Probiotics vs Digestive Enzymes
Probiotics vs Digestive Enzymes
My patients often ask me “what is the difference between probiotics and digestive enzymes?” They will also often assume that because they are taking one, it is benefiting the entire G.I. tract and that they don’t need the other.
In short, digestive enzymes help the pancreas, stomach and upper small intestine with the breakdown and proper absorption of foods. Probiotics on the other hand work primarily with the large intestine and colon regulating bacteria.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote the health of the large and small intestine by regulating and replenishing the intestinal flora or “good” bacteria. While, digestive enzymes are specific proteins produced found in the stomach and upper small intestine that assist in the breakdown of foods.
Probiotics are able to prevent and treat some diseases by promoting a healthy digestive tract and strong immune system. Probiotics or “good” bacteria can be naturally found in your body or can also be added to the body by using some foods and dietary supplements. The most common types of probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus has 18 different bacteria strains while Bifidobacterium has 8 different bacteria strains. Lactobacillus lives in the human small intestine whereas Bifidobacterium inhabits the human colon. When purchasing a probiotic supplement it is good to acquire one that has more strains so that you are ensuring “broad spectrum” coverage.
Yogurt and Kefir are excellent food sources of probiotics. Please note, that yogurt must be plain to yield effective results. Any of the advertised probiotic yogurts (as seen on TV) all contain sugar and fruit which actually feed the bad bacteria, while trying to replenish the good bacteria, basically negating the benefit. **For effective probiotic results, I always recommend a refrigerated capsule delivery system. Sauerkraut, pickles, dark chocolates, kombucha tea, and tempeh, are also good sources of probiotics. Probiotics are very effective in the treatment of constipation, diarrhea, IBS, inflammatory bowel diseases, gas, lower abdominal bloating and even skin diseases. They also help with urinary and vaginal health, lowered immunity, frequent colds, allergies and oral health.
Overuse of prescribed antibiotics is a leading causes of intestinal imbalance and the destruction of our good bacteria.
It is recommended to take a probiotic as a daily supplement for intestinal health, and it is vitally important to start probiotics, even double the dose for two weeks after having finished any antibiotics to rebuild the destroyed “good bacteria” from the antibiotic use.
Digestive enzymes are specialized proteins designed to break apart large food macromolecules into smaller parts to facilitate their better absorption by the body. Inside the human body, digestive enzymes are secreted by salivary glands, secretory cells in the stomach, pancreas and secretory glands in the small intestine. There are several key digestive enzymes that focus on specific and targeted food groups. As we age we lose the ability to manufacture certain digestive enzymes on our own which explains why the older we get we often experience difficulty accepting and digesting foods we could handle when we were younger.
Proteases/Peptidases – help to break down proteins into smaller peptides/amino acids.
Lipase– helps to break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Amylases- help to break down carbohydrates into glucose.
Nucleases – help to break down nucleic acid into nucleotides.
Lactase- its primary function is to break down lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This is usually the first enzyme people lose explaining why so many of us are lactose intolerant.
A good digestive enzyme taken with meals will typically yield amazing results reducing the symptoms of bloating, acid reflux, gas, stomach pain, indigestion, belching, sudden diarrhea and the general feelings of digestive sluggishness and discomfort. Digestive enzymes are a must at pot lucks, the buffet and after Thanksgiving dinner!
In short, there is a major difference between digestive enzymes and probiotics. An easy reminder is that digestive enzymes are for above the navel and probiotics for the area below the navel. Depending on your symptoms and the frequency or chronicity both can be taken daily or as needed.
In Love & Light,
Byron⭐
Byron Barth; L.A., MSTOM, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Zen Shiatsu Master and
Founder of Peace of Zen Acupuncture.
web: http://www.1empoweredself.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BGEmpoweredSelf