A healthy digestive system does more than just break down food for energy. Optimal digestive function also means efficient nutrient absorption, as well as stronger defenses against chemical and microbial threats. Research reveals that up to 80% of your body’s immune cells reside in your gut, and they interact closely with its microbial inhabitants to maintain homeostasis. [1]
Your gut’s microbial community also facilitates communication between your gut and your brain, influencing not just appetite and food intake but also mood and emotional regulation. [2][3] In addition, your digestive system plays a huge role in your body’s elimination of waste and toxic substances, which is crucial for maintaining healthy organs and tissues. [4]
These are just some of the reasons why supporting optimal digestive balance, which encompasses the above-mentioned functions and more, is extremely important for your overall health and wellness. But many lifestyle factors can affect the health and performance of your digestive system.
An unhealthy diet that’s low in fiber, which nourishes good gut bacteria, harms the gut by allowing unfriendly microbes to thrive. Meanwhile, excessive alcohol consumption and antibiotic use can disrupt your intestinal microflora, causing an imbalance between good and bad microorganisms – a condition known as dysbiosis. [5]
Lack of sleep also causes dysbiosis, with studies reporting that even partial sleep deprivation negatively alters gut microbiome composition. [6] On the other hand, being sedentary slows down bowel movements, making you more prone to constipation and gastrointestinal diseases. [7][8] An inactive lifestyle can also affect your metabolism and make it harder for your body to break down fats and sugars. [9]
To keep your digestive system healthy and functioning optimally, healthy lifestyle changes are necessary. You can start by eating more high-fiber foods, avoiding alcohol, prioritizing sleep and exercising regularly to support a healthy gut. You can also complement your daily routine with supplements that offer natural digestive support.
6 Natural Sources of Digestive Support Backed by Science*
Here are 6 natural supplements whose benefits have been confirmed by science:
Collagen peptides*
Many people supplement with collagen because of what it can do for the skin. But research is turning a spotlight on another collagen benefit that’s not frequently discussed: supporting digestive health.
According to a study published in JMIR Formative Research, regular intake of collagen peptides can support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. This is corroborated by U.S.-based practitioners who have recommended daily supplementation to their patients for natural digestive support. The study notes that collagen peptides work even better when taken in combination with micronutrients, digestive enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics. [10]
A study published in the journal Current Opinion in Food Science also reported that collagen peptides have the potential to serve as prebiotics – nutrients that feed good gut bacteria. [11] Prebiotics are degraded by gut microbes into beneficial products, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), that fuel colon cells, help strengthen the intestinal barrier and support a balanced gut microflora. [12]
To let you experience the amazing health benefits collagen has to offer, the Health Ranger Store proudly brings you Groovy Bee® Collagen Peptides + MCT Oil Powder + Prebiotic Fiber – Unflavored and Groovy Bee® Collagen Peptides + MCT with Prebiotic Fiber - Chocolate. These convenient and highly digestible supplements combine the health-supporting properties of lab-verified bovine (cow-derived) collagen peptides with those of organic MCT oil powder and prebiotic fiber for optimal digestive support.
Specially formulated to help boost your collagen intake while supporting healthy energy levels and digestive balance, Groovy Bee® Collagen Peptides + MCT Oil Powder + Prebiotic Fiber – Unflavored and Groovy Bee® Collagen Peptides + MCT with Prebiotic Fiber - Chocolate are non-China, gluten-free and contain no GMOs or artificial preservatives. These premium supplements are also meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Organic Chlorella*
The green unicellular microalga known as chlorella is hailed as “Nature’s Perfect Food” because of its high nutritional value. A rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fatty acids, fiber and beneficial phytonutrients, chlorella is highly recommended for supporting optimal nutrition. [13]
Chlorella is also one of the best superfoods for supporting optimal digestive balance. According to a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, chlorella – especially in combination with spirulina, another incredibly nutritious microalga – can help you maintain a healthy intestinal microflora. The study reports that chlorella favors beneficial bacteria while antagonizing unfavorable microbes, making it a great natural ally for supporting digestive balance. [14]
Chlorella’s reported benefits for the gut’s microbial community can be attributed to its abundance of dietary fiber. Nutrient analysis reveals that more than 65% of chlorella’s carbohydrate content is dietary fiber. [15] Beta-glucan, a type of fiber in chlorella, is metabolized by the body into SCFAs, which are well-known for their digestive benefits. [16]
Discover the power of clean, lab-verified organic chlorella with Health Ranger Select Organic Clean Chlorella™ Powder. Made using "broken cell wall" chlorella that has been grown indoors under tightly controlled conditions, this premium supplement boasts high digestibility and unparalleled nutrition. Its well-balanced ratio of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber makes it suitable for supporting optimal digestive balance as well as overall health and wellness.
Health Ranger Select Organic Clean Chlorella™ Powder is easy to incorporate into a healthy daily routine. Simply mix the powder into your favorite smoothies, juices, soups, desserts and other recipes to experience its incredible health benefits. Organic Clean Chlorella™ Powder is vegan, non-GMO, China-free, certified Kosher and organic, and rigorously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Organic Dandelion Extracts*
The dandelion is a plant that blooms in early spring and is easily recognized by its bright yellow flowers. Though often dismissed as just a common weed, the dandelion has a long history of supporting human health both as a functional food and a traditional medicine.
