The Vitamin You Need If You Have Digestive Problems
Digestive health is an important part of our overall health. Healthy digestion helps avoid bloating, discomfort, constipation, and other annoying issues. Vitamins and minerals are essential for our bodies to function properly and this is no exception when it comes to digestion. According to Everyday Health, several vitamins are crucial for digestive health. These include B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin A.
There are several important B vitamins including vitamin B1, B3, B6, B12, and biotin. B vitamins are naturally found in many proteins like chicken, fish, beef, and dairy products, and in leafy greens. These vitamins help to break down and process the foods you eat, among other roles. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, vitamin D can reduce your risk of colon cancer, and vitamin A may help people with gastrointestinal diseases. All of these vitamins can be found in foods, but you can also take a supplement if you have trouble getting enough through diet alone.
Do I really need to take a supplement?
As long as you are consuming a well-balanced diet, you probably don't need to take supplements in order to be healthy (via Penn Medicine). Nutrients from food are typically used more efficiently in the body. The average person shouldn't need to take extra vitamins if they consume enough fruits, vegetables, protein, carbohydrates, and fats throughout the day.
However, taking a vitamin B, C, D, or A supplement may be beneficial for some people. "In addition to a healthy diet, there is evidence that some supplements can benefit your overall well-being with little to no risk," said Jeffrey Millstein, MD, a physician at Penn Internal Medicine Woodbury Heights. If you are deficient in any of these vitamins, a supplement can help you reach healthy levels again. Some people have health conditions that can make it difficult for their body to absorb certain vitamins through food and may need to take vitamins every day to ensure they are getting enough nutrients. If you think you should be taking a supplement or want to begin taking one, talk to your doctor about the best course of action.