Handy Supplements for Stomach Distress
Who has not had stomach issues?
I dare say no one on this planet has escaped the occasional bout of stomach discomfort. For the lucky few, it happens rarely, with a once-in-a-blue moon stomach virus. For others, it happens all the time for a myriad of reasons, including food sensitivities, IBS, stress, and other chronic gut disorders.
Since the gut is at the center of functional medicine, many patients come to us with a stomach issue, whether it be reflux, diarrhea, cramping or bloating. While the ultimate goal is to clean up the gut and help it run optimally, we also have a few handy standbys for days when stomach symptoms flare.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Gastro D (D’Adamo): This one is an all-round helper as it contains mastic gum, which is known for relieving GI pain and discomfort; deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) which helps with stomach acid symptoms; slippery elm, which helps calm the stomach and intestines; and bismuth, which alleviates diarrhea and stomach cramping. This is one of the first things I take when my stomach is flaring up.
Glutagenics (Metagenics): Glutagenics is typically used for rebuilding a leaky gut, but is also helpful to help settle an upset stomach. It has DGL, aloe vera (a stomach soother) and glutamine (calms the stomach lining).
Ultra GI Replenish (Metagenics): This product is similar to Glutagenics in that it is geared to supporting the stomach lining and promoting balance in the gut. It also has nutrients such as calcium, vitamins C and B, and zinc to help with malabsorption.
Activated Charcoal: Charcoal helps absorb bad bacteria, viruses and poisons in the stomach. (It has been used in ERs for overdoses.) It has also been shown to reduce gas and diarrhea.
DGL(Bioclinic Naturals): DGL helps to stimulate mucus production which provides relief from digestive distress. DGL is particularly helpful with acid reflux. These are a nice natural alternative to Tums.
Probiotics: Probiotics help to add favorable bacteria back into the digestive tract, which is especially helpful after it has been wiped out. (Stomach flus, being “glutened” or any type of GI event may leave the gut depleted.) This good bacteria helps to reset the gut and help it heal.
Colon Motility Blend (Vitanica): This product can help with constipation that may occur after or concurrently with other GI disruptions. It is gentle and easy on the colon.
I like to have all of these on hand for the occasional issue that happens in our home…it is better to be prepared than have to scramble once symptoms strike. If gut disruptions become a regular event, it is time to look at things such as food intolerances, infections, SIBO or leaky gut. The Viome test is a favorite of mine to help determine the current state of your gut and what it needs to heal.
As with all supplements, it is advised to consult with your doctor, and start one at a time and build up to recommended amounts slowly. All of the above supplements are available on my Wellevate site at 25% off. Also, find more information about Viome testing/coaching here.
