Nutrition Habit #44: Supplements & Digestion

There’s a lot of information out there. But “having information” is not the same thing as “being informed”, meaning that you have processed, analyzed, and developed a thoughtful understanding of a situation. It means applying a critical perspective and as much of the scientific method as possible, and using evidence-based judgements.

So I offer this habit on supplements and digestion as a starting point for you and your doctor/healthcare provider to begin a conversation about what supplements, if any, could help you feel better. The below list is a good start.

  • Probiotic – the human intestinal tract contains trillions of to begin, in a healthy person, coexist with us in a beneficial, a situation. They help digest food, produce vitamins, regulate metabolism, and control a normal immune response. Probiotic bacteria promote a healthy intestinal environment by producing lactic acid and by secreting fatty acids that are helpful to the growth of other beneficial microorganisms.
  • Digestive enzyme -Aging, illness, and the overuse of antacids can contribute to insufficient secretion of hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzymes, resulting in incomplete digestion of food. This maldigestion can result in various health problems, including nutrient malabsorption, digestive problems(such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea), and vitamin deficiencies (particularly of the fat-soluble vitamins).
  • Curcumin – People throughout Asia have benefited from the healthful effects of curcumin for centuries. Curcumin is the orange pigment in turmeric (the primary ingredient in curry), and is an antioxidant that offers numerous health benefits, including supporting joint health and hepatic, GI, and cardiovascular function, by helping to maintain the body’s normal inflammatory response through optimization of cytokine production.
  • Ginger-Ginger is a leafy plant that is native to warmer parts of Asia and is cultivated in many countries, including India, China, Nepal, Nigeria, Thailand and Indonesia. The plant’s root is used widely for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Although it’s used most frequently to treat digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, gas and indigestion, ginger has also been shown to provide muscle and joint support.

Try this:

Begin a conversation with your doctor/healthcare practitioner to discuss if and how supplements could be beneficial for you. If it helps, I’ve been using supplements from ThorneResearch for years now and find them to be of high quality.

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