The Best Supplements for Digestive Health | Cooper Complete
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Supplements for Digestive Health

Illustration of the digestive tract the physician is using as a teaching tool.

The digestive system—also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or “gut”—breaks down the things we eat and drink into nutritional components the body uses to produce energy and build or repair cells. Once mixed with digestive enzymes in the stomach, those nutrients—including carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and proteins—are then absorbed into the small intestine and make their way into the bloodstream.

Digestive health is not only essential for preventing common digestive system problems—including heartburn, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other forms of discomfort—it can also affect other aspects of your health. Because the nutrients traveling through the bloodstream reach virtually every organ in your body, poor digestive health can affect the immune system, heart and brain.

Improving Gut Health with Diet and Lifestyle

As with nearly every aspect of our health, Cooper Clinic takes a “food first” approach to disease prevention, combining diet with healthy lifestyle habits. Get plenty of uninterrupted sleep—7-8 hours for most adults—drink plenty of water each day and lower stress by exercising regularly, meditating and limiting alcohol intake.

Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fiber and lean proteins ensures the digestive system is getting the types of nutrients the body needs to function—and avoids the foods that impede digestive production. Key components to a gut-healthy diet include:

  • Whole grains. Dietary guidelines recommend at least 25-30 grams of fiber each day to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, certain gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Whole grain breads, whole grain pasta, oatmeal and quinoa not only provide plenty of fiber, but they also deliver added nutrients, including B vitamins and iron.
  • Leafy greens. Spinach, kale, cabbage, bok choy and romaine lettuce are among the many leafy greens high in vitamins and minerals—including folate, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin A, as well as fiber.
  • Lean protein. Avoid red meats and fried foods in favor of fish, chicken, turkey, shrimp and egg whites to get the protein the body needs to produce energy.
  • Low-fructose fruits. Choose low-fructose alternatives, including strawberries, peaches, blackberries, bananas and avocados to help avoid the gas and bloating associated with high-fructose fruits.

Supplements for Digestive Health Support

PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are live microorganisms, healthy bacteria that can help restore the balance of microbes in the gut—the gut microbiota—by helping digest food and destroy disease-causing cells. An unhealthy gut microbiota can contribute to a variety of GI issues, including inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic bacterial infections, such as H.pylori, and general intestinal discomfort from constipation and gas.

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Advanced Daily Probiotic Supplement

Advanced Daily Probiotic supplement contains a proprietary blend of 4 strains and 35 billion CFU probiotics to support gut microflora and immune health.†

$46.98 Add to cart

Cooper Complete Advanced Daily Probiotic contains 35 billion CFU and four strains of probiotics, including lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium longum and lactiplantibacillus plantarum—all of which have been shown effective for gastrointestinal conditions, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, constipation and IBS, among others.

The effect probiotics have promoting a healthy, well-balanced gut microbiota have proven beneficial to the immune system. Studies show the interaction between consumed probiotics and immune cells in the intestine can improve immune balance and function. Individuals with a weakened immune system should talk with their health care provider before starting a probiotic.

PREBIOTICS

Common in high-fiber foods, including whole grains, bananas and soybeans, prebiotics support the growth of probiotic bacteria and work with them to balance the gut microbiota. They act as a fuel source to gut bacteria, helping them stay healthy.

MICROBIOME FIBER

Decreases in the consumption of dietary fiber over the last few centuries have contributed to a global epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes and some cancers by fostering a gut microbiota inconsistent with a healthy gut. And, while scientific evidence is still being accumulated, studies are uncovering the connections between fiber and the gut and overall health.

Made from Sunfiber® guar gum, Cooper Complete Microbiome Fiber is a prebiotic supplement that helps with diarrhea and constipation. One study showed guar gum absorbs excess liquid in those with diarrhea and softens the stool in those with constipation. Another study found it reduced symptoms of IBS with predominant constipation.

Additionally, Sunfiber guar gum has been proven to increase the levels of good bacteria—including bifidobacteria and lactobacillus—further promoting healthy gut microbiota.

CURCUMIN/TURMERIC

One small study found taking 500 mg curcumin four times a day worked as well as taking omeprazole (Prilosec) for chronic indigestion within four weeks. Subjects also had decreased symptoms of gas, bloating and nausea.

A review of several recent studies showed curcumin modifies the composition of the gut microbiota—thus affecting its balance—and may also contribute to the function of the intestinal barrier, restoring its previously disrupted permeability. The review also showed curcumin’s beneficial effects on biomarkers of gut inflammation, though additional human trials are needed to better assess the relationship between curcumin and the gut microbiota.

Cooper Complete Turmeric Curcumin Complex contains 1,000 mg of curcumin extract per daily serving of three capsules.

VITAMIN C

Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C has researchers interested in its effects on the composition of the gut microbiota. One tiny pilot study of 14 participants had participants take a high daily dose of vitamin C for two weeks, resulting in beneficial effects on gut microbiota balance, suggesting it may be helpful for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Vitamin C also enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron. An iron-rich digestive tract is especially conducive to the growth of proteobacteria, which play a crucial role in promoting healthy digestive function. Vitamin C may aid absorption among those with digestive issues who are also iron deficient, though adding iron to vitamin C supplementation may be a less viable solution for those who also suffer from constipation. While there’s plenty of research regarding the health benefits of vitamin C, far more research is needed to determine whether vitamin C should be considered a supplement for digestive health.

