According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 70 million Americans suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions.
Whether you’re a statistic or not, it pays to learn about how to best protect and improve your gut health. Besides making adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, boosting your intake of essential vitamins through dietary supplements can go a long way toward keeping your digestive system in tip-top condition.
The only question now is, which supplements are clinically proven to work? Below is a roundup of the digestive supplements highly recommended by our GI specialists here at Austin Gastroenterology.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, facilitate healthy digestion and reduce intestinal inflammation, which in turn may help tamp down the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D provides a slew of benefits. In addition to helping maintain bone health and supporting lung and cardiovascular health, vitamin D keeps your digestive tract healthy by promoting gut microbial diversity and decreasing inflammation. Studies suggest that this is what makes vitamin D especially beneficial for people living with IBS and IBD.
B-Complex
B-complex encompasses all of the known essential water-soluble vitamins: vitamin B1, vitamin, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, biotin, folic acid and vitamin B12. These vitamins serve different purposes when it comes to your digestive health, but most enable your gut to break down and properly absorb the nutrients from the foods you eat.
Vitamin C
Besides promoting healthy gums and teeth, vitamin C enhances your body’s ability to absorb iron. A digestive tract with an iron-rich environment is especially conducive to the growth of proteobacteria, which play a crucial role in promoting its healthy function.
Magnesium
This mineral attracts water into your intestines to soften stool and facilitate good bowel movement.
A magnesium supplement is an excellent adjunct to the treatment of heartburn, indigestion, and constipation.
Prebiotic Supplements
Prebiotics supplements are derived from specialized plant fibers, and they stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.
While prebiotic supplements are generally safe, they can, in some cases, cause slight bloating and abdominal discomfort while your digestive tract adjusts. Consult your GI specialist before taking prebiotic supplements or any of those listed above, especially if you’re taking medications or other supplements.
Digestive Health Care in Greater Austin, TX
For first-rate digestive health care in the Greater Austin area in Texas, visit us at Austin Gastroenterology. Our board-certified gastroenterologists are best known for their expertise and dedication to delivering the best treatment outcomes, and they gladly educate our patients about the best ways to protect, maintain, or improve their digestive health.
To schedule a consultation with one of our GI specialists, call our clinic nearest you or use our convenient appointment request form.
