Discover how to choose the right gut health supplement for your need. Understand key factors and benefits, and see our top recommendations below.
Understanding gut health can help you take the necessary steps to maintain it, ultimately leading to a better quality of life. This blog will walk you through what gut health is, why it matters, and how you can help maintain a healthy gut. (1,2)
Why Gut Health Matters
Gut health is a cornerstone of overall health. The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms living in your gastrointestinal tract, including the small and large intestines. (1,2) A well-balanced gut microbiome helps maintain your digestive system, aids in absorbing nutrients, and supports your immune system. (1,2) Interestingly, gut health is also closely linked to mental health. The gut-brain connection shows that an unhealthy gut can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety,(1,2) and even depression.(1,2) Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut is not just about digestion; it’s about supporting your body’s overall function and well-being. (1,2)
How to Maintain a Healthy Gut
Taking care of your gut doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to help enhance and maintain your gut health:
- Balanced Diet
- Eating a variety of foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help support your gut microbiome. These foods act as prebiotics, providing nourishment for the good bacteria in your digestive system.
- Include Probiotics & Prebiotics
- Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. These helps maintain the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which is essential for a healthy digestive tract.
- Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibers found in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas. They serve as food for probiotics, helping them flourish and maintain a healthy gut environment.
- Stay Hydrated
- Drinking enough water is essential for the overall health of your digestive system. Water helps with the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Manage Stress
- Chronic stress can negatively impact your gut microbiome, leading to digestive discomforts. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and regular exercise can help ease stress and support a healthy gut.
Why Supplements for Gut Health?
While a balanced diet rich in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can support gut health, sometimes dietary sources are not enough. Factors such as poor diet, stress, antibiotics, and illnesses can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to digestive health issues and weakened immune systems. This is where dietary supplements for gut health come into play.
- Convenience and Concentration
Supplements deliver specific strains of probiotics and prebiotics in effective amounts, often more potent than food sources alone..
- Targeted Support
Different health conditions require different types of support. For individuals with some unhealthy gut conditions might benefit from specific probiotic strains. Similarly, those with lactose intolerance can choose supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, which can help maintain the digestion of lactose.
- Enhancing the Digestive Health Support
Many gut health supplements also include digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food, further supporting digestive health and nutrient absorption.
With so many gut health supplements available today, it can be tough to choose the right one. Understanding which ingredients are helpful and which to skip can make it easier to find a supplement that works for you. Knowing what to look for helps you choose the best when it comes to supporting your gut health.
What to Consider When Choosing Gut Health Supplements
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for probiotics. Including prebiotics in your diet can help enhance the effectiveness of probiotic supplements. Look for supplements that contain prebiotics such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS).
Probiotic Strains
When picking a health supplement, choose one with many probiotic strains to help different parts of your gut stay healthy.
CFU Count
CFU stands for colony-forming units, which indicates the number of live microorganisms in a supplement. Choose a supplement with the right amount of CFUs for you, usually between 1 billion and 10 billion per dose.
Digestive Enzymes
Some gut health supplements include enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase to help maintain digestive health. These can be particularly beneficial for individuals with digestive issues.
Quality and Purity
Choose supplements that are third-party tested for quality and purity. This ensures that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants.
What Not to Consider When Choosing Gut Health Supplements
Unverified Health Claims
Be cautious of supplements that claim to restore your gut health without evidence. Products that promise miraculous results are often too good to be true. Always look for supplements backed by scientific research and evidence.
Artificial Additives
Avoid supplements with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These additives do not contribute to the effectiveness of the supplement and can cause unwanted side effects.
High Sugar Content
Some flavored probiotic supplements and fermented foods contain high levels of sugar. Excessive sugar intake can negatively impact gut health and counteract the benefits of probiotics. Opt for products with minimal or no added sugars.
