Digestive Health Supplements and Its Importance

Introduction

Food is the most important thing for living creatures. Ingested food is passed through the digestive tract. The function of the digestive tract is to help in the processing of food and the production of energy. Absorption of various compounds is also facilitated by the gastrointestinal tract. Poor gut health not only disrupts this process but also causes complications like poor immunity, abdominal pain, bloating, and heartburn.

What Are the Importance of Digestive Health?

Digestive health, or the health of the gastrointestinal tract, is important for numerous reasons. These reasons are;

1. Good digestive health is beneficial in the digestive process of various foods like protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Also, metabolism and absorption of food items along with micronutrients are facilitated by the digestive system.

2. One of the primary roles of digestive health is to maintain equilibrium among gastrointestinal microorganisms. The gastrointestinal tract is home to various microorganisms like Clostridium, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Eubacterium, Ruminococcus, Streptococcus species, Enterobacterium, and Enterococcus. Apart from this, Lactobacillus species Bacteroides, Gemella, Megasphaera, Pseudomonas, and Prevotella can also be found in the digestive tract.

3. These microorganisms help in the digestion of dietary fibers and de novo synthesis of different vitamins.

4. The prevalence of kidney stone formation is reduced by the action of gut microorganisms. Microorganisms like Oxalobacter formigenes, Lactobacillus species, and Bifidobacterium are responsible for the destruction of the oxalate produced during the fermentation of the carbohydrate.

5. Microorganisms help in the formation of the active component of f polyphenols. These compounds are absorbed into the portal vein and reach the targeted organs. Such active polyphenols provide antimicrobial action and boost immunity.

6. Good digestive health maintains secretions from various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. This is beneficial in maintaining the pH of the digestive tract. As a result, complications like acidity, heartburn, and gallstone formation are prevented.

Supplements consist of probiotics and digestive enzymes that help boost gut health. Also, digestive supplements can reduce gastric complications.

What Are the Different Probiotic Digestive Health Supplements?

Different foods that can boost digestive food are;

1. Dairy Products: Certain dairy products like milk and fermented dairy products are one of the main sources of probiotics for humans. Fermented dairy products are mainly rich in probiotics. Dahi or yogurt is rich in several beneficial microorganisms. Yogurt can be classified into two groups: standard culture yogurt and bio- or probiotic yogurt. Standard yogurt is produced using L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus, while bio yogurts are made by culturing additional beneficial microorganisms, such as probiotic strains of Bifidobacteria and L. acidophilus. Also, yogurt contains beneficial microorganisms like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus that can significantly improve gut health. Another widely available dairy product that is rich in microorganisms is Cheese. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the microorganisms involved in the cheese-making process. Apart from microorganisms like Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii, bacteria belonging to the genus Propionibacterium and the genus Enterococcus also possess probiotic properties when used in cheese production.

2. Kombucha: This is produced from the fermentation of green and black tea. It is consumed in Asian countries like China and Japan. Kombucha is also known as mushroom tea due to the growth of the mushroom-like film on the surface of the liquid. This growth is observed due to fermentation caused by yeast and bacteria. Microorganism species like Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, Gluconacetobacter, and Lactobacillus spp can be found in this drink. These microorganisms help maintain gut health. Also, anti-inflammatory functions, weight loss, and increased immunity are the additional effects of this drink.

3. Natto: It is a soybean-based fermented food that has been a staple in North Japan for thousands of years. It is commonly consumed as a breakfast dish alongside rice. Bacillus subtilis, one of the predominant microorganisms present in this food, has several beneficial effects, such as anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. This is also helpful in preventing the growth of harmful gut microorganisms like Helicobacter pylori.

What Are the Digestive Enzyme Supplements?

The primary role of the digestive enzymes is to help in the process of digestion. These enzymes aid in the degradation of substances like fat, carbohydrates, and proteins. They also help in the process of absorption of nutrients. Different types of enzyme supplements are;

1. Pancreatic Enzyme Supplements: Pancreatic enzyme supplementation therapy helps treat conditions like pancreatic insufficiency (a condition in which the pancreas does not make enough enzyme), chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatic cancer (a genetic disorder that produces thick mucosa), cystic fibrosis, or diabetes. Exogenous pancreatic enzymes are used for this purpose. These enzymes are derived from sources like porcine or bovine. The lipase enzyme essential for the digestion of lipids is synthesized from microorganisms. These enzymes are available in either entericoated or non-entericoated forms.

2. Lactose Supplementation: These enzyme supplements help cure lactose malabsorption. Lactose deficiency can be seen in lactase intolerance or injury to intestinal mucosa. Exogenous supplementation of lactase is derived from yeast, fungi, and intestinal microorganisms. This enzyme can be administered with milk or can be given in tablet or capsule form.

What Are the Digestive Supplements for Gastric Health?

Gastric problems are responsible for issues like heartburn and hyperacidity. Certain supplements may improve acid secretion and are beneficial in conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) or gastritis. The supplements that can treat gastric problems are;

1. Ginger: Ginger has multiple beneficial effects. It can prevent delayed gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility disorder. As a result, gastric volume is increased and complications like vomiting can be prevented. Also, ginger helps to decrease pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, reduces intestinal cramping, and prevents indigestion.

2. Amla: Alma is also known as Indian Gooseberry. It is a traditional medicinal plant that can prevent gastritis. Also, it is rich in antioxidants. This can improve hepatic function and act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Conclusion

Digestive health is important for a healthy lifestyle. It is not only good for digestion but also beneficial in preventing several diseases. Probiotics obtained from fermented dairy products are a rich source of beneficial microorganisms. Enzyme supplements obtained from exogenous sources can improve digestion. Natural products like ginger and amla are good for improving gastric problems.