Dandelion leaves, flowers and roots can all be eaten fresh. In fact, dandelion greens have long been cultivated as vegetables and are said to be more nutritious than broccoli and spinach. [17] The same edible dandelion parts – rich in health-supporting phytonutrients – have also been used by ancient healers as a natural remedy for many health issues, including those affecting digestion. [18]
According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, dandelion is packed with powerful compounds, such as taraxasterol, taraxerol, caffeic acid, chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin and its glucosides, polysaccharides, inulin and beta-sitosterol. Many of these have strong antioxidant activities and are believed to contribute to dandelion’s digestive benefits. [19]
Dandelion extracts can support a balanced composition of intestinal microflora. As reported in a study published in the journal Foods, dandelion is an excellent natural tool for maintaining optimal digestive balance. [20]
To help you incorporate organic dandelion leaves and roots into your daily routine, the Health Ranger Store is offering Groovy Bee® Organic Dandelion Leaf and Root Liquid Extract. This premium dandelion extract formula delivers high concentrations of highly bioavailable nutrients that can support good overall health. For maximum potency and optimal nutrient preservation, it has been carefully extracted using organic cane sugar alcohol, distilled water and organic vegetable glycerin.
Each 1-mL serving of our high-potency Groovy Bee® Organic Dandelion Leaf and Root Liquid Extract provides 155 mg of pure organic dandelion leaf and root. It is non-GMO, non-China, certified organic and meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Organic Fruits and Vegetables*
Fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the best sources of essential nutrients in the human diet. And among the most abundant macronutrients you can get from these superfoods is dietary fiber.
Fiber supports digestive balance in many ways. For example, soluble fiber in whole fruits and vegetables has been shown to support satiety (feelings of fullness) while helping optimize nutrient digestion. [21][22] Soluble fiber also helps nourish the good bacteria in your gut, which is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system. [23]
Meanwhile, the insoluble fiber in organic fruits and vegetables helps maintain bowel regularity through its bulking and softening action. This helps food move smoothly through your digestive system while decreasing pressure inside the intestinal tract. [24][25]
To help you boost your daily intake of plant-based superfoods, the Health Ranger Store is thrilled to offer Groovy Bee® Organic Greens + Superfood Powder With Digestive Enzymes. Specially formulated to support healthy digestion and overall wellness, this premium powder blend combines 20 of the best alkaline-supporting, fiber-rich superfoods, such as chlorella, barley grass, wheat grass, spirulina, nettles, blueberries, acerola cherry extract, lingonberries, apples, bilberries, carrots, collard greens, spinach, beets, parsley, tomatoes, kale, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower sprouts and kale sprouts.
We've also added digestive enzymes, such as cellulase, amylase, protease and lipase, to Groovy Bee® Organic Greens + Superfood Powder With Digestive Enzymes to help your body efficiently absorb the nutrients in this superfood blend. This delicious powder contains no GMOs, processing aids, excipients, carriers, artificial colors or flavors and is certified Kosher and organic. It is also plant-based, non-China and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Organic Kombucha*
Kombucha is a healthy beverage that continues to gain traction for its nutritional and digestive benefits. Believed to have originated in ancient China, this naturally fizzy drink is produced by fermenting sweetened green or black tea with a culture made of bacteria and yeast. [26][27] This makes kombucha a very good source of probiotics.
Probiotics are defined by the scientific community as live microbes that offer health benefits by supporting gut microbial balance. As confirmed by research, probiotics support digestive health by producing SCFAs, maintaining optimal gut pH and supporting healthy mucosal barrier function. [28] [29]
Studies also show that some probiotics can support the absorption of certain micronutrients, especially iron and calcium, from food. [30] Thanks to its abundance of probiotics, kombucha can naturally enrich good gut microbes that support optimal digestive balance. [31]
Experience powerful digestive support with Groovy Bee® Kombucha Probiotics + Pomegranate Powder from the Health Ranger Store. This convenient powder drink mix is specially formulated with kombucha powder, pomegranate juice powder and Bacillus coagulans probiotics (1.5 Billion CFU) to support healthy digestion and overall health and wellness.
Made with only the highest-quality natural ingredients, Groovy Bee® Kombucha Probiotics + Pomegranate Powder also contains non-GMO citric acid and sodium bicarbonate and is available in convenient sachets that you can easily mix into your drinking water, juice, smoothie or any other beverage. This premium powder blend is non-GMO, non-China and meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Organic Turmeric*
Turmeric, the golden spice, is widely known for its culinary and medicinal uses. A staple in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine, turmeric’s beneficial effects are often credited to its abundance of antioxidants and other potent phytonutrients. [32] While turmeric’s ability to provide digestive support is not as well-known as its other health-supporting qualities, they are just as potent and fully supported by scientific evidence. [33] [34]
The Health Ranger Store wants you to experience the combined benefits of three remarkable, health-supporting spices, which is why we're bringing you a new, clean lot of Health Ranger Select Organic Turmeric Gold Plus with Black Pepper and Ginger. Packed with highly bioavailable phytonutrients and antioxidants, this potent liquid supplement combines organic turmeric root, organic ginger root and organic black pepper in an easy-to-absorb format.
Specially formulated to ensure maximum curcumin bioavailability, this premium turmeric supplement also makes use of ginger’s beneficial properties to deliver incredible digestive support. Health Ranger Select Organic Turmeric Gold Plus with Black Pepper and Ginger is vegan, non-China, non-GMO, gluten-free, certified organic and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any diseases.
References
[12] https://www.mdpi.com
[15] https://www.mdpi.com
[18] https://www.mdpi.com
[20] https://www.mdpi.com
[34] https://www.mdpi.com
