People contact me constantly asking what are the top supplements that I can recommend for people to use to improve their overall digestive health. It is hard for me to recommend these supplements to everyone, but these are supplements that I believe will help the majority of people with digestive woes. This list is more of supplement preparations and less of individual supplement recommendations. Most of the time it is not ideal to buy a supplement with many different herbs or supplements combined, but for some people, these supplement combinations work wonders for their digestive issues. Here are the top five supplements that I have recommended to clients with the most success.
Top Five Supplements to Improve Your Digestive Health
Motilpro
Motilpro from Pure Encapsulations is a great supplement to help increase motility, improve gastric emptying, relieve nausea, and help relieve symptoms of chronic constipation and SIBO-C. Motilpro contains vitamin B6, ginger extract, acetyl-L-carnitine, and 5-HTP. Vitamin B6 and ginger can help relieve nausea. Ginger increases gastric motility and supports proper bile release into the small intestine, improve fat assimilation and digestion. Aceytl-L-carntine helps improve neuronal health of brain and colon and improve the MMC. It also increases acetylcholine which is an important neurotransmitter for proper muscle contractions, nerve conductivity, and motility in the gut. Finally, Motilpro contains 5-HTP which increases serotonin production in the brain and gut that can help encourage proper motility by inducing proper MMC function and muscle contractions in the digestive tract. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
I do have some slight concerns with recommending Motilpro to everyone. It should not be used if you are taking any supplements or medications that increase serotonin, because it can lead to a serious medical condition known as serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are, shivering, elevated temperature, muscle spasms, diarrhea, headache, and mental issues. 8
Atrantil
Atrantil is a relatively new supplement that may help people suffering from SIBO-C or methane dominant SIBO. It contains tannins, saponins, and peppermint oil. The supplement reduces archaea overgrowth in an attempt to relieve chronic constipation and restore motility. I have had success recommending this supplement to people suffering from SIBO-C and for most, it seems to help. I wrote a prior blog on the supplement here, that includes and interview with the supplements maker Dr. Kenneth Brown and the mechanism of action of each ingredient.
Urban Moonshine Digestive Bitters – Orange
Digestive bitters supplements are a mixture of herbs that vary depending on the brand. Digestive bitter supplements can be used to help stimulate digestion and help the body make natural digestive enzymes. Digestive bitter herbs help stimulate digestion and improve gallbladder function and gastric emptying.
Gentian is a bitter herb from a plant native to China and is used in most digestive bitter formulas. Gentian has been shown to help ease gallbladder issues and indigestion. The herb helps increase appetite, stimulates the production of digestive juices, increases pancreatic activity, and boosts blood supply to the digestive organs. Gentian is also known to stimulate the flow of bile. 9 10 11
Dandelion increases kidney function and detox and is a source of potassium. Fennel has mild antimicrobial properties. Burdock is eaten in Asian cultures and stimulates bile. Yellow dock works similar to aloe vera in its gut soothing and laxative properties. Ginger increases bile production and stomach emptying, may slow the third wave of the MMC in some people. Angelica root is eaten in Norway and has antimicrobial effects similar to berberine. The orange peel has some D-limonene in it which is why I recommend the orange flavor specifically. 12 13
Most of the herbs used in digestive bitters are to stimulate acid production and bile. They are fine short-term, but I do not recommend long-term use of herbs unless strongly needed. Some herbs that are used in food preparation like ginger or cayenne are probably fine for long-term use. Finally, if you are suffering from severe gastritis, ulcers, ALDH2 genetic deficiency, liver problems, or yeast overgrowth I would avoid the supplement because of its use of alcohol in the tincture.
Pyloricil
More and more people I coach are suffering from upper gut overgrowth including H. pylori. Pyloricil is one of the best supplements to combine natural antimicrobial agents to help reduce upper gut overgrowth.
Mastic gum is an evergreen shrub closely related the pistachio and is native to Greece. It is used in a lot of Greek food. In medicine, has been shown greatly to inhibit H. pylori growth in the upper gut because of its isomasticadienolic acid content. Mastic gum can also coat ulcers and protect them from further irritation. 14 15
Zinc carnosine protects the stomach lining from an opportunistic H. pylori infection, and NSAID damage that causes ulcers. 16
Bismuth has weak antimicrobial properties in the upper gut and binds with LPS produced by Gram-negative bacteria to eliminate them from the body and reduce inflammation.
