If you’ve been learning about digestive health, you’ve probably heard plenty of misinformation and hype. But the best information about enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics and the benefits of probiotics is rooted in science and research. More and more research, including some from the Cleveland Clinic, shows that gut health is linked to good health, including fiber-foods and probiotics through diet and supplements.

We’re glad you’re here so we can dispel those myths and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about probiotics. Let’s get started!

What ARE Probiotics?

You probably already know the ABCs of gut health and digestion. But it bears repeating.

The players on the digestive stage all have different roles to play: Enzymes, Prebiotics, and Probiotics are the stars of the show, but these cast members come in at key parts of the performance. And just like a play, if one misses his line, the show doesn’t go well.

Digestion: This is the full show. It’s the process the body uses to break down the food you eat into energy, growth and cell repair, or waste.

Enzymes: These are like the producers. They get the show rolling. These proteins (like amylase, protease, and lipase) are produced by your body or found in food or supplements. They speed up chemical reactions in a body^[i] (like digestion!).

Prebiotics: The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics^[ii] (they’re the smart folks that make recommendations on this stuff based on science) say they serve as a ‘food’ for beneficial microbes that already live in your colon.

Probiotics: ISAPP’s definition is specific in its definition – that for something to be called a probiotic, it should have been tested and shown to provide a health benefit.

For today’s performance, we’ll focus just on probiotics. So what are they, and what do probiotics do?

Simply, probiotics are tiny living microorganisms. And for now, we’re talking about the microorganisms that are in your gastrointestinal tract, where they can affect your gut microbiome.^[iii]

Are there different types of probiotics?

Yes! And they have different names and different health impacts.

Remember biology? Each microorganism has its own genus, species and strain. Some of the most common genera include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, and Bacillus.

When you’re looking for different products, it’s a great idea to look for multi-strain probiotic products, simply because they DO have unique health benefits.  

For instance, Zenwise^®’s best-selling Digestive Enzymes include a prebiotic PLUS 10 kinds of probiotics, including a clinically-studied form of  Bacillus subtilis called DE111®, plus Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Bifidobacterium breve.

The Office of Dietary supplements, a division of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that you talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to incorporate the best adult probiotic into your lifestyle and the best time of day to take probiotics.^[iv]

Are probiotics good for you and will they work?

The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements says research has shown potential health benefits from probiotics, but they vary based on the probiotic strain used, and when and how they are taken. Studies are continuing on the positive impacts of probiotics on everything from skin conditions to digestive woes, and even body weight. But more research is needed to understand the full impacts and which types of probiotics may have what benefits.

People ask if probiotics help with constipation and other specific conditions – and how long does it take probiotics to work. ISAPP recommends trying a product for about a month to see if there are signs probiotics are working for specific issues. If not, then you may want to try something else. People also ask:

Do probiotics cause gas?

With a switch to a new supplement, it’s possible that there may be some temporary loose stools or gas, but experts say this should pass as your body gets used to them.

 What’s a CFU?

You’ll see the abbreviation CFU on supplement labels. This stands for colony-forming units. But don’t just be swayed by a higher number of CFUs. A higher CFU count doesn’t always mean more health benefits. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, what’s most important is the specific microorganisms it contains. So be sure to read the label entirely.

Because different probiotics have different benefits, look for products that have multiple strains of probiotics and the CFUs of each one.

Digestive Enzymes features 1 Billion CFUs in its 10-Strain Probiotic blend, plus clinically studied DE111^® (Bacillus subtilis), a Reliably Alive™ spore-forming probiotic. That helps ensure shelf stability so those microorganisms will still be good to go when it gets to you!

Other questions?

You may have lots of questions that we didn’t answer. That’s ok!

 If you have more questions, feel free to contact our customer service team at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972. We’re happy to talk about digestive delight and help you find the right product for your specific needs.

†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.

^[i] https://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/dictionary.aspx

^[ii] https://isappscience.org/for-consumers/learn/prebiotics/

^[iii] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-Consumer/#

^[iv] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/