The gut microbiome is crucial for keeping us healthy and can contribute to causing various diseases. What we eat significantly influences our gut microbiome. Recent studies show that nutrients, not just fermentable fiber, also impact what specific microbes live in our gut.
Understanding how to optimize our diet and lifestyle to support a healthy gut microbiome is key to overall well-being. Continue reading to learn how you can achieve and maintain optimal gut health.
Do vitamin deficiencies cause gut problems?
Vitamin D is closely linked to several systemic disorders, drawing increased attention from the medical community, particularly regarding its deficiency in these conditions. Although the precise impact of vitamin D deficiency on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still unclear, a study found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among IBS patients, indicating possible therapeutic benefits. Supplementing vitamin D could help manage symptoms of IBS effectively.
Do you have a vitamin deficiency? Here’s how to find out.
Deficiencies in vitamins can show up in various ways, depending on which specific vitamin is lacking. However, there are some common signs to watch out for:
- Feeling tired and sluggish despite getting enough rest
- General muscle weakness or a sense of physical frailty
- Difficulty with memory, focus, or concentration
- Excessive hair loss or noticeable thinning
- Weak, brittle nails with ridges
- Dry, flaky skin or even rashes and dermatitis
- Symptoms of anemia, like weakness, fatigue, or shortness of breath
- Bone or muscle pain
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
If you suspect you might have a vitamin deficiency, it’s essential to seek advice from a healthcare provider. They can conduct a blood test to pinpoint the specific nutrient deficiency and recommend appropriate dietary adjustments or supplements to address it effectively.
Alternatively, you can take a genetic test that will tell you whether or not your body can effectively process nutrients, which may be contributing to vitamin deficiencies.
When coupled with a genetic test, a blood test measures the current vitamin levels in your bloodstream and compares them to ideal values based on your age, weight, and gender. If your levels fall below these benchmarks, it indicates a deficiency.
What is the best vitamin for your colon?
According to several studies, vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for colon health.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for nutrient absorption, supporting immune function, and facilitating cell communication across the body. It can be acquired from specific foods or synthesized naturally through exposure to sunlight.
Obesity, lack of physical activity, frequent consumption of red meat, and use of alcohol and tobacco are identified as major contributors to colorectal cancer (CRC) globally. Both diet and lifestyle are crucial in preventing CRC.
In case-control studies, there was a 25% lower risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) among those who consumed the most vitamin D compared to those who consumed the least. The current meta-analysis shows that consuming more vitamin D in your diet is linked to preventing colorectal cancer (CRC).
According to this same study, the vitamin D and cancer theory has been consistent over the past four decades. However, the link between low vitamin D intake and CRC remains debated.
Best vitamins for gut health and bloating
Bloating, though often harmless, can significantly impact comfort and daily life. Understanding its underlying causes is essential for effective management. While supplements can play a supportive role, addressing the root causes of bloating is paramount to achieving lasting relief and promoting overall gut health. Here are some of the best vitamins and strategies to support gut health and alleviate bloating:
Ginger
Ginger is thought to calm the digestive system and is frequently used to alleviate nausea. However, there is currently no research specifically examining ginger’s direct impact on bloating. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ginger root is regarded as safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
Consuming up to 4 grams (g) of ginger daily is considered safe. However, exceeding this amount is not recommended, as it may lead to abdominal discomfort.
Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms, either bacteria or yeast, residing in your gut to facilitate digestion. Although these beneficial bacteria naturally inhabit our gut, certain factors can disrupt their balance, necessitating the reintroduction of probiotics from external sources such as food (like yogurt) or supplements.
Beneficial bacteria help combat harmful bacteria and promote equilibrium in your system, contributing to an improved sense of well-being.
Probiotic supplements come in various forms, such as foods, beverages, capsules, pills, powders, or liquids. At 10X Health, our probiotic supplements feature a distinctive blend that includes multiple strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, supports gut health with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, shown to enhance immune function, aid digestion, and inhibit harmful bacteria. It also promotes collagen synthesis for a healthy gut lining.
Since your body doesn’t produce vitamin C, it’s essential to get it from your diet or supplements to maintain digestion and overall gut health. Intravenous vitamin C administration is another effective way to ensure adequate vitamin C intake, offered at 10X Health for personalized therapy addressing specific wellness goals.
Digestive enzymes
Digestive enzymes are simply proteins that help us more effectively digest the food we eat.
Like probiotics, digestive enzymes come in a few different forms with different ways of supporting the common goal — namely, to help us break down food and make it easier for the body to utilize the nutrients.
Amylases help to break down carbohydrates, Proteases help to break down proteins, and Lipases help to break down fats and oils.
Digestive enzymes taken as supplements can be particularly helpful for those suffering from symptoms of acid reflux, bowel issues, nausea, gas, bloating, and more.
Optimal gut health starts from within
Achieving and maintaining optimal gut health is crucial for overall well-being. To understand your unique nutritional needs and address potential deficiencies that may affect your digestive system, consider taking the 10X Health Precision Genetic Test. This test can provide valuable insights into which vitamins or nutrients your body may be lacking and put you on the path to improved gut health and overall well-being.
Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed choices to support your gut health through dietary adjustments, supplements, or lifestyle changes. Take charge of your gut health journey today with 10X Health’s Precision Genetic Test.