Berberine is not a systemic antibacterial, but it is known to have strong antibacterial properties when it comes into direct contact with the bacteria, so it works well in the upper gut. Berberine supports healthy mucus flow and increases IgA antibodies in the mucous to reduce overgrowth. 17 18
Berberine interferes with any medication that uses the cytochrome p450 pathway for metabolism. Berberine has been known to interfere with anticoagulants (heparin and warfarin), as well. Berberine can also reduce blood glucose levels so take with food. It also inhibits the aldose reductase pathway so avoid sorbitol and other sugar alcohols while taking it to protect your vision. Large doses of berberine can be harsh on the stomach mucosa, so discontinue if it causes gastritis or worsens it. Check with your doctor if you are on any medication before you use berberine to make sure it is safe. 19 20 21
GI Revive
GI Revive is the supplement that I have had the most success in recommending for people with upper gut digestive issues. It works well in reducing upper gut overgrowth, relieving inflammation, reducing histamine overreactions, protects the mucosa, and helps repair upper gut tissue (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.)
Supplements That Reduce Overgrowth
Supplements That Reduce Inflammation
Supplements That Help Protect the Mucosa
- DGL 32
- Slippery elm 33 34
- Mucin 35 36
- Zinc carnosine 37
- Okra extract 38
- Marshmallow 39 40
- Aloe vera 41 42
Supplement to Reduce Histamine
- Quercetin 43
Supplements That Help With Repairing Tissue
As you can see a lot of the individual supplements in GI Revive help to facilitate proper upper gut digestion. The only issues I can see with using the supplement are:
- If you have hydrogen sulfide reducing overgrowth or bad reactions to sulfur (CBS mutations), the MSM in the supplement may cause issues. Increased anxiety, headaches, brain fog, and inflammation may occur from hydrogen sulfide leaking into the bloodstream. 47
- Some uppergut bacteria may use glutamine for replication. If glutamine supplementation causes you to have increased anxiety, headaches, brain fog, bloating, or inflammation, do not use GI Revive.
- If you have Candida or yeast overgrowth, NAG can increase its growth. 48
- If you have a COMT mutation, quercetin can worsen it. 49
Even though this supplement does have its limitations to the people I have suggested to take it, most have seen remarkable improvement. If you are having upper gut issues for most, it is definitely worth trying for relief.
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Want more recommendations?
Check out our Recommended Supplements page!
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- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18403946 ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016669/ ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10793599 ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17130022 ↩
- http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/basics/gi_nervous.html ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2215852 ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3272651/ ↩
- http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/5hydroxytryptophan-5htp ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, 2010. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery Publishing, 2012. ↩
- http://www.christopherhobbs.com/library/articles-on-herbs-and-health/gentian-a-bitter-pill-to-swallow/ ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, 2010. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery Publishing, 2012. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, 2010. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery Publishing, 2012. ↩
- Dr. Brownstein, David. Drugs That Don’t Work and Natural Therapies that Do!, Medical Alternative Press, 2007. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, 2010. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery Publishing, 2012. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, 2010. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery Publishing, 2012. ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24236461 ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1856764/ ↩
- https://www.google.com/patents/EP2493464A1?cl=en ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20881342 ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/ ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24597562 ↩
- http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/licorice ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1856764/ ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16610053 ↩
- http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2007/3/nu_catsclaw/page-01 ↩
- http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/10/why-some-people-need-modified-citrus-pectin/page-01 ↩
- http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/licorice ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, 2010. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery Publishing, 2012. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, 2010. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery Publishing, 2012. ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1856764/ ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3887003/ ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, 2010. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery Publishing, 2012. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, 2010. ↩
- Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery Publishing, 2012. ↩
- https://selfhacked.com/2014/08/01/deal-histamine/ ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1856764/ ↩
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4369670/ ↩
- http://www.maureenwilliamsnd.com/articles/gastrointestinal.html ↩
- http://www.townsendletter.com/FebMarch2015/sibo0215_2.html ↩
- http://pathway.candidagenome.org/CALBI/NEW-IMAGE?object=GLUAMCAT-PWY ↩
- https://ihateticks.me/2014/11/17/the-comt-polymorphism/ ↩
This list together was certainly more than just five recommendations. Thank you!!!
Dear Dr. John Brisson,
Ever since winter I have some bad wheezing in my lungs ( not sure if it is congestion from the cold air. I run twice a day year around for 1/2 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon up and down a hill). This winter though I haven’t taken vitamin C because of some bad gut bloating issues that worsen after acidic supplements. But I’ve also had asthma as a child and needed a puffer.
But simultaneously during winter 2021, I’d also started taking Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus). Do you think that this wheezing is in fact a histamine allergic reaction? (I read that Lion’s mane causes mast cell degranulation) I seem to get wheezing when irritating the stomach as well from too many enzymes, like from the Digest Ultimate (Now Foods) enzymes extracted from Aspergillus niger. But wheezing can happen in morning or at night 3 – 4 am, away from meals.
