Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD includes ulcerative colitis(bowel disease) and Crohn’s disease (inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract, even the mouth). A small study found that a supplement containing beta-glucan, inositol, and digestive enzymes improved the quality of life in people with IBD. Your body produces multiple digestive enzymes to help break down the foods we eat, so that we can benefit from the nutrients they provide. If you’re concerned about digestive enzymes side effects or interactions, the best thing to do is to talk to your health care provider. Make sure any medications you take do not pose the risk for interacting with digestive enzymes. Some of the health benefits of probiotics include adding to gastrointestinal microflora, supporting the immune system, and helping alleviate occasional abdominal discomfort. 2 Probiotics are not laxatives, so they won’t necessarily make you go to the washroom, but they can support a healthy digestive system.*

Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when ingested, can help support digestive health.* Probiotics are usually bacteria, but certain types of yeast — such as S. boulardii — can also function as probiotics. Being lactose intolerant or having a sensitivity to lactose is one of the most common digestive issues and is thought to affect up to 75% of the world’s population. What exactly do digestive enzymes do? They help turn larger molecules founds in foods (carbs, protein and fats) into more easily absorbed particles (such as amino acids, fatty acids, cholesterol, simple sugars and nucleic acids) that the body can actually use to function and for energy.

Multi-enzyme supplements

If you have a history of liver or gallbladder disease, or stomach ulcers, then you definitely want to consult a physician before taking digestive enzyme supplements. Signs that you might be experiencing an allergic reaction to ingredients in a digestive enzyme supplement include: If you currently take medications or have a chronic health problem, be sure to visit a health practitioner for help with customized enzyme therapy before supplementing on your own. Depending on the drugs you take, your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can determine which are the safest and best digestive enzymes for you to take. You can also ask your pharmacist about any possible interactions that might occur. Ratajczak AE, Rychter AM, Zawada A, Dobrowolska A, Krela-Kaźmierczak I. Lactose intolerance in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and dietary management in prevention of osteoporosis. Nutrition. 2021;82:111043. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2020.111043 Oketch-Rabah HA, Marles RJ, Jordan SA, Low Dog T. United States Pharmacopeia Safety Review of Willow Bark. Planta Med. 2019;85(16):1192-1202. doi:10.1055/a-1007-5206

Dighe N, Pattan SR, Merekar AN, et al. Bromelain A Wonder Supplement: A Review. Pharmacologyonline. 2010;1:11-18. Most products contain some level of pancreatin, which is a combination of all three pancreatic enzymes.Solgar® Probi® 20 Billion delivers 20 billion live cultures to your gut with every serving. These naturally occurring active cultures deliver effective support for your digestive health.* One probiotic capsule taken daily helps alleviate occasional gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.* It also helps colonize your gut with good bacteria.* Solgar® Probi® 30 Billion Advanced Multi-Billion Dophilus® is formulated with four well-known and highly-trusted strains, LA-5®, BB-12®, L. CASEI 431® and LGG®, to promote the healthy functioning of the intestinal system as well as a healthy immune system.* Equipped with five billion microorganisms per serving, it’s also 100 percent dairy-free and suitable for vegans. PROBI® VEGETABLE CAPSULES