Your gut does much more than just digest food. It’s home to trillions of bacteria — collectively known as the gut microbiome — that play a crucial role in your digestion, metabolism, immune system, and even your mood. When your gut bacteria are balanced and thriving, you feel energized, focused, and healthy. But when things go off-balance, you might experience bloating, fatigue, constipation, skin issues, or frequent illness.
Fortunately, improving gut health isn’t as hard as it may seem. Alongside a nutritious diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and hydration, gut health supplements can help restore balance and promote a healthy digestive system. In this guide, we’ll explore the best gut health supplements, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your body.
Why Gut Health Matters
Your gut is often called your “second brain” — and for good reason. The gut and brain communicate constantly through the gut-brain axis, affecting your emotions, memory, and stress response. Up to 70% of your immune system resides in the gut, meaning your digestive tract is directly connected to your body’s ability to fight off illness.
A healthy gut helps you:
- Absorb nutrients efficiently
- Maintain a strong immune system
- Balance hormones
- Support mental health
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve skin clarity and tone
When your gut microbiome is disrupted — by stress, poor diet, antibiotics, or lack of sleep — it can lead to symptoms like gas, bloating, irregular bowel movements, food sensitivities, and even chronic fatigue. That’s where the best gut health supplements come in.
Types of Gut Health Supplements
Not all gut supplements are the same. They each target specific aspects of digestive health. Here are the main types to know before choosing one.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms — mostly beneficial bacteria — that help maintain or restore a healthy balance in your gut. They work by increasing the “good” bacteria and crowding out harmful ones. Probiotics can also strengthen your intestinal lining and support your immune function.
Common probiotic strains include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus – supports digestion and helps reduce diarrhea
- Bifidobacterium longum – promotes regularity and reduces inflammation
- Saccharomyces bouvardias – a yeast probiotic effective against antibiotic-related diarrhea
Best probiotic supplements:
- Culturelle Digestive Health – known for clinically studied strains and broad digestive support
- Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics – includes prebiotics and shelf-stable capsules
- Seed Daily Symbiotic – combines both probiotics and prebiotics in one formula
Prebiotics
While probiotics are live bacteria, prebiotics are the food that feeds those bacteria. They’re non-digestible fibers that nourish beneficial gut microbes and help them multiply. Prebiotics can improve digestion, reduce bloating, and enhance the effectiveness of probiotic supplements.
Common prebiotics include:
- Inulin (from chicory root)
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
Best prebiotic supplements:
- Hyper biotics Organic Prebiotic Powder – all-natural and easy to mix into smoothies
- NOW Foods Prebiotic Fiber with Fibersol-2 – supports digestive regularity
- OLLY Prebiotic + Probiotic Gummies – a tasty combo of both in gummy form
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes help break down food into nutrients that your body can absorb. They’re especially beneficial for people who experience bloating, indigestion, or discomfort after meals. These enzymes can also help if you’re lactose intolerant or sensitive to certain foods.
Common digestive enzymes:
- Amylase – breaks down carbohydrates
- Lipase – helps digest fats
- Protease – breaks down proteins
- Lactase – aids in digesting lactose (milk sugar)
Best digestive enzyme supplements:
- Enzymedica Digest Gold – powerful blend for overall digestive support
- NOW Super Enzymes – includes bile and pancreatin for fat and protein digestion
- Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes Ultra – hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive stomachs
Fiber Supplements
Fiber is crucial for keeping your digestive system running smoothly. It adds bulk to stool, supports regular bowel movements, and acts as a natural prebiotic. However, most people don’t get enough fiber through diet alone.
Best fiber supplements:
- Benefiter Daily Prebiotic Fiber – dissolves easily in drinks
- Metamucil Psyllium Husk Powder – promotes regularity and heart health
- Garden of Life Organic Raw Fiber – includes seeds and grains for natural fiber boost
L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid that helps repair the intestinal lining and maintain the integrity of your gut wall. It’s especially beneficial for those with leaky gut syndrome or inflammation caused by stress and poor diet.
Best L-glutamine supplements:
- Thorne L-Glutamine Powder – supports gut lining and immune response
- NOW L-Glutamine Capsules – affordable and easy to take daily
- Jarrow Formulas L-Glutamine – high-quality powder for digestive and muscle recovery
Collagen Peptides
Collagen supports the gut’s connective tissues and helps maintain a healthy intestinal barrier. Supplementing with collagen peptides can improve digestion and reduce gut inflammation.
Best collagen supplements:
- Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides – grass-fed, easily dissolvable powder
- Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein – combines five collagen types for full-body benefits
- Organ Collagen Peptides – gluten-free, dairy-free, and easy to mix
Herbal Gut Health Blends
Some herbal supplements combine natural ingredients known for soothing and protecting the digestive system. Common herbs include ginger, peppermint, licorice root, and slippery elm.
Best herbal gut health supplements:
- Gaia Herbs Gas & Bloating Relief – supports digestion and reduces discomfort
- Nutra Champs Digestive Enzymes + Herbs – blends enzymes with ginger and peppermint
- Integrative Therapeutics Similes – combines plant-based enzymes with herbal extracts
How to Choose the Best Gut Health Supplement for You
Not all supplements will work the same for everyone. Here are a few factors to consider before buying:
- Identify your main issue:
Are you struggling with bloating, constipation, or low immunity? For general balance, a probiotic-prebiotic combo is ideal. For bloating, go for digestive enzymes. For gut lining repair, try L-glutamine or collagen. - Look for clinical evidence:
Choose supplements that list clinically tested strains or ingredients with proven benefits. - Check the CFU count:
If you’re buying a probiotic, look for at least 10–20 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per serving for effectiveness. - Watch for allergens and fillers:
Avoid unnecessary additives, artificial colors, or allergens like soy and gluten if you’re sensitive. - Choose reputable brands:
Look for third-party testing, transparent labeling, and strong customer reviews.
Tips for Supporting Gut Health Naturally
Supplements work best when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some simple ways to improve your gut health every day:
- Eat fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha are natural sources of probiotics.
- Load up on fiber: Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.
- Stay hydrated: Water helps fiber do its job and keeps your digestion smooth.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can disrupt gut bacteria — try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Get enough sleep: Rest allows your gut to repair and balance itself.
- Limit sugar and processed foods: These can feed harmful bacteria and cause inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Your gut is the foundation of your health. When it’s balanced, everything — from your mood to your immunity — improves. The best gut health supplements can help you restore harmony, reduce digestive discomfort, and feel more vibrant overall.
Whether you choose a probiotic, prebiotic, digestive enzyme, or collagen supplement, consistency is key. Pair your supplement with a healthy diet, active lifestyle, and mindful habits, and your gut will thank you with better digestion, more energy, and glowing health.