Digestive discomfort is common - but it doesn’t always mean the same thing. One day it might show up as temporary fullness after a meal; another, it can feel like your gut has been out of balance for weeks. While these experiences can feel similar, they often reflect different needs within the digestive system.
Supporting your gut starts with understanding what kind of support your body is asking for. A short term digestive response to food and ongoing gut discomfort require different needs within the digestive system.
While both play a role in digestive wellbeing, digestive enzymes and probiotic formulations support different parts of the digestive process. Understanding this distinction can help you make more informed, confident choices for your gut [1,2].
Bloating vs Gut Discomfort – What’s the Difference?
Bloating is a feeling that your tummy is distended or stretched. You may feel “gassy” or full, accompanied by abdominal pain, burping or gas (flatulence) [3].
Indigestion is a feeling of discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen to the lower part of your chest. It usually happens after eating or drinking. It’s also known as heartburn or dyspepsia. Symptoms can include: bloating, burping, nausea, feeling full too soon while eating as well as discomfort, burning or pain in the upper abdomen [4].
Some simple cause of bloating and indigestion may be caused by eating too quickly, overeating, or consuming alcohol, high-fat and spicy foods [3,4].
Chronic Digestive discomfort: generally includes symptoms which have been ongoing for at least 3 months and may indicate functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Coeliac Disease. However, this could also be a result of lifestyle factors such as stress & anxiety, diet, food sensitivities, travel, medications, changes in routine and hormonal fluctuations. Ongoing digestive symptoms may also be indicative of gut dysbiosis [5,6].
How probiotics differ to digestive enzymes for gut support
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are proteins produced by the body, which assist with the breakdown and absorption of food. Some of the most common digestive enzymes are:
• Carbohydrase breaks down carbohydrates into sugars.
• Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids.
• Protease breaks down protein into amino [7] .
Meal related GI symptoms, individual and blends of digestive enzymes have shown to be efficacious in reducing intestinal gas produced by fermentation of undigested food – reducing bloating and gas [8].
Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms which support the gut and general health. They are part of our microbiome, our bacterial ecosystem. They interact with the human host to perform a variety of health functions.
Specific probiotic strains have targeted health functions and have clinical evidence behind them to support gut health and beyond. It is important to select the right type of probiotics based on you individual and unique health needs [9, 10, 11,13].
To combine these specific elements for reducing GI symptoms, Life-Space’s team of scientists have formulated a new product - Gut Relief + Debloat Probiotic.
This unique formula blends the best of both worlds, modern science and traditional herbal medicine to provide comprehensive gut support.
Gut Relief & Debloat Probiotic features 13 probiotic strains[WL1.1] which have been [WL2.1]clinically studied to support gut health, in addition to herbal extracts of Turmeric and Liquorice.
When do I need which?
Listen to your gut
Life-Space Digestive Enzymes: may provide acute support, when taken 20 minutes prior to main meals.[WL3.1] They can also help to prime the stomach and digestive system prior to eat[WL4.1], by stimulating gastric juices and enzyme secretion. While most enzyme products can be taken long-term, it may be beneficial to investigate why the symptoms are occurring and if there are underlying gut issues [12].
Life-Space Gut Relief + Debloat Probiotic: This product may be indicated when discomfort feels ongoing, the gut feels “not quite right”, during periods of routine change such as stress, travel, dietary shifts or a longer-term approach to gut wellbeing [13].
We recommend consulting healthcare professional for tailored and diagnostic medical advice
How digestive enzymes and probiotics can complement each other
Digestive enzymes and probiotics have different mechanisms of action, supporting different aspects of digestion and gut wellbeing. Some may choose one or both depending on how their gut needs [14].
These types of gut support can be used in combination to support the upper and lower digestive system, stimulating the gut enzymatic environment, while also supporting the microbiota environment [7,13].
While Gut Relief & Debloat Probiotic doesn’t contain any digestive enzymes, the herbs included has been traditionally used to support gut health.
Liquorice has a long history of traditional use for digestive complaints, particularly in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Western herbal medicine systems. Clinically, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been studied for functional dyspepsia, gastritis, reflux symptoms, and upper gastrointestinal discomfort. Research suggests it may help reduce GI symptoms through anti-inflammatory, mucoprotective, and gastric mucosal-supportive effects. Some studies also indicate potential benefits in supporting gastric lining integrity and modulating inflammatory pathways associated with digestive discomfort [15,16].
Turmeric been used in traditional herbal medicine as an aromatic digestive stimulant, to treat dyspepsia, while providing antioxidant activity [17,18].
The strain which has the highest dose in the formula, Lactobacillus paracasei LPB27, has clinically shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the gut and improvements of the gut microbiome via the gut-brain axis [19, 20].
