5 DIGESTIVE SUPPLEMENTS & HOW TO USE THEM WITH KATE COSTELLO

My favorite DIGESTIVE SUPPLEMENTS (in no particular order) and how I use them.

Digestive Supplement #1 - Bitters

What does it do? It improves parasympathetic nervous system innervation, enhances digestion, improves HCL (stomach acid) production, and gallbladder secretions. It can also improve the tone of the LES!

Who is this for? Those with reflux. Or when proteins and complex meals are hard to digest. For those who skip breakfast, experience fullness after meals, or have atopic conditions. Be careful with people who have gallstones!

How do I use it? One (1) dropper in the mouth or water 10 min before a main/complex meal OR as needed if there is nausea. My favorite products are Urban Moonshine (gentle bitters) and Quicksilver BittersX

Digestive Supplement #2 - Glutamine powder

What does it do? Many things break down tight junctions (chemo, alcohol, food allergies, NSAIDS, dysbiotic bacteria, etc). Glutamine powder can help support the healing of the gut lining and repair tight junctions. Glutamine powder supports the growth, structure, and function of epithelial cells and reduces inflammation inside the GI Tract. https://apexenergetics.com/repairvite-gt-plus

Who is this for? Individuals with autoimmune conditions, food allergies, SIBO, IBD, leaky gut, and other similar conditions. Or anyone whom you suspect has gut barrier breakdown.

How do I use it? Research supports 10-20g, but it's hard to get this dose with capsules. I usually start with 1 scoop first thing in the morning AND/OR before bed. You can work up to higher doses, use in isolation, OR with other supportive herbs. My favorite products are Xymogen GlutAloeMine, Metagenics Glutagenics, DFH GI Revive, and APEX RepairVite GT Plus.

Digestive Supplement #3 - Prebiotic powders

What does it do? Prebiotic fibers promote peristalsis, a healthy ecosystem, and enhance SCFA production. They can improve blood sugar regulation, reduce hunger, and promote satiety.

Who is this for? They can be used for those with dysbiosis, blood sugar dysregulation, post-antibiotic use, in conjunction with probiotics, people on a low FODMAP diet for too long, SIBO, and other similar conditions. Be careful, though, as some can be pretty sensitive to prebiotics.

How do I use it? Depending on the circumstances, I will use individual powders like Inulin, guar gum, cellulose, or blends like DFH Paleo Fiber or Pure Encapsulations Pure Lean Fiber. I start slow and low with ¼ tsp, and work up to 1 tsp OR scoop that is in the container. Typically, I have clients add this to 1oz of Lakewood juices. Prebiotics and polyphenols are in a happy marriage!

Digestive Supplement #4 - Probiotics

What does it do? These supplements can impact the terrain of the gut, have immune modulating effects, support motility by alleviating constipation and/or diarrhea, may improve lactose intolerance, and support inflammation in the GI tract.

Who is this for? Everyone! OR most everyone!

How do I use it? I use 5-20 billion for the general population, usually a blend of lactobacilli and bifidobacterium strains. For more therapeutic doses, I go 50B and higher. I'll use this dose with or after antibiotics OR antimicrobial protocol, candida, dysbiosis, gas, bloating. A favorite right now is Klaire Labs TheraBiotic Synbiotic because it has Sunfiber in it, making it safe for SIBO!

Digestive Supplement #5 - Ginger

What does it do? Ginger has multiple polyphenols that elevate SCFA, increase beneficial bacteria like bifidobacterium, promote a diverse microbiome, support a healthy gut lining, and can impact obesity. Essentially, it’s a prebiotic!

Who is this for? Those with sluggish motility, constipation, and gastritis. It does have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

How do I use it? Typically, I use Pure Encapsulations Ginger extract OR Pure Encapsulations MotilPro.

The Seasoned Practitioner Course is a Functional Nutrition Training & Applied Practice experience.  It is offered exclusively to nutrition interns in the Mentorship Program and nutrition graduates of our program who have completed 1 year of active participation.  CNS candidates can earn up to 160 applied practice hours toward their SPE requirements. Learn more about what we have to offer through our CNS internship.

For more FREE content, check out our Resource Hub to learn more about how to start a nutrition business, prepare for the CNS exam, clinical nutrition pearls, best practices for meeting SPE requirements, self-care for the clinical nutritionist, and more.