B COMPLEX

B-complex encompasses all essential water-soluble B vitamins, including vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folate) and vitamin B12 (cobalamin). These vitamins serve different purposes when it comes to digestive health, but most enable the gut to break down and properly absorb the nutrients from the foods consumed.

B1/Thiamine

B1 helps your body convert carbohydrates to energy and helps regulate appetite. Scientists looking at thiamine’s effect on the gut microbiota suggest it has gut-related immune regulatory functions and a potential role associated with intestinal-linked immune cells.

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Microbiome Fiber Supplement

Cooper Complete® Daily Prebiotic Microbiome Fiber supplement contains 6 grams of tasteless and gritless soluble fiber and is low FODMAP to support gastrointestinal health and regularity.†  

$30.48 Add to cart

B2/Riboflavin

Produced by gut microbiota in the large intestine, B2 is involved in the body’s metabolic processes and is necessary for energy production and proper cell function. One study showed that while riboflavin supplementation had no effect on the composition of the gut microbiota, higher concentrations of butyrate did occur—the short-chain fatty acid considered a “good” bacteria that helps the body break down dietary fiber.

B3/Niacin

Niacin acts as an antioxidant, while helping the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and alcohol. A niacin deficiency can result in a disease known as pellagra—which causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Studies show niacin may also play a role in improving cellular function previously impaired by acute inflammation.

B5/Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid is necessary for blood cell production and supports a healthy digestive tract, as well as hair, skin and eyes. It’s used to make coenzyme A, a chemical compound that helps build and break down fatty acid and perform other metabolic functions. Dietary supplementation with vitamin B5 also influences the gut microbial profile.

B6/Pyridoxine

In addition to its role supporting a healthy immune system and normal brain development, vitamin B6 is essential for metabolism, playing a role in helping the digestive system process proteins. One study showed an association between low vitamin B6 intake and the severity of IBS symptoms, while another connected low B6 intake with greater gastrointestinal distress.

B7/Biotin

While the health benefits commonly attributed to biotin are linked to hair, skin and nail health, vitamin B7 also helps form the building blocks of enzymes that help your body convert food into energy. Biotin deficiencies have been linked to several gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS.

B9/Folate

An amino acid critical for cell growth and the formation of DNA, folate deficiency is linked to an imbalance in the gut microbiota, potentially altering intestinal cell structure and function.

B12/Cobalamin

Vitamin B12 supports cell metabolism, nerve function and DNA production and is a cofactor for gut microbes. While the effect of B12 on the gut microbiota has not been established, evidence suggests B12 may be associated with changes in bacterial abundance and diversity, potentially affecting gut microbiota balance.

Although these are all health benefits of B vitamins, current scientific literature does not support recommending B vitamin supplements specifically for addressing issues like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Cooper Complete Advanced B Complex contains every one of the B vitamins described above in each daily serving of a single vegetarian capsule.

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Turmeric Curcumin Supplement

Contains 1000 mg of turmeric extract, which is standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids, and 10 mg of black pepper in 3 softgels. Physician formulated to support a healthy inflammatory response.

$35.98 Add to cart

OMEGA-3

Known best for its role supporting brain and heart health, omega-3 fatty acids have significant effects on the intestinal environment and balance of the gut microbiota, though additional research is needed to identify the specifics of the changes it creates.

A research study of 876 middle-aged and elderly female twins shows omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, facilitate healthy digestion and reduce intestinal inflammation. This is believed to possibly help suppress the symptoms of IBD, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 contains 720 mg EPA and 480 mg DHA in each daily serving of two lemon-flavored softgels, while Advanced Omega-3 Liquid contains 1300 mg EPA, 850 mg DHA, and 175 mg DPA per teaspoon serving.

VITAMIN D

The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D help regulate inflammation in the digestive tract, while promoting gut microbial diversity. Studies suggest vitamin D may be especially beneficial for people living with IBS and IBD. A review of several studies supports the role vitamin D supplementation plays in reducing the risk of colon cancer, suggesting it may actually help prevent the disease.

PSYLLIUM

Psyllium is a soluble fiber from the husks of seeds used as an ingredient in bulk laxatives. Because of its high fiber content, it’s able to absorb water in the intestines, making stool easier to pass. Research supports psyllium’s role in helping relieve constipation, and when added gradually to the diet it can help promote regularity. People allergic to English plantain pollen, grass pollen or melon could have a serious allergic reaction when taking psyllium.

 LICORICE (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)

Actual licorice root—not the more commonly known artificially-flavored candy—is available in supplement form and has long been used to treat symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. These uses are not backed by scientific evidence, though. In its unpurified form, licorice can also have side effects, including increases in high blood pressure and decreases in potassium levels.

It is always important to consult your physician before adding any new supplement to your regimen. Your physician understands your health profile best, so talk with them about which supplements are best for you and any medical conditions you may have.

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