Probiotics, Prebiotics & Digestive Enzymes

A healthy gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) system, is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellness. Proper digestion in the gut is necessary because it affects how well the body breaks down and absorbs essential nutrients. The health of the gut is also influenced by the diversity and abundance of bacteria present in the digestive tract. Studies indicate that the gut microbiome can impact various organs and systems in the body, including, but not limited to, immune, brain, and skin health.*

Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeast, which account for an impressive 5 lbs. of our total body weight! They are vital for maintaining a healthy balance in the gut microbiome. By fostering a healthy balance of good bacteria, probiotics help enhance the gut's ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and protect against unfriendly microorganisms and harmful pathogens. We have both “friendly” and “unfriendly” bacteria; the “friendly” bacteria offer numerous health benefits to our digestive system. However, an imbalance—whether due to an overgrowth of “unfriendly” bacteria or a lack of bacterial diversity—may lead to health concerns. Probiotics play a vital role in this process by increasing the levels of beneficial bacteria and microbial diversity in the gut, which is essential for maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being.*

CFU stands for colony forming unit and estimates the number of viable bacteria in the recommended dose. In theory, a higher CFU means a greater number of microbes capable of establishing themselves in the intestines for a probiotic effect. While it may be tempting to assume that a larger CFU automatically translates to greater probiotic benefits, this is not necessarily the case for every individual or health indication. Most studies show that 10-20 billion CFUs are adequate for probiotic benefits, however, larger CFUs may be more suitable for individuals requiring significant support and/or needing to support a specific health need.

Probiotic strains are specific varieties of bacteria within a probiotic supplement, each with distinct health benefits. The desired benefits of probiotics are dependent on the strains’ unique properties, dosage, and ability to survive when traveling through the gastrointestinal tract. Research demonstrates that probiotic supplements offer greater benefits when formulated with specific, research-supported strains tailored for targeted health needs.

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers found in plants that feed the growth of the good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics are essentially the food for probiotics and the beneficial bacteria in your gut, and therefore, are more effective together than each on their own. This is why some Nordic Naturals probiotics also contain prebiotics.

Food provides us with the nutrients we need to fuel life-sustaining functions within the body. However, in order to obtain the nutritional benefits of foods, we must first be able to digest it into the basic building blocks of our cells. Digestive enzymes naturally residing in the mouth, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine aid in this process by breaking down macromolecules such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats into smaller molecules that can pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream to be used for nourishment and energy.

A wide range of lifestyle, environment, and health-related variables can influence the production, release, and activity of digestive enzymes. Given the critical role these enzymes play in maintaining structures and functions within the human body, supplementing with digestive enzymes can provide important health benefits for those needing digestive support.

Nordic Flora probiotics are carefully formulated and stored in a desiccant-lined bottle for superior protection. These strains are encapsulated using superior low moisture capsules which further promote stability until consumption. Shelf-stable probiotics allow you to take your probiotics on the go without having to worry about refrigeration.