If you’re feeling bloated, sluggish or queasy on the regular, you're not alone. Digestive complaints are one of the most common reasons that Australians visit their GP, pharmacist or naturopath. Thankfully, a happy gut doesn’t need to be a complicated achievement. Digestive health usually responds swiftly to some basic, consistent habits, with extra support from targeted supplements for gut health when needed. In this post, we’ll cover the fundamentals of digestive wellbeing and how three Herbs of Gold formulations - Gut Care, Probiotic 60 Billion and Liver Cleanse & Protect – may support the different pillars of your digestive health and help you build a happy gut.

What is a happy gut?

Your digestive system is linked to a lot more than food, absorption and waste. Your gut is home to trillions of bacterial species, has a smooth mucosal lining that absorbs nutrients, and has a close link your liver, which produces the bile needed to break down dietary fats and facilitates the excretion of toxins, excess hormones and other metabolites. All parts of the gut can be affected by life stressors, poor food choices, travel or simply the pace of life, and symptoms like bloating, bowel irregularity, low energy, nausea and discomfort can result. A ‘happy gut’ is a hallmark of overall health, breaking food down and absorbing nutrients effectively and moving waste through smoothly and regularly.

The foundations of gut health

A thriving gut starts with the right dietary foundations. Healthy whole foods to include daily for good gut health include:

• Foods high in soluble fibre, from sources like oats, barley, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils.
• Foods high in insoluble fibre, from sources like wholegrain breads and cereals, nuts and seeds.
• Fermented foods, like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and miso, which provide healthy bacteria.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables – in season and selected in a variety of colours each day.

Diet is only one part of the gut health picture. Because our digestion is responsive to so many factors in our lives, it’s important to:

• Stay well hydrated, with plenty of pure, filtered water.
• Get enough sleep to keep nervous system health optimal and recovery and restoration in check.
• Move your body regularly in ways you enjoy. A short walk in nature after meals is an ideal digestive tonic!

In addition to healthy, wholefood and lifestyle habits, targeted gut health supplements can offer specialised support. Ingredients like probiotics, Aloe vera and St Mary’s thistle have long been valued for supporting three key pillars of digestive health - maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, soothing the gut mucosa and supporting liver health.

Where supplements for gut health fit in

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome

The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, with over 500 species identified (and counting!) The balance of these microorganisms can have an impact on digestive function, the immune system and even brain health.
Probiotic supplements for gut health that contain specific strains can help restore microbial balance and support the resilience of the gut ecosystem alongside dietary and lifestyle changes. Herbs of Gold Probiotic 60 Billion is a broad-spectrum probiotic combining twelve different probiotic strains to help maintain a balanced, diverse gut microbiome.

Soothing the gut lining

A resilient gut lining is central to digestive comfort. Maintaining and supporting healthy mucous linings of the digestive system is key to happy gut health, and ingredients like Aloe vera and Licorice are here to help. Herbs of Gold Gut Care contains these herbs to soothe irritated tissues, plus Calendula, traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve mild gastrointestinal tract inflammation. 

Supporting the liver

Your liver plays a central role in digestion, producing the bile your body needs to break down fats and other nutrients. Herbs of Gold Liver Cleanse & Protect is formulated with herbs and nutrients to maintain liver health. It also contains Dandelion, traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to promote healthy digestion and relieve digestive discomfort and symptoms of indigestion.

Putting it all together

We can’t build a happy gut overnight. Rather, the sum of daily dietary and lifestyle habits alongside appropriate supplements can help restore digestive health and function gently, over time.

Are you ready to build your own happy gut? Explore Herbs of Gold Gut Care, Probiotic 60 Billion and Liver Cleanse & Protect, and speak with your healthcare provider before beginning your new supplement routine.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.