5 DIGESTIVE SUPPLEMENTS & HOW TO USE THEM WITH KATE COSTELLO

My favorite DIGESTIVE SUPPLEMENTS (in no particular order) and how I use them.

1. Bitters

   1. What does it do? improves parasympathetic nervous system innervation, enhances digestion, improve HCL production and gallbladder secretions, improves tone of LES

   2. Who is this for? Reflux, when proteins and complex meals are hard to digest, skip breakfast, fullness after meals, atopic conditions, careful with people who have gallstones

   3. How do I use it? 1 dropper in mouth or water 10 min before a main/complex meal OR as needed if there is nausea - favorite products Urban Moonshine (gentle bitters) and Quicksilver BittersX

2. Glutamine powder

   1. What does it do? Many things break down tight junctions (chemo, alcohol, food allergies, NSAIDS, dysbiotic bacteria), Supports Growth, structure, and function of epithelial cells, reduces inflammation

   2. Who is this for? autoimmune conditions, food allergies, SIBO, IBD, leaky gut

   3. How do I use it? 10-20g in research, hard to get this dose with capsules, usually 1 scoop to start first thing in the morning AND/OR before bed, work up to higher doses, can use in isolation OR with other supportive herbs - favorite products are Xymogen GlutAloeMine/ Metagenics Glutagenics, DFH GI Revive, APEX RepairVite GT Plus

3. Prebiotic powders

   1. What does it do? Prebiotic fibers promote peristalsis, promote a healthy ecosystem, enhance SCFA production, can improve blood sugar regulation, reduces hunger and promotes satiety

   2. Who is this for? Dysbiosis, blood sugar dysregulation, post antibiotic use, in conjunction with probiotics, people on low fodmap diet for too long, SIBO

   3. How do I use it? Depending on circumstances I will use individual powders like Inulin, guar gum, cellulose OR blends like DFH Paleo FIber RS or Pure Encapsulations Pure Lean Fiber, I start slow and low ¼ tsp and work up to 1tsp OR scoop that is in the container, typically I have clients add this to 1oz Lakewood juices, prebiotics and polyphenols are in a happy marriage

4. Probiotics

   1. What does it do? Impacts terrain of the gut, immune modulating effects, constipation and diarrhea support, improves lactose intolerance inflammation,

   2. Who is this for? Everyone! OR most everyone

   3. How do I use it? 5-20 billion for general population usually a blend of lactos and bifidos, for more therapeutic doses I go 50 and higher, with or after antibiotics OR antimicrobial protocol, candida, dysbiosis, gas, bloating, a favorite right now is Klaire Labs TheraBiotic Synbiotic because it has Sunfiber in it, safe for SIBO! Check out Probiotic Advisor for research on specific strains (PA is a perk of our mentorship program!)

5. Ginger

   1. What does it do? Ginger has multiple polyphenols that elevate SCFA, increases beneficial bacteria like bifidobacterium, and promotos diverse beneficial microbiome, supports healthy lining, impacts obesity, essentially it’s a prebiotic!

   2. Who is this for? Sluggish motility, Constipation, gastritis, antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory,

   3. How do I use it? Typically use Pure Encapsulations Ginger extract OR Pure Encapsulations MotilPro

   4. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/3194

The Seasoned Practitioner Course is a Functional Nutrition Training & Applied Practice experience.  As of 2024 it is offered exclusively to nutrition interns in our Mentorship Program and nutrition graduates of our program who completed 1 year of active participation.  CNS candidates can earn up to 160 applied practice hours toward their SPE requirements. Learn more about what we have to offer through our CNS internship.

For more FREE content, check out our Resource Hub to learn more about how to start a nutrition business, prepare for the CNS exam, clinical nutrition pearls, best practices for meeting SPE requirements, self-care for the clinical nutritionist, and more.