June 30, 2025

Digestive Health Overview

Digestive Health Overview

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Digestive health does not just mean diarrhea or constipation. In fact, while diarrhea or constipation can be a concern by themselves, they are often symptoms of other disorders such as SIBO, IBS, IBD and even diverticulitis. The digestive tract is one of the most important systems in our body. Not only does it process the nutrients we need to live, but it also affects our immune system. Our digestive tract is impacted by every part of our daily life from what we eat to stress and even if we are not sleeping enough. Often when we start to feel sick, we feel it in our digestive system first. Stress also has a huge impact on the digestive system. If you’re undergoing stress, treating only the digestive symptoms won’t be helpful in the long term. The same is true if there is any systemic medical concern such as diabetes. I would also like to take the time to mention that some digestive disorders can even be “silent.’ For example, Acid reflux can present with a chronic cough rather than a burning feeling. Speaking with a nutritionist can really help address digestive concerns. When you visit Invite health it can be helpful to bring along some things. For example, feel free to bring along a food log, a list of any and all medications/ supplements that you are taking and any blood work you have. While every individual digestive issue has its own slightly different protocol, there are some things that are important in general.

CASTOR OIL

Castor oil packs are amazing for reducing inflammation and pain in the digestive tract! (1) †

Stress reduction

L Theanine has been found to reduce stress levels. (2) Please see Invite’s L Theanine.
Magnesium has so many benefits for our overall health including helping with stress! (3) See Invite’s Magnesium Citrate, Glycinate and even Bio Avail magnesium formula! I would also like to mention that in studies Magnesium Citrate has been found to help with constipation! This can help those who suffer with chronic constipation as well as reduce the risk of constipation related concerns such as hemorrhoids. (8)
Rhodiola is another powerhouse nutrient that can help with stress and anxiety. (4) Please see Invite’s Rhodiola as well as our Performance multi!

Herbs and L Glutamine

Healing herbs such as demulcents have been found in studies to help with inflammation, pain, and even healing the digestive tract. These demulcent herbs can include the following:

DGL is a safe form of licorice that has healing properties for the digestive tract! (5) In fact, studies have found that it can help to fight bad bacteria in the digestive system. Studies have found that it is especially helpful for killing off the bacteria associated with conditions such as GERD and Ulcers. Studies have found that it can even be used to help anti-biotics work better! (9) Please see Invites DGL and Min Acid as well as our G.I. Maintain powder!
Aloe Vera is a well-known healing herb that studies have found helps heal damage in the digestive tract. (5) This nutrient found in Invite’s Min Acid and G.I. Maintain powder!
Slippery Elm and Marshmallow root are 2 of my favorite demulcents. In my clinical experience they help to alleviate the signs of pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s/ Ulcerative colitis and even for someone who has pain triggered by food allergies. (5) Please see Invite’s GI Maintain and Min Acid!
L Glutamine has been found to be very healing for our digestive health. It has been found to be especially helpful for IBS and for diarrhea that occurs after an infection. I have found that it is also helpful for healing conditions such as ulcers. (12) See Invite’s Amino Acid Growth Factors!

Probiotics

Probiotics are so important to our overall health! (6) Now I know what you are thinking but Dr. Claire Invite has a million different probiotic blends! Which is the best one for me? Let me do a quick overview for you.

Probiotic for Women is not just for the ladies! It contains beneficial bacteria the help boost the immune system and fight off pathogens in our digestive tract (6) But that is not all it contains! There is also garlic, which is a powerful antimicrobial. In studies it has been found to be anti-bacterial, anti-viral and even anti-parasitic! (10) There is also Thyme as well. In my clinical experience this combination is great for anyone with an overgrowth of bacteria. For example, studies show that Garlic can target the bacteria associated with SIBO! (11) I have also found it to help anyone who has gas and bloating and suspects yeast overgrowth.
Probiotic Hx is an amazing formula for supporting our overall gut health. Personally, I have found that simply adding a superior quality probiotic to an overall protocol can help reduce diarrhea. Probiotic Hx is something I typically recommend for overall digestive health support especially if someone has chronic diarrhea. (6) Now if you cannot swallow pills there is a chewable option and this is Invite’s Digestive Probiotic Gummy. Just between us, this tastes amazing. And yes, you can combine it with the Probiotic for Women for extra benefits.
Speak to a nutritionist to determine if Probiotic Weight or Probiotic Immune can help support your goals of losing weight and promoting a strong immune system.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

Digestive enzymes have been found to help with gas and bloating and breaking down food. In studies they help with symptoms of constipation among other concerns. (7) Invite has 2 amazing formulas! The first is a capsule called Digestive Hx. But if you do not like pills there is a chewable formula called Prozyme Digest.

If you have any questions regarding digestive health, feel free to reach out to a nutritionist!

SOURCES