Gut Health

Why Does Gut Health Matter?

Digestive health, or gut health, is fundamental to overall wellness, as it is the body’s way of breaking down food, absorbing essential nutrients, and efficiently eliminating waste[1]. The digestive system plays an important role in converting the foods we eat into the energy and nutrients needed for various bodily functions[1]. This process ensures that every cell, organ, and system in the body receives the fuel it requires to function optimally[1].

A healthy digestive system is integral for nutrient absorption and supports gut health, which plays a key role in metabolism, immune function, and hormonal balance[2]. Additionally, it helps the body efficiently remove waste products, which is essential for maintaining internal balance and preventing discomfort[3]. Proper digestion is not just about what you eat but also how effectively your body can process and utilise those nutrients, making it a cornerstone of overall health.

Key Nutrients for Gut and Digestive Health

Here are the top nutrients recognised for their digestion-supporting benefits. Each of these has approved health claims in Great Britain, making them reliable choices for digestive support.

• • Barley Grain Fibre: Barley grain fibre contributes to increasing faecal bulk, which helps to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation[4]. The soluble fibre absorbs water, softens stools, and makes it easier for the body to eliminate waste, thus supporting overall gut health[5].
• • Calcium: Calcium plays a key role in maintaining digestive health by contributing to the activation of certain enzymes involved in the digestive process[6]. It supports the normal function of digestive enzymes, which are essential for breaking down nutrients in food, thereby promoting efficient nutrient absorption[7].
• •Chloride: Chloride plays a key role in digestion by contributing to the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach[8]. This acid is important for breaking down food, especially proteins, and maintaining an optimal pH level in the stomach, which aids in nutrient absorption and helps prevent digestive discomfort[9][10].
• • Live Yoghurt Cultures: Live cultures in yoghurt or fermented milk improve lactose digestion in individuals with lactose intolerance[11]. These beneficial probiotics support gut health by enhancing the balance of good bacteria, which can improve digestion, reduce bloating, and alleviate symptoms of digestive discomfort[12][13].
• • Oat Grain Fibre: Oat grain fibre is known for its ability to increase faecal bulk, helping to promote regular bowel movements and support digestive comfort[14]. The soluble fibre in oats acts as a prebiotic, encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that support gut health.[15].
• • Wheat Bran Fibre: Wheat bran fibre contributes to the acceleration of intestinal transit and increases faecal bulk[16]. This insoluble fibre helps move food through the digestive system more quickly, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation[17]. Adding bulk to stools supports efficient waste elimination, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system[17].
• • Dried Plums (Prunes): Dried plums, commonly known as prunes, contribute to normal bowel function[18]. Prunes are rich in dietary fibre and contain natural sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol that acts as a mild laxative[19]. This combination helps promote regular bowel movements, alleviates constipation, and supports overall digestive comfort and gut health[20].

The Benefits of Regular Digestive Support

Maintaining good gut health is essential for overall well-being. While a balanced diet helps, it’s not always enough to meet your digestive needs. Regular use of digestive-supporting ingredients can fill these gaps, providing benefits like:

• •Improved bowel regularity and reduced bloating.
• • Enhanced nutrient absorption for better overall health.
• • Reduced risk of digestive issues like indigestion and constipation.
• • Support for a healthy gut microbiome, impacting immunity and mental well-being.

Why Choose Gut Health Supplements?

Digestive health supplements provide an efficient and convenient way to support gut health, particularly when it’s challenging to get all the necessary nutrients from diet alone. Even with a balanced diet, it may be difficult to consistently consume enough fibre, probiotics, and other digestion-supporting nutrients like dried plums, live yoghurt cultures, and barley grain fibre.

Supplements formulated with EU-approved ingredients can help fill nutritional gaps, promoting regular bowel movements, improving gut flora, and enhancing nutrient absorption. For those with busy lifestyles or dietary restrictions, gut health supplements offer a practical solution to maintain a healthy digestive system without the need for extensive meal planning.

By incorporating these supplements into your daily routine, you can optimise digestive function, support a healthy gut microbiome, and improve overall well-being.

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FAQs

1. Why is my digestion so poor?

Various factors, including dehydration, lack of dietary fibre, stress, and irregular eating habits, can cause poor digestion. Certain lifestyle factors, such as a sedentary routine, insufficient sleep, or high consumption of processed foods, can also slow down the digestive process. In some cases, digestive issues may be linked to conditions like food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or enzyme deficiencies[21].

2. What are the common symptoms of digestive problems?

Digestive issues often present symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhoea[22]. If these symptoms persist, it could indicate an underlying digestive disorder that may require medical attention.

3. How does fibre intake affect digestion?

Fibre plays an important role in digestive health by adding bulk to stools, encouraging regular bowel movements, and preventing constipation. Soluble fibre, found in foods like barley and oats, helps soften stools, while insoluble fibre, found in whole grains and vegetables, speeds up intestinal transit. A balanced fibre intake can improve gut health, reduce bloating, and enhance nutrient absorption[23].

4. Which foods are beneficial for digestion?

Fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support digestion. Fermented foods like yoghurt and kefir enhance gut health, while water-rich foods help maintain hydration[23].

References

1 - https://www.austingastro.com/2024/07/05/gut-instincts-exploring-the-basics-of-digestive-health-and-its-impact-on-overall-wellness/

2 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597379/

3 - https://biologydictionary.net/how-does-the-digestive-system-maintain-homeostasis/

4 - https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2249

5 - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fibre-in-food

6 - https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1210

7 - https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

8 - https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1764

9 - https://dpuhospital.com/blog/what-is-the-role-of-acid-in-our-stomach/

10 - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23392-hypochlorhydria

11 - https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1763

12 - https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-probiotics

13 - https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-usefulness-and-safety

14 - https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2249

15 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10459712/

16 - https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1817

17 - https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/constipation

18 - https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1486

19 - https://www.moneycontrol.com/health-and-fitness/health-benefits-of-prunes-support-digestion-bone-health-and-help-manage-weight-article-12859409.html

20 - https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-prune-juice

21 - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-diseases

22 - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983