Fall is the season of colds and flu, so it's only natural that you might be worried about your digestion. After all, what good is it to eat well if your body can't digest it?
Fortunately, there are many herbs and supplements that can help support digestive health. Here are some top picks for boosting digestion in fall 2022:
Digestive enzymes
Digestive enzymes break down food into smaller, absorbable nutrients that can be used by the body. Enzymes also help your body absorb specific vitamins and minerals. You can get digestive enzymes from food or from supplements. If you have trouble digesting gluten or dairy, try taking a supplement with protease (for breaking down proteins) and lipase (for fats).
Herbal teas
Herbal teas are another way to support your digestive system in fall 2022. Two of my favorites are ginger tea and peppermint tea because both have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce bloating and upset stomachs.
Fiber
Fiber is a natural laxative that helps move food through your digestive tract more quickly. It's found in many fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, oranges and carrots. You should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day if you're having trouble with constipation or bloating.
Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that help strengthen your gut lining and improve digestion. If you've been taking antibiotics lately or eating too many processed foods, it's a good idea to take probiotics every day. Probiotics can be taken as a capsule or in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi that contain live cultures.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are foods that feed the healthy bacteria already living in your gut (called probiotics). One example is chicory root fiber, which can be found in supplements like VSL#3 or Florastor. Prebiotics are also found in some fruits and vegetables, such as bananas and onions.
If you have any questions about what supplements to choose for this fall, swing by Edmonds Vitamins and Herbs. The staff will be happy to assist you!!
420 5th Ave S #101, Edmonds, WA 98020
Street parking available.