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The Difference Between Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

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Digestive health and digestive health supplements are getting a lot of attention lately, but many people still wonder about the difference between probiotics and digestive enzymes. Let's clear up some of the confusion:

• Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organization as "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." In easier terms, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that naturally exist in our bodies. Probiotic supplements support these natural bacteria colonies for digestive health.

• Digestive enzymes are found naturally in your digestive tract and saliva where they aid in the digestion of food. As we grow older, our bodies produce less digestive enzymes, which makes for less efficient digestion. Digestive enzyme supplements can help supplement a decrease in natural digestive enzymes and help with the digestion of food so it doesn't sit too long in the digestive tract and cause gas or bloating.