Best Gut Support Supplements, Colostrum

Welcome to Healthy Gut Healthy Thyroid!

This is your weekly roundup of the BEST actionable steps for those people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions who want to restore their health…by healing their gut. Whether you have hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto’s you will benefit from the content in this newsletter.

In today's issue:

• Main Topic: The 5 Best Supplements to Help Heal Your Gut

• Podcast Review: Which Gut Infections Can Disrupt the Gut and Thyroid?

• Understand Your Tests: Understanding Amino Acid Testing

• Ask Dr. Eric: Is It Okay to Take Colostrum?

The 5 Best Supplements To Help Heal Your Gut

While I’m not shy about recommending supplements to my patients, it’s important to remember that supplements alone won’t heal your gut. Diet and lifestyle come first. If you’re taking the right supplements but are still consuming inflammatory foods—such as gluten, processed sugar, and seed oils—gut repair will remain an uphill battle.

It’s also essential to recognize that gut health is highly individualized. What works for one person may not work for another. For instance, someone with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may not tolerate prebiotic supplements or even certain probiotics, as these can sometimes worsen bloating and gas.

That said, here are some of the most commonly recommended supplements I use in practice to help support gut health and healing, starting with the top three I use most frequently.

Probiotics. While fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and coconut yogurt provide beneficial bacteria, I generally recommend a quality probiotic supplement to most patients. I also take probiotics myself as part of my maintenance routine.

For most people, I suggest:

• A lactobacillus-bifidobacterial blend

• At least 25–30 billion CFU

• 8–10 well-researched strains for diversity

Example: SMT-Probio, which I commonly use with patients and personally take

I also recommend rotating probiotics for greater diversity. For example, use SMT-Probio one day and a different multi-strain probiotic the next, alternating throughout the week. This approach can encourage a more balanced microbiome.

What about spore-based probiotics?

I don’t use them for everyone, but they can be helpful in certain cases. At times I may also recommend Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast-based probiotic, particularly for those dealing with gut infections or after antibiotic use.

Prebiotics. When I personally dealt with Graves’ disease in 2008, I didn’t use prebiotic supplements. However, for the past 7 years, I’ve added prebiotic powders to my daily smoothies to help feed my gut bacteria.

If you consume a diverse, plant-rich diet full of fiber, you might not need a prebiotic supplement. But if your diet lacks variety, supplemental prebiotics can help:

• Nourish beneficial bacteria

• Promote short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production

• Support immune and gut barrier health

Those with SIBO or severe bloating should introduce prebiotics carefully, as they can worsen symptoms if not tolerated.

Digestive Enzymes. While I don’t take digestive enzymes regularly, I recommend them often for patients working on gut repair. Many people with chronic gut issues also have low stomach acid or sluggish bile production, which can impair digestion and nutrient absorption.

I typically suggest a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme that includes:

• Proteases, amylases, and lipases (to break down protein, carbs, and fats)

• Betaine HCl, to improve stomach acidity

• Ox bile, to aid fat digestion

For example, Enzymes Plus combines all of these to support optimal digestion.

Betaine HCl (Hydrochloric Acid). Some individuals need extra HCl beyond what’s included in a standard enzyme supplement. Betaine HCl is particularly important for those with:

• Frequent bloating after protein-rich meals

• Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., B12, iron)

• A history of antacid or PPI (acid-blocker) use

How to determine if you need it:

Option #1: Try the Betaine HCl challenge (adding one capsule at a time with protein meals until mild warmth is felt). If you develop heartburn or discomfort, reduce or stop supplementation, as it may indicate adequate or excessive stomach acid.

Option #2: Use the baking soda test (to gauge stomach acid production based on belching response)

L-Glutamine. L-glutamine is an amino acid that serves as the primary fuel source for enterocytes (cells lining the small intestine). It helps:

• Repair the gut lining

• Reduce intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)

• Support immune and intestinal cell health

I don’t give L-glutamine to everyone, but when I do, I often recommend it as part of SMT-GI Restore, which also contains:

✅ Zinc carnosine

✅ N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG)

✅ Aloe vera

✅ MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

✅ Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)

Other Gut-Supportive Supplements to Consider

Beyond the big five, there are other valuable supplements:

Postbiotics: Such as butyrate supplements, which provide the short-chain fatty acids your gut bacteria would normally produce from fiber. This can be especially helpful if you don’t tolerate high-fiber foods.

