The importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise in achieving good health and well-being cannot be overstated. However, for many people, achieving certain health goals such as improving gut health, increasing metabolism, and losing weight can be challenging. This is where nutritional supplements come into play and are valuable additions to lifestyle choices.
We spoke with registered dietitian and certified sports nutritionist Destiny Moody to tell us about supplements that can help with gut health, metabolism and weight loss. Moody suggests probiotics and dietary fiber supplements are the two best options.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements are the superheroes of gut health, metabolism and weight management. Filled with beneficial bacteria, they restore balance to your gut microbiome, creating an environment conducive to digestion and absorption. This intestinal balance not only reduces digestive problems, but also speeds up metabolism by facilitating nutrient utilization.
"Probiotics are supplements that contain live bacteria, but not disease-causing bacteria. Science says your gut is the healthiest of all," Moody said.
Fiber
Fiber supplements are food powerhouses known for their amazing effects on overall well-being. When it comes to gut health, they're the unsung heroes, promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. It promotes a rich gut microbiome, which is key to digestive health. Fiber has the unique ability to create feelings of fullness, control appetite, and reduce calorie intake. By increasing feelings of fullness and improving digestion, fiber supplements may indirectly aid weight loss efforts.
“Fiber supplements like Metamucil not only act as prebiotics to feed the good bacteria in the gut, but also play an important role in weight management. Fiber does not contain calories and is not absorbed by the body. Breaks down completely, fiber slows down digestion. "Food stays in your stomach longer. When this happens, you feel fuller for longer, which reduces food intake over time and helps with weight management," Moody says.