An education piece by Naturalist
Guide to choosing the right gut health supplements
Your gut plays a crucial role in your overall health - it does more than just digest food. A healthy gut supports your immune system, boosts energy levels, and even improves your mood. If you're focused on wellness or are a health enthusiast, you know how important gut health is for your well-being.
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Why gut health matters
Your gut does more than digest food it influences your immune system, energy levels, mood, and even skin health. When your gut is out of balance, you might experience bloating, fatigue, breakouts, or hormonal issues. Supplements can be a helpful tool to support your gut, but choosing the right ones is key.
What to look for in a gut health supplemeny
1. Probiotics and their strain diversity
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a balanced gut microbiome. When selecting a supplement look for strain diversity. Different strains serve different purposes. For instance:
Lactobacillus acidophilus: aids digestion and supports nutrient absorption.
Bifidobacterium longum: promotes overall gut health and reduces inflammation.Choose products with at least 10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) for meaningful benefits.
2. Prebiotics
Prebiotics act as "food" for probiotics, helping good bacteria thrive. Ingredients like inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and resistant starch are excellent prebiotics that fuel a healthy gut.
3. Digestive enzymes
If you struggle with bloating or indigestion, finding a supplement with digestive enzymes could be a game-changer. These enzymes (like lipase, protease, and amylase) help your body break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for easier digestion and better nutrient absorption.
4. Targeted ingredients for specific needs
Depending on your gut health concerns, consider supplements with:
Anti-inflammatory agents: Such as turmeric or licorice root to soothe digestive distress.
L-Glutamine: An amino acid that supports gut lining repair.
Zinc carnosine: Helps strengthen the intestinal barrier and prevent leaky gut.
5. Quality and purity
The quality and purity of your supplement matter. Always look for:
Third-party tested: To verify potency and purity.
Transparent: With clear sourcing information.
Free from unnecessary additives: Avoid fillers, artificial colors, and flavors.
Ingredients and additives to avoid
While many supplements boast impressive health claims, some can do more harm than good. Certain ingredients may not sit well with everyone, especially if you're managing specific conditions like SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). Here’s what to avoid:
1. Artificial fillers and additives
Synthetic fillers, artificial colors, and flavors can irritate a sensitive gut. Opt for supplements with natural ingredients and minimal additives.
2. Unspecified probiotic strains
Avoid products that list generic probiotics like "Bacillus species" without specifying strains, as this can indicate low quality or efficacy.
3. Added sugars and sweeteners
Sugars and artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, sucralose) may negatively affect gut flora. Check labels for hidden sweeteners.
4. Prebiotics that may worsen SIBO symptoms
If you have Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), certain prebiotics like inulin or FOS can exacerbate symptoms. Consult with a healthcare professional to choose appropriate supplements.
Take the next step
Choosing the right gut health supplement can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Remember to:
Identify your specific gut health needs.
Select supplements with proven ingredients and quality assurance.
Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Your wellness journey starts here
Your journey to better gut health doesn't have to be complicated. With the right knowledge, you can confidently choose supplements that support your digestion, boost your energy, and make you feel your best.
If you are ready to make change, I want to work with you.
Reading blogs is a great start, but real change happens when you have a plan that’s tailored to you. If you’re ready to move from research into action, I’d love to support you. Book a free discovery call and let’s explore how we can work together on your health journey.
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Two ways to work with me
Everyone’s health journey is different. Some people need focused guidance on a specific issue, while others need deeper, ongoing support to address complex or long-standing symptoms.
Here are the two ways you can work with me.
Best for: Targeted concerns, short-term guidance, or those who want support around a specific issue.
Standard naturopathic consultations are designed to provide individualised advice, education, and recommendations based on your symptoms, history, and goals.
This option may include:
-
One-off or occasional consultations
-
Nutrition, lifestyle, herbal, and supplement guidance
-
Review of existing blood work or test results
-
Practical strategies you can implement independently
This approach works well if:
-
Your symptoms are mild to moderate
-
You’re looking for direction rather than ongoing support
-
You prefer to manage implementation on your own between sessions
Standard support offers flexibility and professional guidance, but progress depends largely on how consistently recommendations are applied and followed up.
-
Best for: Women with endometriosis, PCOS or complex hormonal symptoms who want clarity, structure, and ongoing guidance rather than trial-and-error.
The Thrive programs are comprehensive, multi-phase support pathways designed to address the root drivers of symptoms using functional testing, personalised treatment plans, and consistent 1:1 care.
Rather than isolated appointments, Thrive provides an integrated framework where testing, interpretation, treatment, and support are connected and adjusted as your body responds.
Inside Thrive, you receive:
-
Advanced functional testing and interpretation
-
A personalised, phased treatment plan
-
Ongoing 1:1 practitioner support
-
Access to the Thrive hub, resources, and protocols
-
Structured guidance so you know what to focus on at each stage
The program begins with an initial 1–2 month stabilisation and clarity phase, where we identify what’s driving your symptoms and support the systems under the most strain. From there, you can choose to continue into the full program for deeper treatment and long-term support.
This approach is ideal if:
-
You’ve tried many things and still feel stuck
-
Your symptoms are complex, cyclical, or worsening
-
You want to stop guessing and be guided step-by-step
-
You value ongoing support, accountability, and adjustment
Thrive is designed to take the pressure off you to figure everything out alone. It’s structured, personalised care that adapts to your body not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
-
If you’re unsure which level of support best suits your needs, the first step is a Discovery Call.
This is a supportive conversation where we explore what’s been going on, what you’ve tried, and whether standard support or a Thrive program is the most appropriate next step.
Best for: Targeted concerns, short-term guidance, or those who want support around a specific issue.
Standard naturopathic consultations are designed to provide individualised advice, education, and recommendations based on your symptoms, history, and goals.
This option may include:
-
One-off or occasional consultations
-
Nutrition, lifestyle, herbal, and supplement guidance
-
Review of existing blood work or test results
-
Practical strategies you can implement independently
This approach works well if:
-
Your symptoms are mild to moderate
-
You’re looking for direction rather than ongoing support
-
You prefer to manage implementation on your own between sessions
Standard support offers flexibility and professional guidance, but progress depends largely on how consistently recommendations are applied and followed up.
-
Best for: Women with endometriosis, PCOS or complex hormonal symptoms who want clarity, structure, and ongoing guidance rather than trial-and-error.
The Thrive programs are comprehensive, multi-phase support pathways designed to address the root drivers of symptoms using functional testing, personalised treatment plans, and consistent 1:1 care.
Rather than isolated appointments, Thrive provides an integrated framework where testing, interpretation, treatment, and support are connected and adjusted as your body responds.
Inside Thrive, you receive:
-
Advanced functional testing and interpretation
-
A personalised, phased treatment plan
-
Ongoing 1:1 practitioner support
-
Access to the Thrive hub, resources, and protocols
-
Structured guidance so you know what to focus on at each stage
The program begins with an initial 1–2 month stabilisation and clarity phase, where we identify what’s driving your symptoms and support the systems under the most strain. From there, you can choose to continue into the full program for deeper treatment and long-term support.
This approach is ideal if:
-
You’ve tried many things and still feel stuck
-
Your symptoms are complex, cyclical, or worsening
-
You want to stop guessing and be guided step-by-step
-
You value ongoing support, accountability, and adjustment
Thrive is designed to take the pressure off you to figure everything out alone. It’s structured, personalised care that adapts to your body not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
-
If you’re unsure which level of support best suits your needs, the first step is a Discovery Call.
This is a supportive conversation where we explore what’s been going on, what you’ve tried, and whether standard support or a Thrive program is the most appropriate next step.