Supplements You Should Be Taking For Gut Health

Your gut health affects your entire well-being. Not only does it impact your digestion, but it also affects immune health, heart health, kidney health, and much more (via WebMD). An unhealthy gut can lead to a lot of issues, but fortunately, there are supplements you can take to help.

According to Healthline, signs of an unhealthy gut include an upset stomach, unintentional weight change, sleep disturbances, fatigue, skin irritation, autoimmune conditions, and food intolerances. One of the best supplements to take for gut health is a probiotic. Probiotics help to balance the number of good bacteria in your body.

"The last several years have seen an explosion of research on the importance of the microbiome and the many health benefits associated with a balanced one. Probiotic supplements offer a way to help maintain this balance," Roshini Rajapaksa, M.D. and NYU Langone Health gastroenterologist, told Prevention. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, consider taking a probiotic supplement to help.

In addition to probiotics, there are several other vitamins you can take to help with your gut health. According to Everyday Health, B vitamins can "help your body form red blood cells and get energy from the food you eat," but also impact your digestive system. Vitamin B1 regulates your appetite, vitamin B3 helps break down carbohydrates, fats, and alcohol, vitamin B6 helps process protein, biotin helps produce cholesterol, and vitamin B12 helps the body process folic acid and carbohydrates.

Other vitamins are important as well. Vitamin C is most well-known for its immune health benefits, but it is also crucial in helping your body absorb iron. Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium and plays a key role in your immune health. People with low levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer, Chrohn's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The best way to get all of these nutrients is to eat them in whole foods. You can usually do this by eating a well-balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products. However, if you follow a specific diet or have food intolerances, taking supplements can help you reach your nutrition goals and improve your gut health.