Colostrum: Rich in immunoglobulins and growth factors, colostrum can help strengthen the gut barrier and support immune balance (covered in more detail in the "Ask Dr. Eric" section of this newsletter).

Soothing herbal agents:

✔️ Slippery elm and marshmallow root, which coat and calm the gut lining

✔️ Ginger, which can improve digestion and reduce inflammation

Conclusion

Supplements can play a powerful role in gut healing, but they work best when paired with an anti-inflammatory diet, stress management, and healthy lifestyle habits. The right combination of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, betaine HCl, and L-glutamine can help restore balance to your gut, strengthen your intestinal barrier, and support better nutrient absorption.

However, gut health is highly individualized. Work with a practitioner to identify which supplements fit your specific needs, especially if you’re dealing with conditions like SIBO, Candida overgrowth, or leaky gut.

Not All Gut Healing Supplements Are The Same

Since most of the immune cells are located in the gut, a healthy gut is essential for a healthy immune system. In fact, Hippocrates himself said that “all disease begins in the gut”. And so whether someone has Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or another health condition, having a healthy gut is important to achieve optimal health.

When choosing a gut healing supplement you want one that does the following:

• Promotes optimal function of the GI lining

• Rejuvenates health of intestinal mucosa

• Supports healthy inflammatory response

• Builds immune support

• Thyroid-friendly ingredients

The Gut Healing Bundle includes the following:

SMT-GI Restore. Combines effective clinical levels of well-researched (and thyroid-friendly) nutrients and botanicals specifically formulated to support optimal gastrointestinal health and function without any added flavors, colors, sweeteners, gums or common allergens.

Enzymes Plus. Comprised of a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes along with betaine HCL and ox bile to support optimal digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Also contains the special protease DPP IV (dipeptidyl peptidase IV), which aids in the breakdown of the peptides gluteomorphin (from gluten) and casomorphin (from casein). Although you don’t need to be experiencing digestive symptoms to use Enzymes Plus, it may be helpful for those who experience gas and bloating after eating, occasional constipation or diarrhea, or a feeling of fullness after eating.

SMT-Probio. Choosing a good quality and effective probiotic can be a challenge, as there are so many probiotic supplements on the market. Unfortunately many probiotic supplements only list the species, and not the specific strains. Others list the strains but aren’t diverse or potent enough. SMT-Probio Complete provide 18 different strains belonging to 13 different species of three different genera. For consumer convenience, this formula is available encapsulated at a maintenance dose of 45 billion CFUs per capsule. The HOWARU and FloraFIT strains that comprise these formulas are stable, proven, and trusted worldwide.

To learn more about The Gut Healing Bundle visit www.guthealingbundle.com

Save My Thyroid Podcast Review

I have a podcast called "Save My Thyroid", where I discuss how people with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's can save their thyroid and regain their health. And during each edition of this newsletter I'll briefly discuss a recent podcast episode.

In a recent Q & A podcast episode I answered the question “Which gut infections can disrupt the gut and the thyroid?” Gut imbalances can have a bigger impact on thyroid health than most realize, especially in autoimmune conditions like Graves’ and Hashimoto’s. When the gut barrier breaks down, the immune system can get confused and prevent symptoms from fully improving. Testing can also be tricky, and just because something shows up doesn’t always mean it needs to be treated.

In this episode, I walk through how I approach these situations; how to evaluate critically, when to dig deeper, and when the priority should be foundational support like stress, sleep, and diet.

Understand Your Tests

Understanding Amino Acid Testing

I don’t routinely test every patient for amino acids, but because L-glutamine—an amino acid I sometimes recommend—is such a valuable supplement for gut healing, it’s worth discussing how amino acid testing can help uncover hidden imbalances that may impact gut, immune, and metabolic health.

