Naturally Immune For Life

• Gut Fix 101

by Mary Ferrari

Common Supplements, Fermented Foods, and Digestive Support

Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root

Slippery elm and marshmallow root are traditional herbal supplements commonly used to soothe irritation in the digestive tract. Both plants contain large amounts of mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and protects inflamed tissue.

When mixed with fluids this mucilage helps:

• Coat the esophagus, stomach and intestines

• Support the natural mucus barrier of the gut

• Reduce irritation and inflammation from stomach acid 

• Eases friction in inflamed tissue

• Reduce inflammatory signaling

These herbs are often used during periods of gut inflammation, reflux, gastritis, or intestinal discomfort. Many people report feeling some relief relatively quickly. Follow package directions and discontinue use if not tolerated. Consult your healthcare provider before long-term use although generally considered safe and well tolerated.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm forms a soothing protective layer throughout the digestive tract. It has traditionally been used to calm irritation involving the stomach and intestines and may help support the integrity of the gut lining.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root works similarly to slippery elm but is often considered even richer in mucilage. It may help calm irritated tissue and support moisture and protection within the digestive tract. Follow directions on the package.

SIBO Recipe

SIBO is formulated to help reduce hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production. Certain ingredients also help shift inflammatory macrophages toward a more anti-inflammatory state.

Some individuals experience symptom relief relatively quickly. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any this routine. You can find it here…..

Florastor and Saccharomyces boulardii

Florastor contains Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, one of the most extensively studied probiotic yeasts in digestive health research.

Unlike bacterial probiotics, S. boulardii is a non-pathogenic yeast. It has been studied for its ability to:

• Support microbial balance in the gut

• Reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea

• Support digestive function during IBS and IBD symptoms

• Help limit harmful organisms and toxins in the digestive tract

This yeast does not permanently colonize the gut, meaning it must be consumed regularly to maintain its effects.

Many people use S. boulardii before introducing more beneficial bacteria through probiotic foods or supplements. Follow package directions and consult your healthcare provider for appropriate duration of use.

Bovine Colostrum, Yogurt, and Kefir

Bovine colostrum, yogurt, and kefir are widely used foods for supporting digestive and immune health.

Bovine colostrum is a minimally processed food rich in immune compounds, growth factors, proteins, fats, and bioactive molecules. In mammals, colostrum is the first food naturally consumed after birth and plays a major role in gut, immune, and brain development.

Many people tolerate bovine colostrum well when introduced slowly.

Suggested Use
Start with approximately 1 teaspoon of bovine colostrum powder Mix into whole-fat yogurt or kefir. Combine with additional whole fat mammal milk if tolerated. Consume daily for at least 4-6 months. Add HMO’s if desired however bovine colostrum is also a natural prebiotic that can increase beneficial microbes like bifido 52 fold. Whole fat mammal milk sugars are also a preferred prebiotic for bifido strains.

The fat content in whole dairy products helps dissolve  colostrum effectively. Kefir and yogurt also naturally contain beneficial bacteria and friendly yeasts that support microbial diversity over time.

Greek yogurt can be used, but less processed whole-fat dairy products are generally preferred when tolerated.

Whole-Fat Mammal Milk

Whole-fat dairy products provide nutrients and fats that support metabolism. Do not use highly processed ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk products.

General guidelines include:

• Begin slowly if dairy tolerance is poor

• Avoid skim milk products 

• Increase milk intake gradually if tolerated well

Raw milk products will not be tolerated by most individuals with known gut issues or die off reactions and may carry contamination risks depending on sourcing and handling practices. 

Infants should only receive milk products according to pediatric guidance. Breastfeeding remains the preferred infant feeding method.

Supporting Ingredients: Probiotic Capsules

Over-the-counter probiotic supplements are commonly used to support digestive balance. Many products contain billions of colony-forming units (CFUs) and may include combinations of:

• Bifidobacterium species

• Lactobacillus species

• Beneficial yeasts

Look for products containing bifidobacteria, which are among the most studied beneficial gut organisms.

Naturally fermented foods such as homemade yogurt and kefir often contain immense  microbial populations compared to standard capsules. However, many people still find probiotic supplements useful.

Introducing new bacterial or yeast strains may temporarily cause bloating or digestive discomfort. Begin slowly and increase gradually as tolerated.

HMO’s (human milk oligosaccharides) supplements

Due to promoting colonization  of beneficial bifido and other gut health and anti inflammatory effects  you might find HMO supplements helpful. They also include a range of bifido strains. 

Diet and Additional Supplements

Diet can be an important part of digestive recovery.

General Dietary Guidelines

• Eat well-cooked, easily tolerated foods in the beginning

• Introduce new foods gradually

• Increase fiber slowly

• Avoid heavily processed foods and excess sugar

• Avoid extreme or fad diets

• Maintain adequate protein and carbohydrate intake

Naturally fermented foods such as:

• sauerkraut

• kimchi

• yogurt

• kefir

help support microbial diversity when tolerated. Some individuals may initially struggle with stronger fermented beverages such as kombucha.

Oils and Fat Intake

Certain oils help support nutritional status and help control inflammation. Well tolerated and nutritious oils include:

• olive oil

• avocado oil

• fish oil

• salmon oil

• cod liver oil

Avoid trans fats and excessive intake of unstable processed oils.

Meal Timing and Digestion

Digestive rest between meals supports normal digestive processes. Constant snacking, sugary drinks, and frequent grazing may interfere with appetite regulation and proper digestion.

Water generally does not interfere with digestion and remains essential for overall health.

Conclusion

Many digestive symptoms are complex and may involve the immune system, skin, mood, sleep, and energy levels in addition to obvious gastrointestinal discomfort. Recovery requires patience and consistency rather than extreme interventions. Your goal is restore your gut health naturally by re-building in a manner and within a time frame that resembles proper infant nutrition for proper digestion, nutrient bio synthesis, vitamin and energy creation, restoring tolerance, healing damaged tissue and restoring homeostasis.

Current research increasingly supports the importance of:

• microbial restoration

• minimally processed foods

• fermented foods

• adequate nutrition

• digestive barrier support

Many people require several months before noticing substantial improvements in gut health. Long-term consistency for healing is crucial.

Historically, fermented foods, colostrum, breastfeeding, whole foods, sunlight, exercise, and clean water formed the foundation of human nutrition long before highly processed modern diets became widespread.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or registered nutritionist before beginning new supplements or making major dietary changes, especially if you have chronic illness, severe digestive symptoms, immune disorders, or food allergies.

*People with galactosemia should avoid all milk products.