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Tired of Bloating? The Gut-Soothing Power of Enzymes and Probiotics *ONLINE ONLY*

July 2025

By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

Digestive enzymes are proteins your body makes to help break down food. Think of them as tiny chemical scissors, snipping carbs into sugars, proteins into amino acids, and fats into fatty acids. When your enzyme production slows, which can happen due to age, stress, or health conditions, food sits in your gut, ferments, and causes gas and bloating. If you get bloated after specific meals, especially ones heavy in dairy, protein, or fiber, a targeted digestive enzyme taken with meals can offer immediate relief.

Probiotics are next up. These are live beneficial bacteria that make a microbiome in your gut. Unlike enzymes that work immediately, probiotics take time to colonize in your digestive tract. They improve immune function, help make certain vitamins (like vitamin K, B12, folate and riboflavin), improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. Probiotics offset damage done by antibiotics and conditions like IBS. You may feel a bit more gassy when you first start them, but that’s usually just your gut adjusting.

So which one do you need? Digestive enzymes are ideal if you bloat right after eating, if certain foods consistently trigger discomfort, or if you're looking for fast relief. Probiotics are a better fit when you're aiming to improve long-term gut health, if you're recovering from antibiotics, or if you experience ongoing digestive issues like irregularity, bloating not tied to meals, or food sensitivities. The truth is, many people benefit from using both, enzymes for short-term relief, probiotics for ongoing wellness. By the way, your gut microbiome activates a good deal of thyroid hormone which tells your body to go burn fat.

If you're reacting to foods but testing negative for true allergies, you might have a food sensitivity. Symptoms can include bloating, fatigue, headaches, skin issues, or brain fog. Digestive enzymes can help by breaking down the parts of food that cause irritation. For example, lactase helps with dairy, and alpha-galactosidase helps with beans. Probiotics help by strengthening the gut lining and calming overactive immune responses. Some strains even assist with breaking down food particles that sneak past digestion.

Digestive issues are frustrating, but they don’t have to be your normal. Whether it’s a targeted enzyme before your next pasta night or a daily probiotic to rebalance your gut, relief is possible. Just listen to your body, track what works, and consider teaming up with a practitioner who understands integrative care. And if you’d like a deeper dive into this topic with tips you can use right away, sign up for my free Tuesday newsletter and I’ll send you a more comprehensive, version straight to your inbox.

This information is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose your condition. Always consult your physician for all medical matters. Visit www.SuzyCohen.com. ©2025 Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. Distributed by Dear Pharmacist, Inc.