Digestive disorders: the most effective dietary supplements

Digestive disorders, commonly grouped under the term dyspepsia, encompass a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or heartburn. These symptoms often occur after meals, especially when those meals are large, eaten quickly, or high in fat. Dyspepsia is common and can be related to various conditions ranging from functional disorders (with no detectable organic cause) to specific conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), food intolerances, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Digestive disorders can manifest as a series of uncomfortable symptoms, particularly in the upper abdominal region. Among the most common: • Pain and burning sensations in the epigastric area (just below the ribs); • Bloating and abdominal swelling, sometimes accompanied by gas; • Early satiety: a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts; • Nausea or vomiting; • Frequent belching: often associated with consuming rich foods or carbonated beverages; • Slowed digestion: a feeling of heaviness after meals, sometimes related to slowed intestinal transit. These symptoms may appear alone or in combination, and their intensity varies from person to person. In cases of functional dyspepsia, they occur without an identified organic cause, which can make management complex.

Origins of digestive disorders

The causes of these disorders are varied: • Poor eating habits: meals high in fat, sugar, or spice, meals that are too large or eaten quickly. • Stress and anxiety: chronic stress can slow or disturb digestion. • Chronic conditions: diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, as well as biliary or hepatic conditions. Poor bile production, which is essential for fat digestion, can lead to digestive difficulties, particularly after a fatty meal, causing symptoms such as bloating, flatulence and abdominal discomfort. It should be noted that some people may develop sensitivities to specific foods such as gluten or lactose or may lack the enzymes necessary to digest them properly.

SIBO, an underrecognized disorder

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is characterized by an excessive bacterial proliferation in the small intestine. Normally, bacteria primarily colonize the colon, but in SIBO they invade the small intestine, causing abnormal fermentations that produce gases (hydrogen and methane). These gases can cause pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Factors promoting SIBO: • Intestinal dysmotility: slowing of intestinal motility, often related to neurological or hormonal disorders. • Dysbiosis: imbalance of the gut flora caused by repeated antibiotic use, stress, or a low-fiber diet. • Hypochlorhydria: low gastric acidity, which favors bacterial survival in the small intestine. An accurate diagnosis may require a test measuring hydrogen or methane in the breath after ingestion of a specific sugar. These tests allow identification of excess bacteria in the small intestine. Prevention mainly relies on a balanced diet, stress reduction, and good lifestyle habits.

Natural approaches for digestive well-being

Natural management of digestive disorders favors gentle solutions and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some natural recommendations to relieve dyspepsia: • Herbal medicine: Among plants beneficial for the digestive system, the artichoke is recognized for improving digestion by stimulating bile production, which is essential for fat digestion. The turmeric, for its part, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps soothe gastrointestinal pain. Fennel and ginger, both carminatives, reduce bloating and help regulate digestive motility, facilitating abdominal comfort. • Probiotics and prebiotics: These supplements rebalance the microbiota and are particularly useful in cases of dysbiosis or SIBO. Probiotics, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, strengthen the gut flora and protect the digestive mucosa. Prebiotic fibers, like inulin, feed the beneficial bacteria and promote a healthy microbiota, contributing to overall digestive system health. • Supplementation with digestive enzymes: In cases of pancreatic insufficiency or difficulty digesting certain foods, supplementation with digestive enzymes (lipase, amylase, protease) can facilitate digestion by promoting the breakdown of nutrients. This approach is particularly useful when the body lacks the necessary enzymes, which is common with aging or in chronic digestive disorders. • Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle plays a key role in the prevention and management of digestive disorders. Stress management practices such as meditation or breathing exercises help reduce the impact of stress on digestion. Eating at regular times, in a calm environment, and avoiding stressful situations or heated conversations promotes good digestion. Additionally, slow chewing effectively begins digestion in the mouth, thus optimizing the entire digestive process. • Specific advice for SIBO: In cases of SIBO, certain specific measures can alleviate symptoms. Reducing sugars, particularly foods high in FODMAPs (fructose, dairy products, cereals containing gluten…), helps limit bacterial fermentation in the small intestine. Plant extracts such as the oregano and the garlic have natural antibacterial properties, useful for fighting unwanted bacteria and promoting a balanced intestinal environment. It is important to address digestive disorders holistically and adopt good lifestyle habits. Chronic digestive disorders, particularly SIBO, can lead to long-term complications when not properly treated. One of the main consequences of SIBO is malabsorption of nutrients, notably carbohydrates and vitamin B12. Appropriate management is therefore necessary to avoid these complications and preserve long-term health.