In October 2016 I shared with my instagram community what my "daily and weekly life" briefly look like in relation to my health journey. The two things that were the most shocking for most people at that time was that I spent nearly $2500 dollars daily in my fight for my health and that I took 225 supplements each day (you can read the entire post HERE). As I healed these numbers changed dramatically and morphed in the natural process of healing. It is amazing the amount LESS of things I take everyday and how little I take compared to seven years ago. I will say this again and again. Healing is possible. I get asked a LOT about what vitamins and supplements that I took during the fight for my health. I wanted to share 10 of the most affordable and helpful supplements that I used to take (and some I still take) for my gut in hopes that it may help other Lymies who are fighting for their health and looking for the most affordable products. As a quick background due to my specific issues with Lyme there are many times that a variety of different companies have the same product but I chose to use a quality rich supplement from a specific company due to manufacturing. I hope that these help! Here in no particular order are 10 of my tops supplements that I used to use or still use everyday: 1. Saccharomyces Boulardi + MOS Saccharomyces Boulardi + MOS (or "myce" as we have affectionately nicknamed it around our household) played a HUGE part in my daily regime and my healing. Under the care of my doctors orders I took very large quantities of this and it was a huge help for me - especially when I was in the midst of difficult and intense treatment rounds. I can't recommend it enough- especially for those of you who like me were/are on intensive and high med regimes. According to studies Saccharomyces Boulardi + MOS is helpful for the entire digestive track, general intestinal health, helps in nutrient absorption, helps with diarrhea, helps the immune system, and helps to combat the bad bacteria while restoring the good. As with all of my supplements I did a ton of research on this and was amazed at how much this probiotic is known as the "king" of all probiotics for all of its health benefits. I also found that Jarrow Probiotics combination is thought to be the "best on the market" and "most potent" so that is why I use this particular brand. You can find Saccharomyces Boulardi + MOS on Amazon by clicking HERE! 2. Biogest by Thorne One of the things that I love about Thorne Research, Inc. is that they do not make any products that contain Genetically Modified Organisms. Unfortunately (and what a lot of people don't realize) is that many digestive enzymes are filled with GMO's and this can be detrimental in the body- especially in fighting Lyme Disease. It is so important to have a digestive enzyme as part of each meal and after trying nearly 50 different ones over the many years I have been extremely pleased with Biogest by Thorne Research. Biogest is a blend of HCI (hydrochloric acid), pepsin, pancreatin, and ox bile. This combination makes it helpful to promote the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Biogest can be found HERE. 3. Ginger Ginger is one of my favorite supplements for my gut as it has so many different benefits. Scientific studies have shown that ginger helps to maintain healthy gut flora, helps to aid digestion, and can help calm and soothe the digestive track. In addition to this some studies show that ginger can help balance immune response and even help cardiovascular function. There are tons of amazing benefits of ginger and I wrote about 15 Amazing benefits of Ginger, which you can find HERE if you would like to learn more. After researching through different brands I ended up choosing the Organic Ginger from Solaray. I was impressed with the manufacturing and the price (less than $12 a bottle!) is hard to beat. You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE. 4. Slippery Elm Slippery Elm is a very inexepensive product from NOW that I used to use that was hugely beneficial in my healing process. Slippery Elm has been used an herbal remedy since the 19th century and is known to help a number of digestive issues. One of the unique things about Slippery Elm is that it contains mucilage, which is a substance that becomes a slick gel when it is mixed with water, which in turn coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines over time. Slippery Elm also comes in powder form (which I took in tiny quantities for many months while I was working up to the capsules) and has several amazing benefits. Slippery Elm is known to help the digestive track and those that suffer with IBS, helps to aid in weight loss, and some scientific studies are showing that it can help Psoriasis and Breast Cancer. More research is being done but it is amazing to think about all that this can help with in our bodies. Slippery Elm is another wonderful supplement that is cheap (less than $7) and can be found HERE! 5. George's Aloe Vera Supplement I have shared many times how beneficial and important Aloe Vera has been in my healing journey. I rotate the different brands of Aloe that I use throughout the year (for additional health benefits), but George's Aloe Vera Supplement is one that I used and still use consistently. There are many reasons for this. First, the taste is the easiest to swallow and drink and it allow me to use the necessary dose that I need. Second, it is free of preservatives and additives which is really important to me. Finally, I can personally attest that it has helped my gut in the healing process. Aloe Vera juice contains a wealth of nutrients and vitamins and minerals. In addition to this it helps to provide antioxidants, and helps support circulation in the body. Studies have shown that Aloe Vera juice helps to aid digestion and ease stomach aches. In addition it helps to increase the alkalization in the body. It helps to encourage a healthy stomach lining and some studies have also shown that it helps to boost the immune system. If you read my post on detox baths than you know that for a time I used to put aloe vera in my detox bath regime. I don't currently do this but it does make the skin incredibly soft and also helps and aids in healing. (You can read more about detox baths HERE.) George's Aloe Vera Supplement comes in different size quantities and can be found HERE! 6. DGL DGL (or Licorice) is a key component for Lyme Disease patients for a number of different things, including a helpful supplement for the gut. The herb's key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhizin, helps to give the body lots of different beneficial effects for the body, including helping to heal the digestive system and helps to heal ulcers. In addition DGL helps to lower stomach acid levels, relieve indigestion and heartburn and can help with inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract. DGL has additional health benefits beyond the gut as it is beneficial for the liver, helps to lower cholesterol levels, helps lessen the pain and fatigue of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and can even help with PMS symptoms. With all of these benefits, DGL was a top contender and supplement for me and yet it took a long time for me to find the right company. Unfortunately lots of licorice supplements have added ingredients, which may work for some people, but for a patient like me who is extremely fragile, I needed a supplement that had true ingredients. I continue to use this one to this day! For all that DGL does, this is one of the more affordable supplements that I took and continue to take. I love when a supplement is helpful and healing for my gut, but also helps my body in other areas! For less than $11 it truly has amazing benefits. You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE. 7. Bromelain Bromelain is another one of those amazing supplements that is awesome for the gut but also has tons of other medicinal properties. Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes that is found in pineapples that helps to digest protein. It has been used for centuries throughout the world to help treat indigestion and reduce inflammation. Interestingly enough the German Commission approved Bromelain to treat swelling and inflammation after surgery, particularly sinus surgery! In addition to the amazing health benefits it has for the entire body, Bromelain has scientifically been shown to help heal issues in the gastrointestinal tract including IBD, Ulcertaive Colotis, Colon Cancer, Chron's Disease, Dyspepsia, and Constipation. If you are like me and enjoy pineapple than you probably are getting some of the amazing benefits already. But if you struggle to eat it everyday, then you might benefit as I do from the supplement. There are lots of different companies that make Bromelain, but like many other supplements they have added ingredients. This version from NOW is one of the only ones that has only Bromelain in the ingredients. The price fluctuates mildly on Amazon but consistently stays under $20 (it is currently $18). You can purchase it by clicking HERE. 8. Apple Cider Vinegar I have written several times here on the blog about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (and 17 ways to use Apple Cider Vinegar) so I won't bore you with repeating myself but I am definitely a huge believer in the power of this product. I can't recommend enough Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and definitely encourage you to use that brand specifically. On the flip side though after using it and drinking it daily (mixed in water of course!) for over a decade I struggle sometimes to deal with the taste. If that is something you struggle with also I have found that by taking short breaks with with the Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules by NOW to be helpful. To be frank, I definitely feel the Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is the best option, but sometimes you have to do what you can do to get in what you need and so this product by NOW might be a helpful option. Both are affordable and Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar can be purchased HERE! Also- a side note- I continue to use the Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in all of my detox baths that I take due to the help in getting rid of toxins. If you are interested in finding out more about what I have shared about detox baths you can do so HERE. 9. Ideal Bowel Support Ideal Bowel Support from Jarrow Formulas is something that I added in and I have really appreciated it -especially when I am taking certain oral meds. In short, it is a probiotic that helps to reduce bloating, gas, and intestinal discomfort. Ideal Bowel Support contains a clinically-documented strain, L. plantarum299v that resists stomach acid and bile salts. This mixture is a huge help for those struggling with intestinal discomfort. This is a supplement that I take that I see as an "aid" more than an overall healing help. If anyone has research that differs from this I would love to know it as I haven't been able to find any, but I do know it helps me in the day-to-day. You can find Ideal Bowel Support on Amazon HERE. 10. Peppermint Oil Many years ago when I was really struggling and completely bed ridden (you can read more of this portion of my story in the Notes from the Porch updates section HERE) I used peppermint oil like it was going out of style. As I have continued to heal I don't use it as frequently, but it is still apart of my life and I use it in my detox baths. Peppermint Oil has been used for thousands of years- even dating back to Egyptian time- and has tons of healing properties. Peppermint Oil helps to reduce stomach aches, sooth the digestive system, and even has antimicrobial properties. In addition Peppermint Oil helps to relieve headaches, boost energy, and relieve tight muscles among other things. I have tried several different manufacturers of peppermint oil and while I used Young Living's Peppermint Oil for a couple of years, this past year I discovered NOW's Organic Peppermint Oil and have been incredibly impressed. For those of you that can't afford to purchase Young Living Oils (like myself) I am so excited to share about this because it is an easy and affordable option and is certified organic. I would never criticize another helpful brand, but this for me has been incredibly helpful and I love it! It costs about $12 on Amazon and you can find NOW's Organic Peppermint Oil on Amazon by clicking HERE. Honorable Mention: 1. Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica I started using this supplement in 2017 and after several months I was amazed at how much it helped my gut. For those that struggle with IBS, abdominal cramps, stomach cramps, etc. that is helped by placing a heating pad on the area this is a great little supplement to have. For those who are extremely sensitive patients like myself, homeopathic options are a great way to go sometimes and this is a key example. For this I definitely recommend giving it several months before you expect to see a major difference. I noticed some result and help from it quickly but after several months I noticed huge results. You can purchase Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica lots of places (including your local health store) but I found it for a couple of dollars cheaper on Amazon HERE. After trying it for 6 months and seeing the beneficial difference of continuously taking it daily I found it was cheapest to purchase a pack of 5 which can be found HERE. I hope that this product list is helpful for those of you struggling with Lyme Disease or those who are interested in healing your gut! Let me know if you have any questions! Want to find other Lyme Tips? Click HERE! Looking for my books on Lyme Disease? Listed below are each of the Lyme Disease books I have written: // Praying through Lyme Disease // (5 Stars) // Praying through Lyme Disease (Large Print Edition) // //When Hope Restores // (5 stars) //When Light Dawns (Advent & Christmas Devotional) // (5 Stars) // When Truth Refreshes // *Rebecca's Lyme Disease Books (Other Language Translations): // Orando a través de la enfermedad de Lyme (Praying Through Lyme Disease Spanish Translation) // *Praying through Lyme Disease has also been translated into more than 10 different translations that are currently not available on Amazon. If you would like more information on these resources until they become available for purchase on Amazon, please let me know by emailing me at: [email protected]. If you are passionate about translating this book into another language please feel free to contact me! Thank you for your interest!* Chronic Illness Books by Rebecca: Chronic Grace Series 12 Things to Pray (4.2 Stars) 12 Things to Do (Holiday Focus) Please note as a disclaimer that the information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.