While some labs offer dedicated amino acid panels, I’ll be reviewing amino acids as part of the NutrEval panel by Genova Diagnostics, which provides a comprehensive overview of nutrient status, including amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and metabolic markers.

Within the NutrEval report, amino acids are divided into three primary sections:

Essential Amino Acids – These must be obtained through diet (e.g., leucine, isoleucine, lysine). Deficiencies may reflect poor protein intake or malabsorption.

Nonessential Amino Acids – These are synthesized by the body but still depend on adequate cofactors (e.g., glutamine, glycine, cysteine).

Intermediary Metabolites – These byproducts of amino acid metabolism can reveal enzyme dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies (like B-vitamins), or imbalances in detoxification and energy pathways.

By looking at these sections collectively, we can assess whether symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, poor detoxification, or gut issues are linked to amino acid imbalances.

Patient Case Study #1 – Essential Amino Acids

In this patient, most essential amino acids are within the optimal range, indicating adequate dietary intake and absorption. However:

Taurine is borderline low – Taurine supports bile acid conjugation, detoxification, and cell membrane stability. Low levels may contribute to poor fat digestion, liver stress, or cardiovascular concerns.

Threonine is mildly elevated (in the yellow range) – Threonine is involved in mucin production for gut barrier health, and slight elevations can sometimes reflect increased protein catabolism (breakdown) or liver stress.

• While not overtly abnormal, these findings may prompt:

• Ensuring sufficient high-quality protein intake

• Supporting bile production and liver detoxification

Considering taurine supplementation if symptoms (like poor fat digestion) are present

Patient Case Study #2 – Nonessential Amino Acids

In this patient, the nonessential amino acid profile shows multiple imbalances:

Aspartic acid is below detectable limits – Aspartic acid is important for energy production (Krebs cycle) and neurotransmitter balance. Low levels may reflect low protein intake, mitochondrial dysfunction, or B-vitamin insufficiency (especially B3 and B6).

Alanine is elevated – Alanine is involved in glucose metabolism and gluconeogenesis. Elevated levels can suggest blood sugar imbalances, high stress response, or increased muscle protein breakdown.

Cysteine is borderline elevated (yellow range) – Cysteine is a precursor to glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant. Elevated levels can indicate:

• Oxidative stress, with the body increasing cysteine availability for glutathione production

• Possible B6 deficiency, as B6 is required to metabolize cysteine efficiently

• Heavy metal or toxin burden, as detox pathways rely on cysteine and glutathione

For this patient, interventions may include:

✔️ Balancing blood sugar through diet and stress management

✔️ Supporting mitochondrial and detox pathways with B-vitamins, magnesium, and possibly NAC or glutathione

✔️ Investigating oxidative stress or toxin exposure, given the cysteine findings

Patient Case Study #3 – Intermediary Metabolites & Peptide Markers

This section reveals markers related to amino acid metabolism and gut function, which often point toward enzyme dysfunction or nutrient cofactor needs:

Phosphoserine is below detectable limits – Phosphoserine is an intermediate in serine metabolism, which is tied to neurotransmitter balance, methylation, and phospholipid synthesis. Low levels may suggest:

• Low dietary protein

• B6, folate, or magnesium deficiency

• Impaired methylation or nervous system function

Other metabolites are elevated or high-normal – This pattern can indicate:

• Impaired amino acid metabolism, possibly due to B-vitamin or mineral deficiencies

• Liver stress, as many intermediates reflect detox-related pathways

• Protein digestion issues, if peptide-related markers are increased, suggesting incomplete breakdown of dietary proteins

Intervention for this patient may involve:

✅ Optimizing B-vitamin and magnesium status

✅ Supporting liver function (milk thistle, NAC, or cruciferous vegetables)

✅ Improving protein digestion with digestive enzymes and betaine HCl if peptide markers suggest incomplete breakdown

Ask Dr. Eric

During every issue I'll answer a question or two that I think can benefit most people with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition. If you'd like for me to consider your question for a future edition of this newsletter email your question to [email protected].

