It’s the end of the day and once again, you’re bloated to the point of looking 5 months pregnant. Or maybe that’s not you, but you have painful gas. You need to let it out but it is so embarrassing in public so you hold it in and it’s painful! Or maybe your problem is just not going. It may be 4-5 days before you have a bowel movement, and even then, it doesn’t feel complete. Do you recognize any of this in yourself? We’ve all been there at some point, but some of us struggle with it longer and it becomes a chronic problem. Functional nutrition can help offer a personalized, root-cause approach to help relieve your symptoms.
What is Functional Nutrition?
Functional nutrition (IMHO) is the best way to approach chronic (or any) illnesses. It is an approach that focuses on identifying, removing and healing the underlying causes of health issues. It’s not a band-aid approach. Rather than simply treating symptoms, it removes the cause of the symptoms, so they completely go away. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, it is very individualized, taking into account factors like genetics, lifestyle, environment, and diet.
When it comes to digestive health, functional nutrition looks at how well your gastrointestinal system is functioning as a whole. When I help my clients, we dig into how well the digestive system is functioning in terms of stomach acid, enzyme activity, gut microbiome balance, and intestinal integrity. By understanding these components, I can recommend specific dietary strategies and supplements to support optimal digestion.
This approach often integrates whole foods with targeted supplementation to correct imbalances. The goal is not just temporary relief but long-term digestive wellness and improved overall health.
Functional Nutrition Supplements to Improve Digestive Health
Functional nutrition supplements can play a powerful role in restoring digestive balance. Supplement recommendations are chosen based on individual needs and are designed to support the body’s natural processes. Again, not a band-aid, they are meant to work with your body and help the natural processes. Below are some key supplements I recommend that can help improve digestive health.
Functional Nutrition Teas
Herbal teas have been used for centuries to soothe the digestive system. Certain teas can help reduce bloating, ease cramping, and promote smoother digestion. Other teas are helpful to rebuild the mucosal layer and heal the digestive tract. Some of my favorites include: ginger, peppermint, slippery elm, marshmallow root, dandelion root, and aloe.
There are many brands that have good quality teas. This tea is currently my favorite because of the variety of healing and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Functional Nutrition Vitamins and Minerals
Every process in your body (including digestion) runs off of a vitamin and/or a mineral. Deficiencies in key nutrients can lead to a variety of digestive issues, including poor nutrient absorption and sluggish digestion.
Magnesium is particularly important, as it helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract and supports regular bowel movements. Zinc plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining and supporting immune function within the digestive system. B vitamins, especially B12, are crucial for energy production and proper metabolism of food. So a good multivitamin is essential.
Other Key Functional Nutrition Supplements
In functional nutrition, supplementation is often tailored to correct deficiencies and support optimal digestive function. Sometimes deficiencies include digestive enzymes, probiotics, bile and stomach acid. This link takes you to some of my favorite digestive aids. It includes digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics (to feed the good bacteria), multivitamins, and motility helpers.
One More Functional Nutrition Tool
So this one isn’t a supplement but it is very helpful to having great bowel movements. Tools like the Squatty Potty (or any stool really) position the body in a more natural squatting posture during bowel movements. This position can straighten the rectum, making elimination easier and more complete. As a result, it may reduce straining, prevent constipation, and support overall colon health. For many individuals, incorporating a Squatty Potty into their routine can make a noticeable difference in digestive comfort and regularity.
Let’s Connect!!
Improving digestive health doesn’t have to be complicated. By embracing a functional nutrition approach and incorporating targeted supplements and supportive tools, you can address the root causes of digestive issues and promote long-term health. Really, it’s also about knowing what the root cause of your problems are. Unless you fix the root…you will continue to suffer. That’s where I come in. I can help you find the root cause of your digestive problems if you are struggling to find them yourself. Reach out to me by responding to this post or booking a time to talk with me here and we can talk about your story.
