Gut Support: Start with the Basics and Discover What Works for You

Uncertainty. Questions. Looking for answers. Sometimes eating doesn’t feel as carefree as you’d like. Enjoying food can be difficult when you’re constantly wondering what you can and can’t eat.

Perhaps the most frustrating part is not knowing why your digestion feels different. Is it lactose? Fructose? Are you getting enough fibre? Is your gut microbiota out of balance? Or is something else going on? Sometimes it can feel like an endless search for answers.

Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

The dietitians at Intoleran have many years of experience in food intolerances and digestive health. Based on this expertise, they developed the Gut Support Pyramid: a practical step-by-step guide that shows how you can support your digestive system. It starts with the basics and gradually builds towards more targeted support when needed.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the three levels of the pyramid. You’ll gain a better understanding of your digestive health and discover which type of support may be most suitable for your situation.

Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation for Healthy Digestion

If you notice that your digestion feels different than usual, it’s natural to want to understand why. However, supporting normal digestion usually doesn’t start with a supplement—it starts with the everyday choices you make.

The foundation of the pyramid consists of the basics of a healthy digestive system:

• Drink enough water.
• Eat a varied and balanced diet.
• Get enough dietary fibre.
• Stay physically active every day.
• Get enough rest.
• Try to limit long-term stress where possible.

These habits may seem obvious, but they shouldn’t be underestimated. Together, they form the foundation of a healthy lifestyle and support normal digestion. Think of this level as the foundation of a house: the stronger the base, the stronger everything built on top of it.

Step 2: Give Your Gut Microbiota the Attention It Deserves

Have you established a healthy foundation but still feel that your digestion isn’t quite as you’d like? Then it may be time to look at the next level of the pyramid.

Your gut microbiota consists of billions of bacteria that work together to process food and support digestion. Factors such as diet and lifestyle can influence the composition of your gut microbiota.

Does this sound familiar? You may choose to give your gut microbiota some extra support. For example, by making sure you get enough dietary fibre or, as part of a healthy lifestyle, by adding a fibre or probiotic supplement.

 

Step 3: Targeted Support with Digestive Enzymes

Do you notice that certain foods are more difficult for you to digest? If so, it may be helpful to explore which nutrients are involved.

You may notice this with:

• milk and other dairy products;
• fruit or foods containing fructose;
• foods rich in FODMAPs;
• or several different foods.

In these situations, digestive enzymes may provide support. They help digest specific nutrients.

That’s why enzymes are at the top of the pyramid. Not because they’re more important than the other levels, but because they’re intended as targeted support once you’ve established a strong foundation.

Which Step Fits Your Situation?

You may still have questions after reading this article, and that’s completely understandable. Every gut is different.

Perhaps one of these questions sounds familiar:

• I already eat quite healthily, but am I getting enough fibre?
• How can I support my gut microbiota?
• Which probiotic is right for me?
• I notice that certain foods are harder for me to digest. Which enzyme could help?
• Or would it be better to consult a dietitian first?

Because no two digestive systems are exactly the same, we’ve developed our Product Guide. It’s not a complicated test, but a simple way to discover which type of support best matches your needs.

With the Product Guide, you’ll answer a few short questions about your diet and situation. Within one minute, you’ll receive personalised advice.

Whether you’re looking to increase your fibre intake, support your gut microbiota, or discover which digestive enzymes may suit your needs, the Product Guide will point you in the right direction.