Digestion & Gut Health

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What Is Gut Health?

A healthy gut digests and absorbs your food and utilizes the "friendly" bacteria throughout your gastrointestinal tract. Gut health also plays an important role in immune system function and response to infectious agents, such as viruses and fungi. And an overall healthy gut is an important factor in you feeling good!

What Is a Microbiome?

A microbiome refers to a specific region where microorganisms live. When it comes to your body, your gut microbiome is the ecosystem of microorganisms, including good and bad bacteria, fungi, and viruses, inside your gut and digestive system. This microbiome is the direct recipient of the probiotics, bacteria, and enzymes in your diet and digestive health supplements.

What's the Difference Between Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics?

If you've ever heard people talk about "good bacteria," they're talking about probiotics. These bacteria are found throughout the digestive system and help promote better digestion and immunity. These good bacteria can also aid in combating harmful bacteria that have entered your gut. Digestive enzymes, on the other hand, work to support your gut health by supplementing chemicals and aiding in chemical reactions that break down food and absorb nutrients. In this way, digestive enzymes, including those available in gut supplements, and probiotics work together to promote healthy living and digestive gut health.

What Are Some Benefits of Probiotics for Gut Health?

There may be many benefits to taking probiotics, including:

Overall gut health
Digestive support
Healthy weight management
Immunity support

What Types of Bacteria Are Found in Probiotics?

Two of the most common types of bacteria in probiotic supplements are Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Both bacteria work to help improve your gut health along with a host of other types of bacteria in the supplements.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a type of good bacteria that already lives in your digestive system. Adding more in the form of a supplement can support your digestive health. You can also take it to support vaginal and urinary tract health.

Bifidobacteria are used in probiotic supplements because they help to improve intestinal flora balance and combat harmful bacteria while promoting digestive health and boosting immune function.

What Are Delayed-Release Probiotics?

Delayed-release probiotics (also called time-release probiotics) are probiotic supplements that have extra-thick synthetic capsules so they can better withstand the effects of stomach acid. This capsule allows the probiotics to travel farther into your body and have a better chance of spreading healthy bacteria past the stomach and into the gut system.

What Is the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Probiotics and prebiotics are very different. As we mentioned above, probiotics contain bacteria that aim to improve digestive gut health.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are specialized plant fibers that act as food for the microorganisms in your gut. More specifically, prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates and fibers that stimulate beneficial bacteria. Some examples of natural prebiotics include chicory root, raw garlic, onions, raw bananas, and leeks.

Where Can I Buy Supplements for Gut Health and Digestion?

The Vitamin Shoppe carries a vast line of probiotics and gut health supplements from top brands like Ora Organic and Garden of Life that are suited to specific digestive needs. Browse our selection online or visit your local store to start taking the steps to improve gut health.

Find Digestion & Gut Health at The Vitamin Shoppe Store Near You

There are more than 600 The Vitamin Shoppe® stores across the US, so it's very likely you can pop in and find Digestion & Gut Health locally. Check out our store locator to find a Shoppe near you. Don’t forget—you’ll save at least 15% on every subscription with Auto Delivery, plus an addition 5% off select brands to help you stay on the path. Not only will you never miss a thing, but you’ll also get free shipping on subscription refills of $25 or more!* You define what better looks (and feels) like—Count on us to help you get there.

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What Is Gut Health?

What Is a Microbiome?

What's the Difference Between Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics?

What Are Some Benefits of Probiotics for Gut Health?

What Types of Bacteria Are Found in Probiotics?

What Are Delayed-Release Probiotics?

What Is the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Where Can I Buy Supplements for Gut Health and Digestion?

Find Digestion & Gut Health at The Vitamin Shoppe Store Near You

Shipping & Returns

FREE for Orders over $45

Return Policy for Items Purchased Online

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