Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food into smaller, absorbable molecules in the small intestine. They are essential for digesting carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Without enough enzymes, food can't be fully digested, which can lead to discomfort and food intolerances.

Amylase helps break down carbohydrates into sugars, while protease breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Lipase aids in fat digestion by breaking fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Lactase helps break down lactose, the sugar found in dairy, making it easier for those who are lactose intolerant to digest dairy.

While the body naturally produces these enzymes, certain foods like pineapples and papayas also contain natural enzymes such as bromelain and papain, which help with protein digestion.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that keep your gut healthy by balancing its environment. They support digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function. They're especially helpful for issues like diarrhoea caused by antibiotics or irritable bowel syndrome. Digestive enzymes, on the other hand, are proteins that break down food into smaller nutrients like carbs, fats and proteins. They're crucial if your body doesn't produce enough enzymes naturally, as in lactose intolerance or pancreatic issues.

If you want to maintain overall gut health and prevent problems, probiotics are a good choice. For specific digestive problems like bloating or difficulty digesting certain foods, digestive enzymes may be more helpful. However, taking both probiotics and digestive enzymes together can provide comprehensive support for digestion.

To get the most out of digestive enzymes, take them at the start of your meal. This way, they’re in your digestive tract right when food enters, ensuring they can break down nutrients effectively. The time it takes for digestive enzymes to kick in varies by person, but they typically start working as soon as the food hits the stomach and small intestine. Many people notice relief from discomforts like bloating or gas fairly quickly, especially if they have enzyme deficiencies.

And yes, taking digestive enzymes every day is generally safe. In fact, many people use them daily for support with digestion issues like lactose intolerance or pancreatic insufficiency. Just be sure to stick to the recommended dosage and consult your GP if you're on medication or have any health concerns.

Digestive enzymes aren't typically helpful for directly reducing belly fat or aiding weight loss. Studies suggest they mainly assist in breaking down food for better digestion, but they don't target fat specifically. In fact, some research even suggests these supplements might increase fat absorption, potentially leading to weight gain. However, improving gut health with digestive enzymes could indirectly support weight management as a healthy gut microbiome can influence metabolic processes.