Probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes all play a part in the orchestra of digestive health.

These digestive divas help support digestive function, immune system, and nutrient absorption. Of course, food is the best first step, but supplementation is often called for.

Even if you’ve heard these terms a thousand times, they might still sound like a foreign language.

No worries, we’ve got you!

Here’s a handy guide to help you learn the ‘language’ and make informed choices to keep your gut happy.

Probiotics Primer

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microbes residing in your gastrointestinal tract.

Contrary to common belief, many bacteria are actually ‘good guys,’ working hard to support gut and digestive health, as well as immune health.

Besides fermented food, probiotics can be found in supplement form, which we’re here to discuss.

Understanding the Gut Microbiome

Think of it as your bacterial fingerprint reflecting environment, diet, and lifestyle. Plenty of things can mess with gut microbiota, including poor diets, stress, travel, sleep issues, and certain medications, such as antibiotics.

Now, this is where probiotic supplements can help support your gut health and help defend against the ravages of modern life.

Probiotic Tips

According to the World Health Organization, to be effective, a probiotic strain must be alive at the time of ingestion. It must survive the harsh conditions in the stomach and small intestines to make it to the large intestine alive.

Zenwise offers a complete line of digestive health formulas featuring Reliably Alive DE111 probiotics. A human study proved that this probiotic survives passage through the stomach and arrives alive in the small intestine within hours after consumption.

It may take a few days for your body to grow accustomed to taking a probiotic supplement. However, after you adjust, your digestion should begin to improve.

We advise customers to start slowly and be consistent. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific medical concerns.

What’s the Difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, prebiotics are not living organisms. Instead, these are non-digestible food ingredients that support the ‘good bacteria’ already living in your gut.

They may help to prime your digestive tract for the processes ahead that will allow bacteria in your large intestine to break down more nutrients so they can be absorbed while the waste can be excreted.

And like probiotics, prebiotics can come from foods (i.e. bananas, asparagus, beans) or in the form of prebiotic supplements.

At Zenwise, we pair probiotics with prebiotics in many of our formulas. It’s kind of the one-two punch for digestive health support.

Digestive Enzymes for the Win!

Did you know that only 25% of the digestive enzymes needed come from the body? The other 75% comes from food. Furthermore, your body’s enzyme count may decline with each passing year.

That’s right, as we age, our bodies may produce fewer of the enzymes necessary to break down food properly.

Insufficient enzymes may lead to digestive troubles. Equally troubling, when enzymes decline, our bodies may not absorb the nutrients we need for optimal health.

Due to this drop in natural enzyme production, adding digestive enzymes supplements may help your body compensate.

Many health-conscious people already support their gut health with probiotics, which can be great for maintaining healthy gut flora. But, as effective as probiotics are, taking them alone is only half the battle.

Probiotics are best paired with digestive enzymes, and here’s why.

With this dynamic duo, you’ll reap not only the potential gut health benefits of probiotics but also the power of enzymes that will help break down food, absorb nutrition for energy, and reduce digestive issues.

There are common foods, such as meat, fried foods, dairy, and raw veggies, that may be tough to digest, and that’s where a supplement can help.

Together probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes can be the winning trifecta for digestive health.

Have questions about digestive supplements in the Zenwise line? Our customer service team is ready can help at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972.

Zenwise. Then Eat.

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Guarner F, Sanders ME, Eliakim R, et al. World Gastroenterology Organization. World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines: Probiotics and Prebiotics. 2017.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323490#benefits-and-side-effects-of-probiotics

https://appliedhealth.com/value-digestive-enzymes/