I did an ImuPro test and saw that I had an allergy to Aspergillus niger of 8.8 mu-grams / mL of IgG . Do you think that my wheezing during meals is from histamines / allergy to this enzyme and from long-term use of Lion’s mane? I have many IgG mediated intolerances and am only allowed about 5 foods.
(Background: persistent acid reflux and regurgitation when NOT using enzymes, sept in my gallbladder or malformation genetic perhaps, better digestion with bitters and bromelain and Digest Ultimate, and also history of chronic constipation, and now some long-term bloating that started BEFORE using senna / buckthorn bark laxatives to aid the constipation every day)
1) Do you as a doctor think I have caused all these allergies from Lion’s Mane?
2) And do you think the Aspergillus-niger enzyme Digest Ultimate is causing the wheezing?
3) I also have an allergy of 8.5 mu-grams / mL for pepper — do you think I should avoid some other enzymes that contain contain this unfortunate pepper?
Really looking forward to your advice as a doctor and health coach, my life is very hard now, I could use any advice you give, thank you!
AV.
Dear Doctor Brisson,
I am a girl aged 24 years and think I took way too much glutamine in one day. I think I took around 20 grams of glutamine powder ( I weigh around 43 kilograms). My stomach feels better after glutamine and it also helps my constipation.
But this time I recognize I took too much because my head hurts, it’s my fault. Now I have a bad headache (it has lasted around 24 hours) and it hurts in the upper area of the back of my head, and at the top of my head feels like the neurons are burning (there is a feeling of cold or burning at the top of my head).
It was a bit better after running outside and some bilberry powder, but it came back after a few minutes.
1) Have you ever heard of this kind of headache induced by glutamine? Is it excess glutamate? I took theanine and cysteine but they didn’t help.
2) Do you think that I caused some kind of brain damage with too much of this glutamine?
3) Do you think that Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) will help? (I’ve researched that it helps against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity)
Please advise me because I am kind of scared at what I did to my brain and want it to go away.
Really looking forward to what you will say from your vast experience as a doctor (I must learn to correct these silly mistakes of mine),
AV.
Dear Doctor Peter Smith,
I am a girl aged 24 years and think I took way too much glutamine in one day. I think I took around 20 grams of glutamine powder ( I weigh around 43 kilograms). My stomach feels better after glutamine and it also helps my constipation.
But this time I recognize I took too much because my head hurts, it’s my fault. Now I have a bad headache (it has lasted around 24 hours) and it hurts in the upper area of the back of my head, and at the top of my head feels like the neurons are burning (there is a feeling of cold or burning at the top of my head).
It was a bit better after running outside and some bilberry powder, but it came back after a few minutes.
1) Have you ever heard of this kind of headache induced by glutamine? Is it excess glutamate? I took theanine and cysteine but they didn’t help.
2) Do you think that I caused some kind of brain damage with too much of this glutamine?
3) Do you think that Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) will help? (I’ve researched that it helps against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity)
Please advise me because I am kind of scared at what I did to my brain and want it to go away.
Really looking forward to what you will say from your vast experience as a doctor (I must learn to correct these silly mistakes of mine),
AV.
Should the motilpro be started
at during the treatment course of methane Sibo (taking the natural suppliment route with Berberine and another)?
Or after once the antibiotic course are done?
When taking GI Revive my eyes feel a bit sensitive. Almost itchy but not actually itchy. Just burny feeling and it comes on and goes. No visual redness. It’s 100% the gi revive as I stopped and it goes away. Taking again and it comes back.
I don’t have any digestive issues while taking and in fact my BMs have been very good.
Is this likely die off? I wonder because when I’ve been on actual pharmaceutical antibiotics in the past I have that same eye burn feeling while on them.
Possibly, or it could be some sort of allergic reaction to both the antibiotics or something in GI Revive. It could also being both of them increasing histamine levels in your body or Th2 immune reactions.
So would you say I should keep going with it?
When I take Leaky Gut Revive by Amy Meyers I don’t get that affect. It has some of the same ingredients as GI Revive, but not the same.
Just not sure if it’s actually a good sign or bad one.
Is it safe to take MotilPro with Atrantil?
Do you have a preference between MotilPro and Iberogast?
https://usaconsumerchoice.com/index.php/other-reviews/ enzymes
so which is the top quality enzymes on earth ?
Hi John,
Have you heard of any problems with taking Mastic gum when you have SIBO? I’ve seen a few comments suggesting that it may worsen SIBO but I haven’t seen any studies or references to support them.
I have not seen any studies but I have heard of anecdotal evidence that in some people it can increase bloating. The bloating could be from die off or fermentation it is a resin after all. I doubt taking it would cause any permanent negative changes to your battle with SIBO.
Hi John I took 2 motilpro for the first time and 2 hours later broke out in a rash all over my body and face. Could this be an allergic reaction from this? Or is this a side effect?
