Benefits of Digestive Enzyme Supplements with Probiotics

Probiotics are often combined with digestive enzymes to support optimal efficiency of the helpful bacteria.

Although digestive enzymes are created naturally within the body, there are instances in which they may need to be supplemented.

Understanding the relationship between enzymes and probiotics is important in order to select the right blend for your needs.

The primary function of digestive enzymes is to break down large molecules of food into smaller, more digestible nutrients. This enables easier absorption and use throughout the entire biome.

These enzymes can be found in saliva and in secretions from the stomach lining, intestines and pancreas.

Different classifications of digestive enzymes are determined by the specific compounds the enzymes target for breakdown. For example, lipases target fats while proteases target proteins.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

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The Enzymatic Pathway

Food generally enters the digestive tract through the mouth where it meets with enzymes secreted by the salivary glands. As food is chewed and ground down by the teeth, these enzymes begin the degradation process of carbohydrates and fats.

Once swallowed, food that has already been partially digested in the mouth is passed to the stomach where it meets with gastric enzymes. The primary gastric enzyme, Pepsin, is tasked with the initial breakdown of proteins.

Carbohydrates and fats continue to be digested by the enzymes in the stomach, as well. The stomach is also the first location where viruses and foodborne pathogens are destroyed.

Probiotic microorganisms in the stomach keep the environment acidic and harsh, making it difficult for harmful bacteria to gain a foothold.

Leaving the stomach and passing into the small intestine, foods are generally semi fluidic. This liquid substance is sometimes referred to as chyme or chymus.

In the duodenum, secreted enzymes raise the low pH balance of the chyme, neutralizing the gastric juices from the stomach which can damage the lining of the intestine.

The initial absorption of nutrients begins as foods which are sufficiently digested are absorbed through the intestinal wall and delivered into the bloodstream. About 90% of digestion and nutrient absorption take place here.

Foods which have not been fully digested at this point are passed on to the large intestine (colon) where bacteria and enzymes work together to break down these proteins and starches in order to extract the remaining nutrients.

Everything left over is waste material. This is converted to a semi-solid mass and stored in the rectum until eliminated.

Enzyme Deficiency

Throughout the process, digestive enzymes are working to digest foods, aid absorption of nutrients and to inhibit harmful bacteria from colonizing.

There are eight primary digestive enzymes, each which break down selective types of foods:

• Lipase digests fats
• Amylase digests carbohydrates
• Protease digests proteins
• Cellulase breaks down fibers
• Lactase digests milk sugars
• Sucrase digests most sugars
• Maltase converts grain sugars into glucose
• Phytase helps to produce important B vitamins

When undigested food reaches the large intestine (colon), putrefaction can occur. Enzymes within the large intestine provide support for the probiotic bifidobacteria found there, as well as processing undigested larger molecules into less complex nutrients, enabling the bifidus to finish their work.

Adding digestive enzyme supplements alongside the use of probiotics can help to increase the level of activity going on in the colon during this process.

Many enzymes in the Western diet are denatured, or rendered useless through processing and cooking of foods. Raw foods are often rich with enzymes, whereas foods cooked at hot temperatures (above 115 degrees Fahrenheit) contain enzymes which are unable to perform.

Combine the Western diet with the ageing process and enzyme deficiency becomes more prominent. By the age of 40, most adults are only able to absorb a small percentage of the nutrients which had been absorbed earlier in their lives.

Common symptoms of enzyme deficiency include constipation, cramping, bloating, and gas. Other symptoms may include belching, heartburn and acid reflux.

How to Use Digestive Enzymes

To digest food well, a robust supply of digestive enzymes are necessary. These are used for both the breakdown of food molecules and for the absorption of nutrients.

An easy means of increasing enzyme efficiency is to chew foods thoroughly, allowing the saliva to work on the food while it is still in the mouth.

This increases the ability for breakdown and absorption in the stomach and small intestine. In addition, the pancreas and other digestive organs are signaled and stimulated through the chewing process.

For those with suspected enzyme depletion or deficiency, supplementing with a high-quality digestive enzyme blend can contribute to the restoration of good digestion.

Most blends will contain lipases, amylases and proteases in various amounts. When selecting a blend of digestive enzymes, look for the strength (or activity levels) of the enzymes, not just the milligram amount. Reputable manufacturers will list strength of the digestive enzymes in their products.

For dosing, follow the instructions recommended by the manufacturer. Usually, this means taking 1-2 capsules with meals.

Some individuals find symptoms are better controlled if they ingest their digestive enzymes 20 minutes before eating.

Look for a well-rounded probiotic supplement to use with your source of enzymes.

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