One of the primary roles of the digestive system is to break down the food you eat into its smallest nutrient building blocks for your body to absorb and use for energy production, growth, and cellular repair. Let’s go on a little journey through your GI tract to learn more!

The stomach contains powerful hydrochloric acid, which helps to break down food and acts as the first line of defense against any harmful organisms you may ingest. When food enters your stomach, digestive enzymes also help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for nutrient absorption. [1]

After the stomach, food travels through the small intestine, around 22 feet long, and has a surface area the size of a tennis court! This large surface helps maximize the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream as food moves through it. Your small intestine also produces digestive enzymes to further aid with absorption. [2]

Next up is the large intestine, or colon, which makes up about ⅕ of the length of the digestive tract and is responsible for turning food waste into stool and eliminating it from the body. Once the indigestible food has reached the colon, around 90% of the nutrients and water have already been absorbed in the small intestine. However, some absorption of electrolytes like sodium and potassium still occurs here. 

The colon is also where the majority of the microbes in your gut reside, also known as the gut flora or microbiome, which not only help to protect the digestive tract but also play an essential role in metabolism, the immune system, and even hormonal health. Amazingly, healthy bacteria in the colon also produce vitamins like Vitamin K and specific B Vitamins! [3]

Understanding gut health supplements

Probiotics With 40 Billion CFU

Probiotics are the good bacteria that your gut microbiome needs to thrive and one of the best supplements for overall digestive health! Our Probiotic with 40 Billion CFU is packed with prebiotics and four different strains of beneficial bacteria, including lactobacillus, the most clinically proven probiotic strain! These mighty microbes are delivered with targeted MATREK Bi-Pass Technology to guarantee they arrive intact without being harmed by stomach acid.

Symptoms that Probiotics may support:

• Bloating
• Improved digestion
• Constipation
• Diarrhea 
• Nutrient deficiencies

What does the research say?

A randomized controlled trial examined the effects of the probiotic lactobacillus in those struggling with constipation. At the end of the study, participants saw significant improvements in constipation scores and a positive impact on symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and bloating compared to placebo. [9]

A systematic review of clinical trials found that probiotic supplementation was associated with a positive impact on micronutrient status (particularly vitamin B12, calcium, folate, iron, and zinc). [10]

Hydrolyzed Collagen Complex

Collagen is rich in essential and non-essential amino acids to help soothe and strengthen the gut lining, particularly l-glutamine. Our Hydrolyzed Collagen Complex contains five bioactive types of collagen peptides for maximum absorption and optimal results.

Symptoms that collagen may support:

• Intestinal permeability or “leaky gut.”
• Digestive discomfort
• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Dull, dry skin
• Joint discomfort 

What does the research say?

While the benefits of collagen supplementation for digestive issues mainly stem from anecdotal reports, some evidence of specific amino acids found in collagen makes it a popular supplement for digestive tract support. 

For example, L-Glutamine has been shown to affect the gut microbiome positively, regulate intestinal inflammation, and support the gut lining! [13]

AdaptoZen Superfood Greens

Our AdaptoZen Superfood Greens is a serious gut health game-changer! This delicious mixed berry-flavored powder supplement is packed with fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes for total gut wellness, regularity, and a strong immune system.

Symptoms that Superfood Greens may support:

• Digestion
• Constipation
• Irregularity
• Bloating 
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Gut microbiome imbalances

What does the research say?

A randomized controlled trial found that after participants were supplemented with a digestive enzyme complex, they experienced an improvement in all symptoms related to digestion, including heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, and bloating after eating. [15]

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that fiber consumption significantly increased the frequency of bowel movements in patients suffering from constipation. [16] 

A clinical trial found that pectin may help promote a more healthy balance of gut microflora and reduce uncomfortable symptoms in those with the digestive disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome. [17]