Digestive health forms an essential part of one’s overall well-being as it directly impacts the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, eliminate waste, and maintain a balanced microbiota (all the microorganisms that are found in and on our bodies). Issues such as indigestion, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can significantly affect one’s quality of life. Dietary and lifestyle choices play a crucial role in maintaining optimal digestive health, and consuming nutraceuticals is an easy step forward to support digestive health.
Understanding Digestive Health
Before delving into the world of nutraceuticals, it is essential to understand what digestive health is all about. The digestive system includes a complex network of organs, enzymes, and microbes that work hand in hand to break down food, extract nutrients, and expel waste. When this system functions optimally, it contributes to overall health, energy levels, and immune function. However, certain factors, including diet, stress, medications, and genetics, can derange this delicate balance, leading to digestive discomfort and disorders.
Common Digestive Issues and Their Causes
Indigestion: Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is characterized by discomfort or pain in the abdomen. It can occur after eating certain foods, overeating, or consuming spicy or fatty foods. Stress and anxiety can also exacerbate indigestion symptoms.
Bloating: Bloating refers to the sensation of fullness and abdominal swelling. It can result from gas accumulation in the digestive tract due to swallowed air, bacterial fermentation, or underlying conditions like lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): It is a chronic digestive disorder with symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. Its exact cause is unclear but may involve a combination of factors, including genetics, diet, and altered gut motility.
Nutraceuticals and Digestive Health
Nutraceuticals are food or food-derived products that provide health benefits in addition to basic nutrition. They constitute a wide range of supplements, functional foods, and herbal remedies. Here is how nutraceuticals assist in the upkeep of digestive health:
Probiotics: Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a balanced gut microbiota. They are effective in relieving symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and IBS by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful microbes in the gut.
Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzyme supplements can assist in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, improving overall digestion. These supplements are useful for people with enzyme deficiencies or those prone to indigestion.
Fibre Supplements: Soluble fibre supplements, such as psyllium husk or glucomannan, can aid in regulating bowel movements, preventing constipation, and promoting a healthy gut environment.
Herbal Remedies: Herbs like ginger, peppermint, and fennel help relieve digestive discomfort. These herbs can be consumed as teas or in supplement form to soothe digestive symptoms.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe the digestive tract, making it beneficial for individuals with IBS or acid reflux.
Turmeric: The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
Conclusion
Nutraceuticals offer a promising avenue for people on the lookout for enhancing their digestive health and dealing with issues like indigestion, bloating, and IBS. The best practice is to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating nutraceuticals into one’s digestive health regimen. With the right approach and guidance, anyone can work towards better digestive health and overall well-being. Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, India’s largest contract pharmaceutical manufacturer, is playing its part in contributing to a society that is happy and healthy by harbouring a massive facility that produces a whopping 2,040 tablets in a year. From raw material sourcing to final packaging, the nutraceuticals are quality-compliant, thus making Akums the best nutraceutical manufacturing partner for all nutraceutical brands. The company is certified by esteemed regulatory authorities, including FSSAI, and has cGMP and ISO 9001 certifications that speak volumes about the quality, safety, and efficacy of its products.
