Digestive issues cover a broad range of symptoms, from temporary issues like constipation, diarrhea, and nausea to serious, chronic conditions and diseases, including IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), colitis and Crohn's disease.
For general digestive issues, enzymes offer proven support. Bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapple, aids overall digestion and helps break down protein. The enzyme lactase aids digestion of lactose, helpful for those with dairy sensitivity. Ginger has clinically proven benefits as an antinausea and antispasmodic agent. Certain herbs, including senna and psyllium, have a clinically proven benefit for constipation.
Probiotics are critical in maintaining healthy intestinal flora, which can strengthen immune response and alleviate many symptoms associated with digestive conditions. For those with irritable bowel disease, including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, the ability of probiotics to reduce inflammation and fortify the gut immunological barrier has proven clinically effective in reducing symptoms; in one study, 80% of colitis patients taking probiotics achieved remission. Prebiotics such as fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin help support healthy intestinal flora by providing food for the bacteria found in probiotics.