Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes for Weight Loss

Enzymes That Fight Deep Fat 

Losing weight is always a difficult journey to embark on. It takes time and dedication, 

so it's no surprise that we are interested in doing all we can to reach our goals as 

soon as possible. One way we can ensure our body is working optimally for weight 

loss is to make sure our digestive system has everything it needs to process our food

correctly. 

Digestive enzymes are key players in this process; they break down large molecules 

of food and optimize nutrient absorption. There are three main types of digestive 

enzyme: 

Amylase:

breaks down carbohydrates and starches into simple sugars

Lipase: 

breaks lipids down into fatty acids and glycerol 

Protease:

turns proteins into amino acids

Your body produces these naturally, but taking them as a supplement has proven 

beneficial for many, especially those with sensitivities, digestive diseases, and 

intolerances.

Besides helping with issues like these, studies have also found a relationship between taking digestive enzymes and probiotics and a reduction in BMI (body mass index), overall weight, and body fat percentage. 

So, what are the pros and cons, how can you tell if they are working, and are there 

any side effects? Read on to find out! 

How can you tell if a digestive enzyme supplement is working? 

Like taking a vitamin supplement, the effects won't be obvious after just taking them 

once. You may feel more energized and lighter after meals, and you may feel less 

discomfort if that's something you have to deal with often. You will likely find that your

weight loss becomes more reliable and doesn't yo-yo as much between weigh-ins. 

You should give your new supplement 2-3 weeks to see if you feel and see positive 

results. 

When is the best time to take digestive enzymes and probiotics? 

The problem with these kinds of supplements (or any kind) is that many people take 

them the moment they wake up, and they don't really understand how the body 

works with them. Vitamins are water-soluble or fat-soluble, which means they need 

water or fat to be carried into the bloodstream. So, it makes sense that you take them

with food so there will be fat to transport those that need it. 

Similarly, digestive enzymes need food to work. They can't metabolize food that isn't 

there. So, taking your supplement first thing in the morning after fasting overnight 

isn't going to do a lot for you, especially if you don’t eat until later in the day. 

The best time to take your supplement is either right before a meal or as you start to 

eat. Always refer to the packaging of your supplement and follow the directions there.

Are there any possible side effects of taking digestive enzymes or a

probiotic? 

As with eating or taking anything, there are some possible side effects of taking 

digestive enzymes and probiotics. Side effects are generally mild, but you should 

always introduce new things into your diet cautiously. Side effects you may 

experience are:

• Gas & bloating 
• Headaches
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea

Most side effects will subside once your body is used to the probiotic. The only 

reaction you need to be wary of is an allergic reaction. If you take any supplement 

and then experience difficulty breathing, contact a medical professional immediately. 

More mild symptoms of an allergic reaction include a rash or hives. 

Always ensure you follow the dosage guide for the supplement you are taking. 

Pros & Cons of Taking Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics 

Pros

If you often eat while stressed or in a hurry, they can help prime your body to 

receive food

When we eat, we start to salivate before we receive our food. 

This saliva contains digestive enzymes that start to break down the food as 

soon as we start to eat, and our stomach prepares to break the food down 

further. But when we eat suddenly, either out of an emotional stress response 

or because we realize we should eat before we forget, our body has no time to

prepare. The digestive enzymes we need aren't there, and so can't break 

down the food in a way that truly benefits us. 

Digestive enzymes can help reduce instances of heartburn

We are generally led to believe that heartburn is caused by too much acid in the stomach, but it is much more often the opposite.

If you experience heartburn when you're stressed, it's likely because your body is so busy responding to the source of stress (even if only perceived) that it hasn't had the chance to digest your food, and so it's essentially fermenting in your stomach, causing that burning sensation and a heavy sensation under your ribcage.

Taking a digestive enzyme supplement means there will be enzymes ready to work,even if your body isn't in a position to do so itself. 

Offer you more energy

Digesting food actually takes a ton of energy to do; 

that's why we often feel like we go into a “food coma” after eating a big meal. 

If your body isn't producing sufficient enzymes, it will be a long time before 

you are done digesting and can actually use that food to fuel your day.

Helps with food sensitivities and intolerances

The best thing to do if you have a food intolerance is to cut out that food, but if it's minor or if you aren't sure what food is causing it, then taking digestive enzymes can help you feel the effects of that sensitivity less.

Digestive enzymes will help break down the food, so there are fewer molecules of the food your body sees as a threat. 

You'll find it easier to lose weight

Because your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs through the food you eat, it will be less likely to feel like it needs to hoard energy for later use.

This will help you prevent putting on further weight, and as an added benefit, the extra energy you have will help you have the energy for your workouts. 

Cons 

Some people experience uncomfortable side effects, and very few have an 

allergic reaction 

Overdosing on digestive enzymes can be dangerous (as it can be with any 

other supplement)

The Best Digestive Enzyme for Weight Loss

USANA Digestive Enzymes

Garden of Life Digestive Enzymes

These are the best two brands and can be an effective way to

support your goals and ensure you give your body all the tools it needs to help you 

look and feel your best. (I personally take and recommend the USANA Digestive Enzymes.) Taking a digestive enzyme supplement and a probiotic is not 

about taking a magic weight loss pill but about providing your body with the optimum 

nutrition, so it does not feel the need to hold on to excess nutrition. 

If you're on the Road Map to Easy Weight Loss program, then digestive enzymes and probiotics are a great way to ensure you stay on track.