5 Gut Health Tools & Gadgets Loved By A Gut Health RD
As a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health, I’m always on the lookout for tools and gadgets that can support digestion, improve the gut-brain connection, and promote rest and digest mode.
In this post, I’m sharing five of my favorite research-backed tools that I personally use and recommend for optimizing gut health.
5 Gut Health Tools & Gadgets for Better Digestion, Energy, and Healing (Backed by Science!)
1. Red Light Therapy for Energy & Mitochondrial Health
To improve your ability to convert the food you eat into energy, think: cellular energy production via the mitochondria. Red light therapy directly supports mitochondria and cellular health. The Mitochondria=the powerhouse of our cells which help us make ATP. Increased mitochondrial function supports gut motility, reduces inflammation, and improves fatigue!
Research has shown that red light therapy can reduce pain, accelerate muscle recovery and reduce oxidative stress. To incorporate this tool into your routine, use a high-quality red light panel for 5–10 minutes daily, focusing on areas like the abdomen to promote gut healing.
I personally use the Firedragon from EMR Tek but I also love and trust Bon Charge and the FlexBeam that you can wrap around the abdomen.
2. Orange-Tinted Blue Blocking Glasses for Melatonin & Gut Repair
Did you know that exposure to blue light at night can reduce natural melatonin production by 70–80%? While most people associate melatonin with sleep, it’s also a critical hormone for gut repair, recovery, and healing.
To optimize melatonin levels and support gut function, reduce blue light exposure 1–2 hours before bed. If you enjoy winding down with an evening TV episode (hello, White Lotus fans!), wearing orange-tinted blue-blocking glasses as soon as the sun sets can help mitigate the effects. Prioritizing melatonin production can enhance digestion, support microbiome diversity, and reduce inflammation. Check out this research by Dr. Deanna Minich on melatonin’s role in gut health.
I LOVE my Parker blue light blocking glasses from Bon Charge.
3. Vagus Nerve Stimulator for Gut-Brain Connection
The vagus nerve plays a critical role in digestion, gut motility, and actively turning on anti-inflammatory cascades in the body. A vagus nerve stimulating device is a powerful tool that enhances vagal tone, helping to improve conditions like leaky gut, slow digestion, and inflammatory responses. I love it for my clients who have chronic issues with slower gut motility!
I personally love Truvaga, as it has impressive research backing its ability to stimulate the vagus nerve and support gut healing and repair. Using this device daily can help promote a calmer nervous system, better gut motility, and reduced inflammation—all essential for a thriving digestive system.
This device has some incredible research behind it! I usually have clients start with just 1-2 min on the side of the neck daily and increase from there.
4. EMF-Blocking Bracelet for Travel Stress & Gut Health
Modern life exposes us to high levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which can disrupt cellular function, increase oxidative stress, and even impact gut health. This is particularly concerning when traveling—airplane cabins are loaded with EMFs, which can feel highly dysregulating, especially for sensitive individuals.
I use Therasage’s EMF-blocking bracelet to help mitigate this burden, especially during flights. It’s a simple yet effective way to protect your body from excess EMF exposure and maintain a more regulated nervous system while on the go.
I like to wear this during long days on my computer or phone doing client work and while flying!!
5. Vagus Nerve Essential Oil for Relaxation & Digestion
One of my favorite daily rituals is using Vibrant Blue Oils – Parasympathetic Blend, a powerful essential oil formulated to stimulate the vagus nerve and put the body into a state of rest, digest, absorb, and repair.
Applying this oil behind the ears and down the neck can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is crucial for optimal digestion. Research supports its ability to reduce stress, enhance gut motility, and promote nutrient absorption.
A little goes a long way, drip a drop or two onto your fingers and apply behind the ears and down the neck while taking deep breaths.
This + legs up the wall after a long work day is my go-to relaxation tool :).
Friendly Reminder…
These gadgets are ‘icing on the cake’. The most powerful, free healer in my opinion for nervous system regulation and gut healing is mindful breathing - specifically, deep belly breathing. I love how accessible and effective it is! These 5 gadgets mentioned above are simply fun extras that can help improve energy, support gut motility and protect your body from some of the modern day stressors we experience in 2025. PS: Check out my amazon storefront for more of my healthy living recommendations HERE.
