By Avni Dalal, ND
Gut health is a popular topic in health conversations, and rightfully so. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one of the most important systems in your body—not just for digestion, but for maintaining the proper functioning of various other organ systems. From nutrient absorption to immune regulation, the benefits of having a healthy digestive system are vital for feeling your best.
If you’ve ever experienced occasional bloating, irregularity, or digestive discomfort, you know how much it can affect your day-to-day. Fortunately, nutritional support for the GI tract continues to evolve, with specific ingredients showing promising benefits for gut lining integrity, microbial balance, and healthy inflammatory responses.*
Here are some of the well-researched nutrients that promote GI health and why they’re important.
L-Glutamine: Fuel for the Gut Lining
L-glutamine is an amino acid that plays a vital role in maintaining intestinal barrier function and enhancing its structural integrity.1 L-glutamine is also the preferred fuel source for eneterocytes—the cells that line the small intestine—and is involved in their cellular repair and regeneration after stressful conditions like illness, medications, or environmental exposures.1
Beyond its digestive health benefits, studies have also shown L-glutamine to influence glucose metabolism and support protein metabolism, underscoring its benefits for insulin dysfunction and muscle mass maintenance.2,3
N-Acetyl Glucosamine: Providing Mucosal Protection
N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) is a naturally occurring compound derived from glucose and amino acids. It helps form glycosaminoglycans, which are structural molecules that support the mucosal lining in the GI tract.4 This lining acts as a protective barrier, shielding the intestinal wall from irritants and helping regulate permeability.4
Studies have also demonstrated NAG’s potential in decreasing levels of proinflammatory biomarkers, which contributes to the overall improvement in disease activity and colonic tissue health in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).4,5*
Arabinogalactan (From Heartwood): A Prebiotic Fiber for Microbial Balance
Arabinogalactan is a soluble dietary fiber that acts like a prebiotic to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiota is necessary for digestive function, immune health, mood support, heart health, and so much more. Arabinogalactan supplementation has been demonstrated to modulate the gut microbiome composition by lowering the ratio of harmful bacteria to the increased relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium.6
Quercetin Dihydrate: Antioxidant Support for Gut Barrier Function
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, known for its antioxidant properties. In the digestive tract, quercetin displays a few interesting benefits. First, quercetin enhances the expression of tight junction proteins to maintain intestinal barrier integrity while increasing secretion of mucins in intestinal goblet cells to soothe and strengthen the gut barrier.7,8 It also modulates the gut microbiome by promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids and reducing the levels of harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), making it a valuable nutrient for digestive comfort.*9,10
Deglycyrrhized Licorice (DGL): The Digestive Soother
Licorice root has a long history of use in traditional medicine practices for stomach and intestinal health. The deglycyrrhized form (DGL) has had the compound glycyrrhizin removed, which helps reduce the risk of affecting blood pressure levels when taking licorice at therapeutic doses. DGL is thought to help maintain healthy mucus production in the stomach and intestine, providing a soothing effect to keep things moving along while preventing the backflow of stomach acid.11,12
Bacillus coagulans (LactoSpore®): A Resilient Probiotic Strain
We know that probiotics play a huge role in maintaining gut microbiome balance, and Bacillus coagulans is a particularly robust strain. Unlike some probiotic species, it forms spores that allow it to survive harsh stomach conditions and reach the intestines alive. Once there, it positively influences the gut microbiota composition by enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria and enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids.13-15 LactoSpore is a well-researched, spore-forming, temperature-stable form of Bacillus coagulans, delivering reliable probiotic support.*
Ginkgo biloba Extract: Antioxidant and Microcirculation Support
While Ginkgo biloba is more commonly known in the world of herbal medicine for its effects on cognitive function, it also promotes healthy blood flow and antioxidant activity–benefits that can extend to the GI tract.16,17 Standardized extracts of Ginkgo may help promote microcirculation in tissues to maintain gut barrier integrity and prevent intestinal permeability, along with improving nutrient delivery and tissue health.16,17
Summary
A well-functioning digestive system is foundational to overall health—and maintaining it takes a multifaceted approach. Along with targeted supplementation, gut health thrives on daily habits like eating a fiber-rich, whole-food diet, staying well hydrated, managing stress, getting quality sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Key nutrients such as L-glutamine, N-acetyl glucosamine, quercetin, and the probiotic like those found in GI Repair Nutrients may help reinforce gut lining integrity, promote microbial balance, and support digestive comfort when needed.* However, supplements aren’t one size fits all. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine—especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, or take prescription medications.
References
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