb Astragalus which is said to help with heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea as well as the ability to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Hops are another common supplement used by individuals who are looking for digestive health supplements. Hops are also said to aid with indigestion, acid reflux, colic, and gas problems and are very good for promoting better bowel movements.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is also another common supplement for digestive health supplements and it is believed that it helps with irritable bowel syndrome. It may also be beneficial for those who suffer from digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis. Other digestive health supplements that are available include digestive enzymes from Chinese rhubarb leaves. These enzymes help in the breakdown of food particles in the digestive tract, thus enabling the body to absorb the nutrients better from the food we eat.
Probiotics
Another type of digestive health supplement is probiotics. Probiotics are living organisms that are helpful for the digestive system and are present in the digestive tract from the moment of conception through the entire life of an adult. Probiotics can be found in many foods such as yogurt, buttermilk, fermented vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. For probiotics to be effective, it needs to contain certain Bacteria. It has been shown that introducing just the right kind of bacteria into the digestive tract is very effective in enhancing digestive health.
Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Another type of digestive health supplement is digestive enzyme supplements. This is mostly recommended for people who are unable to take probiotics or who have reduced bacterial amounts in the gut due to other conditions. These digestive enzyme supplements help digest foods and aid in the absorption of nutrients. Some examples of these digestive enzyme supplements are digestive enzymes from chicory root and pau d’arco. These digestive enzyme supplements are taken in capsules or liquid form depending on the desired product. They can also be used in cooking since they are excellent for breaking down foods into simpler and more digestible pieces.
Herbal Digestive Health Supplements
Herbal digestive health supplements are also available for those who want to improve their digestive health. Some of these herbal products have been used in alternative medicine for centuries and have been proven to treat all kinds of ailments including digestive disorders. Examples of these herbs are peppermint, slippery elm, and wintergreen. However, it is always best to get advice from a health care professional before using any supplement to improve your digestive health. You may have to try a few before you get results, but it is worth the effort.
The digestive health supplements mentioned above can all be bought over-the-counter at any health food store. However, for some people, there may be other digestive health supplements that may work better. It may also be beneficial to consult with your doctor about the supplements you want to use. Your doctor can give you the recommended brands as well as the proper way to use them.