Enzymes vs. probiotics

[WildIris]

What is the difference between enzymes and probiotics?

How do you know when you need one or the other, or both?

[JaneSmith1010]

The difference, enzymes help you breakdown various food substances while probiotics.....well, that's a whole other story. Probiotics colonize the openings you have that are exposed in some way to the environment (including you large intestine) and keep bad bacteria from settling there to make you sick; they also produce some things you need (such as vit k I believe). Not sure how you would know which to take. I think everyone needs to take maintanence probiotics but you would only need to take enzymes if you seem to have a hard time with digestion.

[nalo]

Well, everyone needs probiotics really. These help colonize the gut with good bacteria, helping to regulate the entire GI system which positively impacts overall health. Enzymes are needed if you are having trouble digesting food (proteins) on your own or if you are nursing and your LO has food intollerances due, in part, to your own leaky gut. If you can share your specific situation I am sure you can get some more specific advice/thoughts on what would work well for you.