Uncomfortable digestive issues are theworst.

While the two are different, both are vital to your digestive health.

And the best one for you depends on what’s going on in your body.

Lindsay Boyers

Digestive enzymes vs. probiotics: What do they have in common?

Simply put: Digestive enzymes and probiotics both help with GI health andaid in digestion.

  • They’re also both found in supplemental form and naturally in certain foods.

Bindiya Gandhi, M.D.

However, that’s pretty much where the similarities end.

Digestive enzymes vs. probiotics: What’s different?

To understand how digestive enzymes and probiotics differ, it’s helpful to define each one.

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Digestive enzymesare nonliving proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your GI tract.

They play a key role in properly breaking down food that your body can adequately absorb its nutrients.

Fortunately, digestive enzyme supplements offer some support.

The biggest benefit of digestive enzymes is that they help your body break down food better.

This translates to better digestive health.

You may experience less gas, bloating, and burping.

Digestive enzymes may also help improve food intolerances (not food allergies).

There’s also somepreliminary research9that a digestive enzyme, called AN-PEP, may help improve signs ofgluten sensitivity.

Or should you take both?

The answer lies in your specific concerns, or the signals your body is giving you.

it’s possible for you to generally take digestive enzymes and probiotics together, since they do different things.

In fact, it’s often encouraged.

Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.

  • Digestive enzymes break down the food you eat so your body can absorb as many nutrients as possible.

Depending on your specific health needs, you may need one or both of these targeted supplements.