Our Picks: Best Gut Health Supplements for 2024
1. GUT Health
Sandhus Nutrition
Grade
A+
- Unique Blend contains Clinically Tested Prebiotics, Probiotic, and Postbiotic with Time-tested Preservation Support.*
- Delayed Release Capsule Technology.
- No Refrigeration is Needed.
- Suitable for Vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, and Third-Party Tested.
- Formulated, Tested, and Packed in the USA.
Cons:
- Only available online
- Due to popularity, sometimes runs out of stock
Take Away
GUT Health by Sandhu Nutrition’s is an all-in-one supplement designed to support gut health. It includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, along with preservative support—something many popular brands lack. This supplement uses clinically studied, branded ingredients and features delayed-release capsules. These capsules protect the nutrients from stomach acid, ensuring they are released in the small intestine where they are most effective. Our team believes this supplement provides everything needed for gut health, making it our top pick among the products we tested.
Additionally, the formula is third-party lab-tested and made in the USA with ingredients sourced from around the world in a GMP-certified facility. It comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, and we found it to be reasonably priced, especially when you buy multiple bottles or opt for the brand’s convenient subscription service.
2. Bio Complete 3
Gundry MD®
Grade
A
Pros:
- Contains pre & probiotics
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Doctor-formulated
Cons:
- No subscription service
- No delayed release capsules
Take Away
Bio Complete 3 by GundryMD offers a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, making for a comprehensive formula. However, it lacks delayed-release capsules, which may impact the effectiveness of nutrient delivery in the gut. Additionally, at $69.95, it is a bit more expensive compared to other options on this list.
3. Prebiotic-Probiotic
Physician’s CHOICE
Grade
B+
Pros:
- Blend of Prebiotics with Probiotics
- Contains 10 Billion CFUs
- Doctor Formulated
Cons:
- Contains Fillers
Take Away
Physician’s Choice offers a gut health supplement featuring a potent blend of prebiotics and probiotics, with 10 billion CFUs per serving, ensuring robust support for your digestive system. It’s doctor-formulated, giving you confidence in its design and effectiveness. However, it’s worth noting that the product includes fillers, which may be a concern if you’re seeking a cleaner formulation. Despite this, the combination of high CFU count and professional formulation makes it a solid option for those focused on gut health.
4. Flatter Me
Hum Nutrition
Grade
B
Pros:
- Contains ginger, fennel seed, and peppermint
- Includes digestive enzymes
- Vegan-friendly capsules and formula
- Certified by the Clean Label Project
Cons:
- Does not include probiotics
- Must be taken before meals
Take Away
Flatter Me by HUM Nutrition combines extracts of ginger, fennel, and peppermint with 18 digestive enzymes to aid digestion. This supplement needs to be taken before meals, which might be less convenient for some as it necessitates having the product on hand. Despite its rich blend of digestive enzymes and herbal extracts, it does not include pro- or postbiotics which are crucial for maintaining gut microbiome.
5. Gut Health
Nuven Naturals
Grade
C
Pros:
- Blend of Prebiotics, Probiotics with Herbs and adaptogens
- 60 Day Supply
- No refrigeration needed
Cons:
- Contains Fillers
Take Away
Nuven Naturals Gut Health supplement offers a powerful blend of prebiotics, probiotics, herbs, and adaptogens, providing a well-rounded approach to supporting your digestive health. With a convenient 60-day supply and no need for refrigeration, it’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine. However, it’s important to note that the formula contains fillers, which might be a consideration for those looking for a completely filler-free option
We Pick
1. GUT Health
(Sandhu Nutrition)
- Clinically Tested Prebiotics, Probiotic, and Postbiotic with Time-tested Preservation Support.*
- Delayed Release Capsule Technology.
- No Refrigeration is Needed.
- Suitable for Vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, and Third-Party Tested.
- Formulated, Tested, and Packed in the USA.
RATING GIVEN BY THE USERS
CITATIONS
DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Sandhu Nutrition provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.
To see a list of our references, please click here.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Note: The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, you are urged to consult with a health care provider. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. * Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
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