Differences between Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics

Many people suffer from bloating , have very difficult digestion, or need to improve their intestinal transit. And these people are increasingly turning to digestive enzymes and probiotics to solve their problems. However, it's very common for both elements to be confused, and for the differences between these two types of supplements to be unclear. Therefore, in this article, we'll try to clear up any doubts you may have about them.

Digestive enzymes vs Probiotics

We can establish that digestive enzymes and probiotics have only one thing in common: they help to clearly alleviate some intestinal problems. From that point on, there's nothing else that unites them. The aforementioned enzymes are non-living proteins that break down the food we eat in the best possible way so that the body can absorb it properly. Meanwhile, we must point out that probiotics are living organisms, yeasts and bacteria, whose function is to achieve the balance of the so-called intestinal microbiome.

Most significant benefits of digestive enzymes

The digestive system, naturally and when in good health, is responsible for producing its own enzymes, which are of three different types:

• Protease, which is in the stomach and breaks down proteins into amino acids.
• Amylase, present in saliva and responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars.
• Lipase, which is produced by the pancreas, breaks down fats into fatty acids.

However, when there is a problem, the body doesn't produce these enzymes, and that's when you can resort to taking so-called digestive enzymes. Their use brings with it a number of important benefits, among which we can highlight the most significant:

• They make the person who takes them feel their stomach much less heavy.
• They manage to noticeably reduce both belching and gas and even bloating.
• Likewise, we can't overlook the fact that they are very useful for better coping with various food intolerances. Of course, because they improve the digestion of lactose, for example, people with these intolerances can significantly reduce symptoms such as cramps, diarrhea, or pain thanks to these enzymes.
• In addition, they prevent and eliminate harmful microbes that can enter the body and cause various infections.

That is to say, anyone who takes these supplements will significantly improve their digestive health.

Main advantages of probiotics

Probiotics, on the other hand, we must establish that they also contribute to improving intestinal health, but they go much further. Hence, they are recommended for addressing other types of situations related to physical well-being. Specifically, these supplements allow you to enjoy the following benefits:

• They promote digestive well-being, as, among other things, they balance intestinal flora, improve digestion, and relieve irritable bowel problems.
• They help keep weight under control, as they promote proper fat and glucose metabolism.
• They improve skin health.
• They contribute to strengthening the state of the immune system .
• They also help significantly improve mood, thanks to, among other things, their contribution to keeping stress at bay.
• It is also established that they prevent colds and keep the liver in perfect condition.

Probiotics or digestive enzymes? Which is better?

At this point, you may be wondering whether probiotics or digestive enzymes are advisable for your personal situation. In this case, you should know that you can choose one or the other when you experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, or bowel movement problems. However, if you have mood problems, skin problems, or need to strengthen your immune system, you shouldn't opt ​​for the former. On the other hand, if you experience a feeling of fullness after every meal, frequent belching, and indigestion, it's best to opt for the latter. However, it's recommended that you consult your doctor before making a decision. They'll tell you which of the two you should take. In fact, they may even recommend taking both.