Digestive Support

Sometimes the gut simply needs a little extra help breaking food down and keeping stomach acid strong enough to do its job. The supplements below are worth trying if you often deal with bloating, heaviness, or indigestion.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been used to gently stimulate stomach acid and improve digestion. When stomach acid is low, food isn’t broken down properly, leading to bloating, reflux, or that heavy feeling after meals.

Choose a brand that comes in a glass bottle and includes “the mother” - the cloudy, living part that holds beneficial enzymes and organic acids. These days there are a number of excellent options found in most supermarkets.

Start with 1 teaspoon in a small amount of water before meals, and build up slowly to 1 tablespoon if well tolerated. It shouldn’t burn - just feel gently warming. If it ever feels harsh, dilute it more or lower the dose.

Digestive Enzymes

[Bioglan Digest Eze – Shop Link]

For those who feel nauseous, gassy or bloated after meals, a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme can help bridge the gap while the gut restores balance. Enzymes work alongside your body to help break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates. This eases the load on your gut and improves nutrient absorption.

There are many options available, but I’ve found Bioglan Digest Eze (available at Chemist Warehouse) to be readily available and effective. One capsule before your main meals is usually enough.

Bringing It Together

If you’re just beginning:

• Start with apple cider vinegar before meals.

• Add digestive enzymes for heavier or harder to digest meals.

• Focus on calm eating - sit, breathe, chew slowly. This helps to switch on digestion.

As digestion strengthens, you may find you no longer need the extra support every day. The goal is to help your body remember what it already knows - how to digest with ease.

Understand more about gut rhythm and restoration in The Rhythm of Health.