People take digestive supplements for a variety of reasons. Some help with heartburn, others with constipation, and still others help with certain food intolerances, such as that for lactose. Some of these products are taken in pill or powder form. Many occur naturally in food and can be of benefit if included as part of a balanced diet. While health food stores and supermarkets are filled with a dizzying array of digestive supplements, the top three are probiotics, digestive enzymes, and dietary fiber, which address different aspects of digestion. Scientific studies in efficacy and safety of such supplements vary; therefore, they should be approached with a certain caution. If you’re taking medication, or if you have a chronic condition, some supplements may have unexpected side effects. You should consult with your doctor before starting to use a digestive supplement.
Probiotics are natural bacteria and yeasts that aid in the breakdown and digestion of food. Unlike what we think of as bacteria, probiotics are beneficial and exist in the body naturally. Probiotics in supplements or as part of food like yogurt help to increase or balance the natural kind to aid in digestion.
Probiotic supplements can treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, several types of diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel disease. Many people who suffer from lactose intolerance, the inability to digest dairy products properly, take probiotic supplements that can break down lactose rather than cut out milk and cheese altogether.
Digestive enzymes occur naturally in the body to break down complex molecules in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to make them easier to digest. They occur in some foods such as pineapple and papaya. Some people with gas and bloating problems will take supplements to augment their natural enzymes or to address certain food intolerances.
Digestive enzymes can help with a variety of conditions, including diarrhea, bloating, and gas. If left unchecked, these conditions could lead to more serious diseases such as acid reflux and ulcers. Some people with lactose intolerance will take lactate, a form of digestive enzyme, to help break down dairy products that they consume.
If your body produces enough natural digestive enzymes, you do not suffer from conditions such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas; hence, you probably do not need to take supplements. Also, people with certain circumstances such as ulcers should not take digestive enzyme supplements. In any case, it is better to consume them in food than in pill or powder form.
Dietary fiber is not digested in the body but is consumed to facilitate the smooth digestion of other foods. Fiber has a number of benefits, including regularizing bowel movements, lowering bad cholesterol, promoting heart health, warding off colon cancer, and helping maintain healthy body weight. Fiber helps to solidify stools to allow them to pass more regularly.
Dietary fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole wheat grains. Most people can get a proper amount of fiber in their diet. However, a number of supplements are available, particularly in powder form that can be mixed into a shake and drunk. Supplements are indicated for people with certain health conditions that require them to consume more fiber. Some of these supplements contain vitamins and minerals that can be of benefit.
As a rule, a man under the age of 51 should have 38 grams of dietary fiber daily, a man over the age of 50 30 grams, a woman under the age of 51 25 grams, and a woman over the age of 50 21 grams. Keep track of your diet and use fiber supplements accordingly.