Do I need a prescription in order to take health supplements?

No, you do not need a prescription to take health supplements as they are not considered drugs. However, you should always consult your doctor before using any supplement because some of them may have unwanted side effects or interfere with other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements you're already taking. Asking your doctor before taking a supplement is especially crucial if you're expecting or breastfeeding, going through surgery, have a medical condition like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, or are pregnant or nursing. Additionally, never give children below the age of 16 a supplement without first consulting their doctor.

What health supplements are best for overall health?

Studies show that the five best health supplements to include in your diet for overall health are folic acid, vitamin B12, magnesium, vitamin D, and fish oil.

Why should I buy health supplements from NutriLife?

Carefully formulated in Singapore, NutriLife’s health supplements were established in 2014 with an aim to improve the quality of life for the entire family through high quality, natural health care products and health supplements. Joint care and joint pain relief products, beauty and skincare supplements, gut health and probiotics supplements, daily vitamins, and even weight reduction supplements are some of our main product categories. From children to ageing loved ones, there is something for everyone at NutriLife. NutriLife’s health supplements are manufactured in Europe and the US under strict quality controls.

How Can I Improve My Gut Health?

October 23, 2024

The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome, which play an important role in maintaining your overall health. It influences everything from digestion and immunity to mental well-being and even your risk of developing chronic diseases. When your gut microbiome is in balance, your body functions optimally.

However, an unhealthy gut—often characterised by symptoms like bloating, indigestion, fatigue, and even mood disturbances—can lead to broader health issues. This could lead to inflammation, weakened immunity, and a higher risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. To combat this, it’s important to know how to nurture a healthy gut microbiome and restore balance, mitigating the risk of facing issues associated with an unhealthy gut.

Healthy Diet

One of the most impactful ways to promote a healthy gut is through your diet. Consider incorporating these into your meal plan to support your gut health:

Embrace Fibre-Rich Foods

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that your body can't digest. However, it serves as a vital food source for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. A high-fibre diet promotes regular bowel movements, reduces the risk of bowel cancer, and helps nourish your gut bacteria.

These are some suggestions on what to eat if you’re looking for fibre-rich foods that can promote improved gut health:

Vegetables: Load up on leafy greens like kai lan and spinach, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
Legumes: Incorporate lentils, chickpeas, and beans into your meals.
Fruits: Enjoy a variety of fruits like bananas, mangoes, papayas, and berries.
Whole Grains: Choose brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-wheat bread over refined grains.
Nuts and Seeds: Snack on almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.

Prioritise Prebiotic Fibre

Prebiotics serve as "food" for your beneficial gut bacteria, also referred to as probiotics. This type of fibre helps these bacteria thrive and multiply, further supporting your gut health. Foods with prebiotics that potentially help improve your gut include bananas, onions, and even garlic.

Limit Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods, such as sugary drinks and fast food, are often low in fibre and packed with unhealthy fats, sugar, and additives. When taken in excess, these foods can affect the balance of your gut microbiome and increase your risk of inflammation.

Stay Hydrated

Water is necessary for the smooth functioning of all digestive processes, from breaking down food to absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. Therefore, it's important to consume healthy amounts of water every day, specifically eight glasses a day.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

While maintaining a healthy diet can aid in your gut health, several other lifestyle factors are just as important for fostering a thriving gut microbiome. These include:

Regular Exercise

Exercising regularly can also be advantageous for promoting improved gut health. When you engage in exercises, it will make your heart pump harder and faster, enabling your body to support healthy circulation in your gut. Moreover, certain exercises can help support peristalsis, which would help you to empty your gut smoothly.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can significantly affect your gut health, leading to imbalances in your gut microbiome. Therefore, make sure to incorporate stress management techniques into your routine, such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.

Sufficient Sleep

Sleep is an essential yet often overlooked strategy in maintaining gut health. When you sleep, your body undergoes crucial restorative processes, and this includes your gut. That's why if you have poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep, it can disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially contributing to digestive problems such as inflammation and indigestion.

Consider Probiotic Supplements

Although diet and lifestyle improvements are essential for your gut health, supplements for gut health like probiotic supplements can offer additional support. When consumed in sufficient amounts, probiotics help maintain a healthy digestive system and balance your gut flora. However, the gut microbiome is complex, and different probiotic strains will affect each person differently.

Therefore, before purchasing probiotics from a supplement store in Singapore, it is important to consult your doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Your doctor can give you recommendations on what supplements or lifestyle adjustments would be good for your gut health.