Yes, that is an allergic reaction for sure I would stop immediately. Are you allergic to any of the ingredients in it like ginger?
Hi John are you still writing on this message board?
Yes, I try to answer the comments on the blog when I can.
Dear Mr. John Brisson
I have sent you a linked in message and would like to ask you for some advice in dealing with my own bloating and GI issues (of course, I will pay if you decide to coach me).
Is there an email you use to which I can send some questions?
Thank you for your time and help, really appreciate it, I’m looking for help for over 7 years,
Ana V.
Hej John,
would you recommend “Neuro Protek” from Algonot.com to someone with
histaminintolerace?
It contains Luteolin, Quercetin & Rutin.
Dear Nina,
It might be worth taking, I have coached people who have tried it before with great success.
John
What if GI revive causes major indigestion and upper abdominal pain. What should I try next to repair leaky gut?
As your health care professional about using either dgl powder by itself or zinc carnosine by itself. Make sure you take zinc with food.
Hi there. Want to try the GI revive for my daughter who has terrible chronic GI issues- bloat, motility, constipation, likely SIBOc…..can’t do breathtest with her to confirm. We started low fodmaps diet. Some of the Ingredients in the GI revive may be high fodmaps- think it’s ok? I bought it and was so excited to give it a try along with strict diet. She’s already done rx for sibo in past but think we keep re curring because we can’t heal the gut and get things moving through quicker. She’s nonverbal 11 year old who’s suppository dependent so it’s super hard and frustrating- been at this 5 + years
Dear Mari,
She might react to it because of the FODMAP’s in the GI revive, dosage is difficult as well depending on her weight, it might be a good idea to half or 1/4 the dosage and see how she tolerates it. https://fixyourgut.com/make-low-fodmap-work-for-you/
John
thoughts on using iberogast for motility?
Ok, but some people have issues with the alcohol in it which can be harsh for digestion and peppermint which can actually slow down motility.
Hi John,
I am having issues with motility, not digesting my proteins/fats very well, no gallbladder causing severe tension from mid gut up through my neck along with inflammation slow digestion around my belly button region. I am working with functional doctor/integrative nutritionist with no improvement. I am taking quality magnesium, bile salt, digestive enzymes, thornes vit d/k2.
I cut out processed foods with same symptoms. any suggestions?
SIBO-C, https://fixyourgut.com/sibo-methane-or-hydrogen-dominant-what-is-the-difference/?
Dear John, I am now seeing a Functional Medical doctor and he does not know HALF of what you know, it’s a shame someone can call them selves an expert, and not be. You on the other hand I respect very much.I only buy what YOU suggest.I feel you take this more serious then anyone out there, maybe a few others. Please help, I bought The Moonshine Bitters, I am without a gallbladder and have idiopathic GP.It worked well the first two days with my HCL w/ pepsin.One the second night I came down with what I thought was a bout of seasonal allergies, here in FL. the spring can be bad, but this is the worst attack I have ever had, throat, nose, ears, BAD.Could it possibly be from the contents of the bitters?I find it so hard to understand this last six months I have been on AIP, MAJOR VITS AND AMINOS, and now have this, I was hoping my immune was getting better. Your thought my friend? Ava
It is very much a possibility that some of the herbs in the bitters increased histamine, causing your issues. Both the alcohol or the ACV in the bitters can also cause histamine immune reactions in some people. Stop them from now. If you can tolerate buffered vitamin C, a little bit may help as a natural antihistamine. Local honey may help too!
I’ve just started with Motilpro, taking 2 pills, 3 times a day in between meals but get pretty bad abdominal pain and diarrhea. How do you recommend taking it?
It might be speeding up your MMC too much. Maybe reduce the dosage to 1 pill three times daily.
Could enzyme inhibitation occur when these drugs/supplements are combined(Xifaxan,Flagyl,Berberine ,Neem) if they are sharing metabolism which compete for the same enzyme receptor site making Xifaxan less effective and creating potential toxicity. If Xifaxan in vitro induces CP450,Flagyl inhibits , and Berberine interferes with any drug that uses CP450 for metabolism is Xifaxan best not combined with Berberine and are they sharing the same CYP3A4 (CP450) isozyme ?
Xifaxan in theory should not cause any issues with CP450 as long as someone does not have severe leaky gut. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4737517/ Xifaxan requires bile to be soluble. It does not need to be processed by the cytochrome P450 pathway to be effective and should not cause detoxification issues systemically.
hi john
ive read that sulforaphane (found in broccoli) can help with a certain type of h. pylori
have you heard about that and can you lay out your impression?
thank you
https://fixyourgut.com/resolution-of-upper-gut-h-pylori-dysbiosis-repairing-ulcers/