6 Essential Vitamins and Enzymes for Your Gut

Our overall health is directly linked to our digestive health, and if we are not getting enough of the nutrients because of improper digestion or poor diet, we can face numerous health issues. Studies reflect that without the right vitamins and enzymes in our gut, our body is likely to face the risks of weaker bones, fatigue, nausea, and a weak immune system.

According to the National Institutes of Health, one can get the essential vitamins and enzymes for one’s gut by eating fruits, vegetables, and protein. Additionally, there are pills to improve the digestive process. One cannot overlook the importance of vitamins and enzymes in maintaining gut health and our overall well-being.

Read on to learn about the vital vitamins and enzymes that are most important for healthy digestion and how to include them in our daily diet.

1. Vitamin B Complex
   B vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12 play a very important role in our digestion and thus need to be a regular part of your diet. These vitamins play a major role in energy metabolism and help convert food into energy, and keep the mucous membranes in the digestive tract healthy.

• Found in - fish, meat, leafy greens and dairy products

2. Vitamin C
   Although Vitamin C is linked to a stronger immune system, the vitamin also supports digestion by keeping the teeth and gums healthy. In addition, vitamin C improves the absorb iron absorption and prevents iron deficiency and other digestive issues. Additionally, it maintains the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract by supporting the synthesis of collagen.

• Found in - Citrus fruits, peppers, berries, broccoli, tomatoes

3. Vitamin D
   Vitamin D plays a key role in how your immune system functions, thus, our body needs to have a healthy level of vitamin D so as to prevent muscle weakness and poor digestion. As the vitamin supports the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, it means stronger bones and balanced gut microbiota with a reduced risk of inflammatory bowel diseases. 

• Found in - Vitamin D–rich foods such as fortified milk, fortified cereal, fish, liver and egg yolks.

4. Vitamin A
   Vitamin A is involved in maintaining the immune system, bone, and reproductive health. Vitamin A deficiency is known to cause some gastrointestinal diseases and can weaken the formation and destruction of free radicals. 

• Found in – liver,  milk,  colorful fruits and vegetables, and other dark greens

5. Probiotics
   Probiotics are crucial for a healthy gut as they preserve the tricky balance between good and bad bacteria in the digestive system. These microorganisms promote a balanced gut microbiota and support overall gut health by nourishing the cells lining the intestines. 

• Found in – sauerkraut, yogurt, miso, tempeh

6. Digestive enzymes
   Digestive enzymes such as amylases, lipases, and proteases support efficient digestion by facilitating in the breakdown of complex macronutrients and making them absorbable. Naturally, these proteins are generated by the pancreas and released into the small intestine, where they speed up chemical reactions to turn nutrients from the food into absorbable substances.

• Found in – Honey, mangoes, and bananas, along with  supplements