Strategies to Support the Body & Its Natural Defenses

Introduction

From the gut lining to its resident immune cells, each component plays a vital role in keeping the body and gastrointestinal (GI) tract healthy. Focusing on ways to rebalance and support the gut’s natural defenses goes a long way toward the goal of lifelong health. And remember, no matter how small, every step counts in the journey to a healthy gut.

Diet and Nutrition

1. Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support gut health. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients that promote a healthy gut environment and support overall well-being. For example, fiber helps to maintain regular bowel movements and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.^2,4,11,39
2. Add Fiber and Fermented Foods: These ‘microbiota-friendly foods’ contribute to the production of beneficial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Fiber and fermented foods help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and support digestive health. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are rich in probiotics, which can help replenish and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.^7,39-42,56

Lifestyle Changes

1. Practice Stress-Reducing Techniques: Mindfulness, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress. The gut and brain communicate with each other, influencing various aspects of health. Reducing stress can improve gut health and overall well-being. Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health by altering gut motility, increasing intestinal permeability, and disrupting the gut microbiome.^{4,5,9,11,12,19,27,43,44}
2. Ensure Adequate Sleep: Sleep and gut microbiome health are interdependent, and sleep is integral to overall health. Good sleep hygiene supports a healthy gut and helps the body recover from daily stressors. Poor sleep can disrupt the gut microbiome and contribute to digestive issues, while a healthy gut can promote better sleep quality.^11,22,23

Consider Dietary Supplements

Supplementing with a digestive adaptogen may help build resilience to stressors that affect the digestive system. 

Kemin’s Digestive Health Solutions

Kemin offers science-backed ingredients shown to support a healthy gut, including:

Conclusion

For nutraceutical manufacturers, understanding and addressing digestive health is crucial in developing effective products that support overall well-being. By focusing on the body's natural defenses and incorporating science-backed ingredients like BetaVia™ and ButiShield™, manufacturers can create innovative solutions that enhance digestive health. At Kemin, we help formulators develop new health and wellness products to improve the health and nutritional needs of consumers around the world. For more on how Kemin can help improve your digestive health product, visit kemin.com.

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References: Kemin PTP-14334