Holistic Approach for Daily Gut Comfort
Supplements work best as part of a bigger picture, while lifestyle and daily routine have a profound effect on our gut and wellbeing. Some tips for daily gut health:
• Mindful eating: slow down, chew thoroughly
• Reducing triggers: processed foods, alcohol, very spicy food or excess sugar
• Regular movement – even a daily walk supports gut motility
• Manage stress through sufficient sleep, movement, mindfulness or individual practice
• Stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water.
• Eating a diverse range of food including fresh fruits and vegetables – think of eating the rainbow
• Increase fibre intake and fermented foods [21,22]
Conclusion:
Supporting gut health begins with paying attention to how your gut and body feels day to day. It takes a concerted effort to consume foods and engage in habits which support our digestive system and holistic health.
Supplements may be a supportive addition to a well-balanced diet and lifestyle, to address GI symptoms and bolster the gut and overall microbiome.
*Please consult with a healthcare professional before taking supplements if you are already on medication or require advice for ongoing gut issues.
References:
[1] Cleveland Clinic. Gastrointestinal Diseases: Symptoms, Treatment & Causes [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-diseases
[2] FMCG Gurus - Compelling and innovative insight from consumer, shopper and category perspectives. [Internet]. FMCG Gurus. Available from: https://fmcggurus.com/
[3] Australia H. Bloating [Internet]. www.healthdirect.gov.au. 2019. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bloating
[4] Indigestion (dyspepsia) [Internet]. Healthdirect.gov.au. Healthdirect Australia; 2026 [cited 2026 Apr 23]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/indigestion
[5] Australia H. Underlying causes of abdominal pain [Internet]. www.healthdirect.gov.au. 2019. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-causes-abdominal-pain
[6] Shen Y, Fan N, Ma S, Cheng X, Yang X, Wang G. Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis: Pathogenesis, Diseases, Prevention, and Therapy. MedComm [Internet]. 2025 Apr 18;6(5). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12006732/
[7] Cleveland Clinic. Enzymes [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21532-enzymes
[8] Martin-Biggers J. A Multi-Digestive Enzyme and Herbal Dietary Supplement Reduces Bloating in a Single Use in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross Over Study. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. 2024 Jun 1;Volume 16:51–7.
[9] Cani PD. Human gut microbiome: hopes, threats and promises. Gut [Internet]. 2018 Jun 22;67(9):1716–25. Available from: https://gut.bmj.com/content/67/9/1716
[10] Jandhyala SM. Role of the Normal Gut Microbiota. World Journal of Gastroenterology [Internet]. 2015 Aug 7;21(29):8787. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4528021/
[11] Zendeboodi F, Khorshidian N, Mortazavian AM, da Cruz AG. Probiotic: conceptualization from a new approach. Current Opinion in Food Science. 2020 Apr;32:103–23.
[12] Denhard M. Digestive Enzymes and Digestive Enzyme Supplements [Internet]. www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Johns Hopkins Medicine; 2022. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements
[13] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: What You Need To Know [Internet]. NCCIH. 2019. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
[14] Plaza-Díaz J, Ruiz-Ojeda FJ, Gil-Campos M, Gil A. Mechanisms of action of probiotics. Adv Nutr. 2019;10(Suppl_1):S49-S66. doi:10.1093/advances/nmy063.
[15] Raveendra KR, Jayachandra S, Srinivasa V, et al. An extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard®) alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:263805. doi:10.1155/2012/263805.
[16] Raveendra KR, Jayachandra S, Srinivasa V, et al. GutGard®, a standardized extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra, improves gut barrier function and mucosal integrity in experimental models. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;150(3):1188-1195. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.014.
[17] Di Pierro F, Rapacioli G, Di Palo M, et al. A new curcumin phytosome formulation (Meriva®) for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Panminerva Med. 2013;55(2 Suppl 1):19-25.
[18] Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092.
[19] Li J, Zhao J, Xiaolei Ze, Li L, Li Y, Zhou Z, et al. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 207-27 alters the microbiota–gut–brain axis to improve wearable device-measured sleep duration in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Food & Function. 2024 Jan 1;
[20] Li N, Jiang F, Wang Y, Xu X, Li L, Ze X, et al. Protective effect and mechanism of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 207-27 administration on colitis in antibiotic-exposed mice in early life. Hong B, editor. Microbiology Spectrum. 2025 Dec 2;13(12).
[21] Australia H. Gut health [Internet]. www.healthdirect.gov.au. 2024. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gut-health
[22] Warner L. 5 simple ways to improve gut health - Harvard Health [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2025. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/5-simple-ways-to-improve-gut-health
