Discover the Latest Trends in Digestive Health: Diet, Home Remedies and Supplements

Our digestive system is a silent hero in our overall well-being. When everything runs smoothly, we barely notice it. But when digestive health falters, it can strongly impact our overall health. “We do not fully understand the impact that digestive health has on our well-being, but poor digestive health can have a significant impact in terms of stress and anxiety. In turn, stress and anxiety can also worsen our digestive health,” said Curtis Weaver, MD, Trinity Health Medical Group, Gastroenterology. Changes in diet and digestive health can also influence other body systems, including our immune system.

Common Digestive Health Issues

Digestive issues are widespread today, prompting many to self-diagnose or try home remedies. Some prevalent issues include:

• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

These conditions can range from mild to severe, but they all highlight the importance of maintaining good digestive health.

Do Home Remedies Actually Work?

The effectiveness of home remedies often depends on individual symptoms and body responses. Certain foods can trigger or worsen digestive problems, so dietary adjustments are often recommended.

For Acid Reflux:

• Avoid trigger foods like spicy dishes, citrus fruits and tomatoes
• Cut down on alcohol, caffeine and nicotine
• Allow at least three hours between eating and bedtime
• Elevate your head while sleeping

For Constipation:

• Stay well-hydrated
• Eat a high-fiber diet
• Consider fiber supplements
• Stay physically active

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

• Avoid dietary triggers
• Increase fiber intake
• Use peppermint oil to reduce intestinal spasms

Stress and anxiety are major triggers for digestive issues, especially IBS. Methods to reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation and regular exercise, are often used to treat IBS.

The Role of Supplements: Greens Powders, Probiotics and Prebiotics

A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for digestive health. While beneficial bacteria play a key role, the best ways to enhance our microbiome are still being studied. Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, kombucha and sauerkraut—natural sources of probiotics—may be helpful. However, the impact of commercially available probiotic and prebiotic supplements or pills, are not yet clear.

Greens powders have surged in popularity, promising benefits like a flat stomach and reduced bloating. These are blends of vegetables, fruits and minerals that you can mix into water or smoothies.

"I am not aware of any scientific studies supporting the efficacy of greens powders. As a supplement, they are not regulated by the FDA. This means that any claims made about their benefits do not have to be evaluated or validated. It also means that what goes into these supplements is not controlled and can vary considerably between brands but also from one bottle to the next of the same brand," said Dr. Weaver.

A better alternative to these supplements is enhancing your diet with a variety of vitamins and nutrients.

Take Charge of Your Digestive Health

If you're grappling with digestive issues and need support, take the first step by reaching out to your primary care provider.

Don’t have a primary care provider? Find one today.