QUESTION: IS IT OKAY TO TAKE COLOSTRUM?

Dr. Eric, I've heard some great things about colostrum, but since I'm dairy free I wanted to know if it's okay to take it?

Thanks for your question! Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals after birth, and it’s a rich source of macronutrients, micronutrients, immunoglobulins (antibodies), antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors.¹ These compounds are designed to protect and nourish newborns, but they also offer unique benefits for adult gut and immune health, which is why colostrum supplements have grown in popularity.

Many supplement companies offer bovine colostrum products to help support gut barrier integrity, immune modulation, and microbial balance.

What the Research Says About Colostrum’s Benefits

I was surprised to find a growing body of recent clinical research supporting colostrum’s health benefits. For example, one study looked at the effects of 12 weeks of colostrum supplementation in older adults and found:

• Reduced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including C-reactive protein (CRP)

• Positive metabolic changes suggesting improved immune regulation

• The authors concluded that consuming bovine colostrum milk may help reduce inflammation and enhance immune function in older adults.²

Colostrum and the Gut Microbiome

Beyond its immune benefits, research shows that colostrum supports gut health in a variety of ways:³

✅ Promotes gut barrier integrity by enhancing the growth of intestinal epithelial cells and tightening the junctions between them, reducing “leaky gut.”

✅ Provides immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) that help bind and neutralize pathogens, keeping the gut microbiome balanced.

✅ Encourages beneficial bacterial growth by supplying growth factors and bioactive peptides that favor a healthy microbial environment.

✅ Contains lactoferrin, which supports iron balance and has antimicrobial effects against harmful bacteria.

Because of these properties, bovine colostrum has been studied as a supportive therapy for:

✔️ NSAID-induced gastrointestinal injury – Helps protect the gut lining from damage caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

✔️ Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – May reduce intestinal inflammation and promote mucosal healing.

✔️ Infectious diarrhea – Supports immune defense and faster recovery by binding to and neutralizing pathogens.

✔️ H. pylori infections – Some studies suggest colostrum’s antibodies and lactoferrin may help suppress H. pylori and reduce its impact on the gut lining.⁴

What About Dairy Sensitivity?

Although colostrum has clear benefits, I typically advise most of my patients—especially those with thyroid autoimmunity or gut issues—to avoid dairy products, at least initially. Even though bovine colostrum is relatively low in casein, lactose, and whey, these proteins can still trigger symptoms in individuals sensitive to dairy.

That said, decisions around colostrum supplementation often come down to weighing risks versus benefits:

In cases where someone has low serum immunoglobulins (weak immune defenses), or struggles with persistent gut barrier dysfunction despite other interventions, the benefits of colostrum may outweigh potential risks.

Sensitivity testing can help guide decisions. Options include:

• Mediator Release Test (MRT)

• Cyrex Array #4 (tests for reactivity to dairy proteins like casein, whey, and milk)

While I’m not a huge advocate of food sensitivity testing in general, these can provide insights. If whey or cow’s milk tests positive, it may be wise to avoid colostrum or proceed with caution.

Should You Use Colostrum?

For those without a dairy sensitivity, colostrum can be:

✔️ A powerful tool to strengthen the gut barrier

✔️ A way to support immune resilience, especially in cases of chronic gut inflammation or recurrent infections

✔️ A supplemental source of immunoglobulins when levels are low

However, each case must be evaluated individually, as even trace amounts of dairy proteins can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

Additional Thyroid-Related Resources

Click Here for Can a Gut Infection Trigger Thyroid Disease?

Click Here to access hundreds of thyroid-related articles and blog posts

Click Here to join the Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s community

Click Here to purchase one of Dr. Eric’s thyroid-related books

Click Here to work with Dr. Eric and his team

📚References:

(1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7831509/ 

(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37513601/ 

(3) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8228205/ 

(4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34398472/

That’s a wrap