The state of your gut can affect your overall health. When there’s disbalance in that part of your body you can expect various problems such as poor digestion, weak immune system, inflammation, skin problems and even depression. Good bacteria is necessary for your gut. It will impact your weight, mood, metabolism and will keep the bad microorganisms in check.
Good bacteria grow by themselves, but at times, you may need to give them a “helping hand” by taking gut health supplements. Of course, you should also stick to a proper diet and consume foods rich in fibre, fermented foods, stay hydrated and consume your meals regularly. The good bacteria in your gut is often imbalanced after you’ve had the stomach flu, after taking various medications such as antibiotics or eating junk food.
You probably already know that probiotics are great for your gut, but they aren’t the only supplements that can promote gut health.
Why Your Guts Need Microorganisms
Fungi, bacteria, viruses and other micro living things are called microorganisms. Sounds disgusting, but there are trillions of them in your gut and you function perfectly well with them. They help you digest your food and keep you healthy. They are found in a ‘pocket’ of the large intestine (cecum) and are called the gut microbiome. Many different types of microbes live inside you, including bacteria.
There are about 1000 species of bacteria in your gut microbiome and each of them has an important role in your body. Most of them are crucial for your health and together they weigh about 1-2 kg. Sounds gross? Without them, you won’t be able to live.
Probiotics & Prebiotics
You have probably taken probiotics at least once in your life. People take probiotics for various reasons including having trouble with bowel movements or because the doctor prescribed them along with antibiotics. The probiotic bacteria work to keep the microorganisms in your gut in a healthy and balanced state.
Bacteria play a key role in your digestion, keeping the bad bacteria at bay. But probiotics do much more than just that. They help regulate the immune system. You can get them through your diet (fibre-rich food, fermented food) but also through gut health supplements. Probiotic bacteria take part in important body processes.
Bloating, poor digestion, poor immune system, skin inflammation and acne can be a result of poor gut health which can be easily taken care of with probiotics. But what feeds probiotics? Prebiotics. Prebiotic fibre helps nurse your gut bacteria when you can’t get enough fibre-rich foods. They nourish your digestive bacteria and help you feel fuller for longer.
Collagen Protein
Collagen creates structures throughout your body, including your gut. The human body naturally makes collage but as you reach the age of twenty-five, the amounts of collagen start to decrease. Unless you consume a large number of organ meats and bone broths, then your body doesn’t get enough amino acid building blocks to make enough collagen protein.
This is where collagen proteins come to play. They contain collagen, probiotics and zinc carnosine to keep your healthy gut microbiome.
Most of these collagen supplements come in a liquid form and have a nice good such as orange or vanilla. Even if you’re on a special diet such as the keto diet, collagen proteins shouldn’t be avoided.
Zinc Carnosine
The compound form of zinc and carnosine is great for your gut health. According to preliminary studies, it improves your gut integrity which is your stomach’s ability to keep a strong gut lining. The blend of zinc and L-Carnosine makes a unique way of delivering zinc to the tissues of the stomach and has a much higher bioavailability than traditional zinc. This is because the carnosine molecule is chelated, and allows the metal ions from the zinc to link with the organic molecules in the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract.
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that assists in the reparation of gut injuries or in the intestinal wall. It also keeps it strong and can improve nutrition absorption. L-glutamine helps your body produce cytokines.
Whenever you notice that your immune system is weakened, especially in the season of viruses (but also if your immunity is attacked by antigens and microorganisms), taking L-glutamine can boost it.