Supplements That Support Digestion, Metabolism, and Comfort on GLP-1s
GLP-1 medications are among the most effective tools we have for long-term weight loss and metabolic health. These medications help regulate appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and support fat loss by mimicking your body’s natural hormone signals.
While GLP-1s do much of the heavy lifting, a few targeted, research-backed supplements can support your progress—enhancing results, easing common side effects, and helping your body stay balanced along the way.
Here are three we often recommend at Flow Wellness:
1. Psyllium Husk: A Gentle Fiber for Digestive and Blood Sugar Support
Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber that helps maintain regular digestion—something that often needs extra support while taking GLP-1 medications. These medications can slow gastric motility, leading to constipation for many patients. Psyllium works by absorbing water in the gut, softening stool, and promoting more regular bowel movements.
Interestingly, some patients experience the opposite issue: diarrhea. Psyllium can also help here by absorbing excess fluid in the intestines and bulking up loose stools, helping to normalize bowel patterns. Whether you’re dealing with constipation or occasional diarrhea, psyllium helps promote more balanced, predictable digestion.
In addition to its digestive benefits, psyllium can support blood sugar regulation. By slowing carbohydrate absorption, it helps smooth post-meal glucose spikes—making it a smart option for those with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. A 2019 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that psyllium significantly improved both fasting glucose and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
How to use it: Start with 1 teaspoon stirred into at least 8 oz. of water once a day. Drink immediately and follow with another glass of water. Increase slowly as tolerated.
2. Probiotics: Supporting Your Gut and Natural GLP-1 Production
Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolism, weight regulation, immune function, and even your mood. For those on GLP-1 medications, nurturing a healthy gut environment can amplify the benefits of treatment—and may even help your body produce more of its own GLP-1.
Research shows that certain probiotic strains can stimulate the gut to secrete more GLP-1 naturally, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce chronic inflammation—factors that all contribute to healthier weight and blood sugar regulation. In other words, the right probiotic can support your medication’s action and promote long-term metabolic health.
Strains such as Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Akkermansia muciniphila have been linked to improved glucose control, reduced visceral fat, and enhanced gut barrier function. In addition to metabolic support, probiotics may help reduce some of the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with GLP-1 medications, such as bloating, nausea, or changes in bowel habits. By supporting the overall balance of your gut flora, they can make the medication experience more comfortable and sustainable.
What to look for: Choose a high-quality, multi-strain probioti. Look for brands that guarantee potency through the expiration date (not just at manufacture), and ideally include prebiotic fibers to help feed and sustain the probiotic strains. Consistent use is key to seeing long-term benefits.
If you’re unsure which probiotic is right for you, your Flow Wellness provider can recommend a trusted option through Fullscript that includes the strains mentioned above. Plus, our patients receive access to professional-grade supplements at an exclusive discount!
3. Magnesium Citrate: Gentle, Reliable Relief for Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common and frustrating side effects of GLP-1 medications. These drugs work in part by slowing gastric emptying, which helps control appetite and blood sugar—but can also lead to sluggish digestion and uncomfortable bowel habits.
When dietary fiber and hydration aren’t enough to keep things moving, magnesium citrate offers a gentle, effective option for relief. It acts as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestines to soften stool and stimulate natural bowel movement. Unlike stimulant laxatives, magnesium citrate supports regularity without harsh cramping or dependency when used appropriately. It’s especially helpful during the early weeks of GLP-1 therapy, when the body is still adjusting to slowed motility.
Beyond digestion, magnesium plays a key role in muscle function, nerve signaling, hydration, and sleep regulation. These benefits can be particularly valuable if you’re implementing new routines like increased exercise or dietary changes as part of your weight loss plan.
How to use it: Take magnesium citrate as needed—not as a daily supplement—at the lowest effective dose. It’s best taken in the evening, as it may cause a bowel movement within 6–12 hours. Let your Flow Wellness provider know if constipation is persistent so we can build a comprehensive strategy to keep things moving.
Want to Try These or Other High-Quality Supplements?
If you’re interested in adding any of these supplements to your regimen—or would like personalized guidance—let your Flow Wellness provider know. We use Fullscript, a trusted platform for clinician-recommended, high-quality supplements. It’s easy to use, and our patients receive an exclusive discount.
We’re here to support you every step of the way in your GLP-1 journey—whether you’re managing side effects, adjusting your dose, exploring supplements, or tracking your weight loss progress. To ask questions or update your provider, you can easily message your provider through the portal here.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. IV/Injected vitamin formulations are not FDA approved and not indicated for any medical condition.
