What are gut health supplements?
We know that the world of gut health supplements can be quite overwhelming, especially with all the different products available out there. You might even be thinking to yourself, ‘what even are gut health supplements?’ We asked our in-house experts to answer some of the most frequently asked questions around gut supplements, so read on to find out more…
So, what are gut health supplements?
Gut health supplements are products which have been specifically formulated to contain ingredients that may support the health and function of the digestive system.
As the name suggests, ‘supplements’ are designed to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle, and not as a replacement. However, supplements can provide additional support to the body, for example where there may be a known or diagnosed nutritional deficiency, or where there may be a ‘therapeutic need’ (where you wouldn’t be expected to obtain the required amounts of a specific nutrient/s from the diet alone).
Why should we take gut health supplements?
There are many factors that are known to contribute to the health of our digestive system. For example, highly processed foods or foods high in sugar, which we’re regularly exposed to in modern life, can have a detrimental effect on gut health. Other factors that can affect your gut health include:
- Medication
- Stress
- Infections
- Travelling abroad
These factors can cause imbalances and/or deficiencies leading to digestive dysfunction. The digestive system is where we absorb nutrients from the food we eat, so if there’s a problem with the way our digestive system is functioning, this can lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal issues and symptoms (which are becoming increasingly prevalent), as well as more serious health problems.
Gut health supplements that have been specifically designed to help support and maintain the normal function of the gut (when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle) may help to optimise digestive function. Taking supplements for gut health can also have an overall positive effect on the rest of the body, our health and overall wellbeing.
How to take gut health supplements?
There’s no one set answer to how you should take supplements for gut health, as the answer depends on the specific ingredients in the formulation and on the individual taking the gut health supplement. However, in most cases and unless specified, it’s usually recommended for nutritional supplements (including those for gut health) to be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
It’s recommended that you always check which ingredients are in the product and follow the directions on a product by product basis, as the guidance will be based on the specific formulation. You’ll also need to take into account individual sensitivity and tolerability.
How do I know if I need to take gut health supplements?
Common signs and symptoms of poor gut health that may indicate a need for gut health supplements may include (but are not limited to):
- Irregular bowel movements
- Constipation and/or diarrhoea
- Acid reflux
- Bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Food intolerances
However, even unrelated symptoms may suggest there is an indication for using supplements for gut health for extra support.
There’s a growing body of evidence that has shown our microbiome can impact many other areas of our health, such as immunity, mental health and even sleep, while preliminary research is underway into other areas of health that may be affected by our microbiome.
What’s the best gut health supplement for my needs?
The short answer to this question is, every individual is different. As we’ve explored above, there are many factors that can influence the health of the digestive system and the level of support required will vary between individuals.
As a more general guide to optimising your overall gut health and when considering any form of supplemental support, we recommend looking for gut health supplements that are formulated to support:
- Digestion and absorption
- Integrity of the intestinal gut lining
- The gut microbiome
- Motility (frequency of bowel movements)
For more specific gut health-related symptoms that require deeper understanding, we recommend working with an appropriate health professional to help identify specific areas of the digestive system that require support, so any gut health supplements you take can be tailored to you.
Aguulp health supplements:
Aguulp for Gut is a liquid digestive support supplement developed for those looking to optimise their digestive function. It contains a powerful blend of soluble fibre, prebiotics (Inulin, GOS, FOS), vitamins, and amino acids. Aguulp for Gut feeds and stimulates the growth of good bacteria in your gut, helping them to flourish, and contributes to normal bowel function.
This gut health supplement is designed to provide overall, general support to the digestive system.
Key Ingredients:
- Prebiotics – Inulin, FOS, GOS: promote growth of healthy gut bacteria
- Vitamin C – contributes to normal energy metabolism & normal function of the immune system
- Vitamin D – plays a role in the process of cell division & normal function of the immune system
- Zinc – contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism, cognitive function & function of the immune system
Shop Aguulp for Gut
Daily Synbiotic is a combination of prebiotic fibres that serve as food to the bacteria AND to the external supply of live probiotics (bacteria), helping your gut’s good bacteria survive and thrive as it sets up camp in its new home (AKA your gut). It’s the ‘belt and braces’ approach to your gut health – the ‘gut boost’ if you will.
This gut health supplement is an advanced, high-potency, multi-strain product that contains 50 billion friendly bacteria and has been specifically formulated to target the gut microbiome (microorganisms that live in the digestive tract).
A multi-strain product provides a broad spectrum of beneficial bacteria that can support many different aspects of gut health and overall health in general. When taken in high quantities, beneficial strains of bacteria can be expected to provide a ‘therapeutic effect’.
Key Ingredients:
Prebiotics – soluble fibres including FOS, XOS & Inulin: promote growth of healthy gut bacteria
Probiotics:
Bifodobacteria: helps support immune system limit growth of pathogenic bacteria (disease causing bacteria) and break down lactose into nutrients the body needs
Lactobacillus: helps limit growth of pathogenic bactira and produces lactic acid which searves as fuel for muscles and increases the absorption of minerals
Streptococcus: good for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and supporting the immune system
Most Synbiotics contain around 5-7 different strains but we like to double the chances of benefits, that’s why ours contains 10. The more the merrier!
Start your health journey with Aguulp, use the code jumpstart20 for 20% off the Daily Synbiotic!
Should I speak to my GP before taking gut supplements?
It is always advisable for anyone looking to take any new supplement to discuss this first with your GP. Your GP will have access to the medical history of the individual and details of any medications that you may be taking which could potentially interact with ingredients in a supplement.
Any questions?
If you have any questions regarding our gut supplements, gut health or even general health, send us a message on [email protected] and one of our in-house experts will be more than happy to help. We also have our very own Aguulp Gut Support Facebook group where you can discuss gut, IBS, or general health problems freely without judgement.
Join our Facebook Gut Support Group now!
