What's the Difference Between Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes?

You can also take probiotic supplements when your diet isnt covering your needs or after you’ve taken certain medications that can impact your microbiome. These supplements contain specific bacterial strains that have been clinically studied and shown to benefit digestive and immune system health.

After any major impact on your digestive system, such as a course of antibiotics, about of gastro, or a trip overseas that left your belly upside down. And certainly, after gastric sleeve and bypass surgery, your gut might need a little revamp to help you get set up for the long term. 

Probiotics are a part of the puzzle of reintroducing good bacteria to crowd out any bad bacteria lurking. These little guys absolutely love fibre - a probiotic and a highly processed diet may not bring about the effects you’re hoping for. These living microorganisms need to be fed continuously with healthy foods and fibre to really “set up camp” and leave less room for “pathogenic strains” of fungal overgrowth like candida albicans. 

The combination of a healthy diet, rich in fibre and a broad range of bacterial strains, protects your gut health well and supports overall digestive function.

• Enhanced nutrient absorption
• Improved bowel movement regularity
• Relief from gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation and bloating
• Strengthened immune system
• Protection against infections
• Production of B vitamins and vitamin K
• Regulation of serotonin, a key hormone that affects mood and sleep

Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down nutrients in your food into smaller molecules that your body can absorb. There are different enzymes responsible for processing each macronutrient:

• Proteases break down protein into amino acids
• Lipases break down fat into fatty acids and glycerol
• Amylases break down carbohydrates into simple sugars

Large nutrient molecules cannot pass through the intestinal wall for use in the body, without these enzymes. Digestive enzymes catalyse the chemical reactions that transform your food into fuel. Our bodies generally produce these enzymes when we are in good health, but a number of impacts (even our age) can leave us with lower levels than needed.  

Some digestive diseases lead to low levels of enzymatic activity, so can bariatric surgery. The surgery reduces the production of stomach acid and digestive juices that stimulate enzyme secretion. Severely restricting food intake can also reduce enzyme stimulation.

Supplemental digestive enzymes support the adequate breakdown of food and can encourage a more robust digestive system after bariatric procedures. Enzymes may compensate for your body’s reduced capacity to produce its own enzymes.

Now that you understand probiotics and enzymes individually, let’s discuss how they work together. While probiotics replenish your gut microbiome, enzymes facilitate the mechanical process of digestion.

Think of probiotics as the workers in your digestive system. They maintain the ideal conditions for proper function. Then enzymes are the tools that perform the actual job of breaking down food. Both are essential for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.

The key is balance. You need adequate enzymes paired with a healthy probiotic population. Probiotics create the right environment, while enzymes do the work.

With so many probiotic supplements on the market, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few tips:

• Look for broad-spectrum blends with multiple strains. Different strains have different benefits, so variety is key.
  
  
• Make sure the strains are listed clearly on the label with the CFU (colony forming units) clearly visible. Reputable brands will be transparent about exactly what's inside.
  
  
• Look for evidence-backed strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium with clinical research behind them.
  
  
• Check the CFU count. This measures the number of live active cultures. Higher CFU counts indicate more probiotic potency.
  
  
• Read reviews and ask your healthcare provider for trusted recommendations. Not all probiotics are created equal.
  
  
• Consider the delivery method. Capsules tend to be more shelf-stable than probiotic powders.  Some probiotics need to be refrigerated, whereas some will offer shelf-stable forms. I know for myself if I can see them - I will be better at taking them!  And in the fridge, they seem to get lost!

Similar to probiotics, there are many enzyme supplements. Follow these tips for choosing the best one:

• Select a multi-enzyme blend that contains proteases, lipases, and amylases.This allows for well-rounded digestion.
• Check that it contains protease specifically for digesting protein. This is especially important after Bariatric Surgery.
• Consider added digestive boosters like papain and bromelain that provide complementary support.
• Read reviews and talk to your dietitian. Professional guidance is invaluable for finding the right fit.
• Evaluate bonuses like prebiotics. Some enzyme supplements throw in bonus gut health ingredients.

Probiotics and digestive enzymes might sound similar, but they have unique roles in keeping your gut happy and healthy. Whether you need the cool kids (probiotics) to maintain a lively gut party or the behind-the-scenes heroes (digestive enzymes) to help with food digestion, understanding the differences between these two can help you make informed decisions about your digestive health.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Talking with your healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine is always a good idea. With the right support, your digestive system can be the ultimate host for the best gut party ever, leaving you feeling great and ready to take on the world!