Why Gut Health Matters on a GLP-1 Diet: Probiotics, Enzymes, and More
- Jennifer Hardy
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
If you're on a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound, you already know these drugs can do a number on your appetite—and your digestion. Constipation, bloating, heartburn, and bathroom irregularity are all common GLP-1 side effects. That’s where GLP-1 probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other gut-friendly helpers come in.
Let’s break down what you actually need to support your digestive system when your meals are smaller, slower, and (let’s be real) sometimes boring.
Probiotics: Good Bacteria for Better Digestion
Probiotics are live bacteria that support your gut microbiome—the trillions of microbes that help digest food, absorb nutrients, and even regulate mood.
When you’re eating less (and maybe not getting a wide variety of foods), your gut bacteria can get out of balance. That’s especially true if your digestion slows down on a GLP-1 and food sits longer in your stomach or intestines.
Adding GLP-1 probiotics may help ease bloating, improve regularity, and reduce GI discomfort. They also support immune function, which can dip when nutrient intake changes.
Where to get them: Yogurt, kefir, fermented veggies like kimchi or sauerkraut, or high-quality probiotic supplements with strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Prebiotics: Fuel for Your Good Bacteria
Prebiotics aren’t bacteria themselves—they’re the fibers and compounds that feed the good bacteria already living in your gut.
When you’re eating smaller portions and cutting carbs, you may accidentally cut out the foods that feed your microbiome. That’s where prebiotics step in.
They can help probiotics thrive, ease constipation, and support healthy digestion over the long term.
Where to get them: Onions, garlic, bananas, oats, and supplements like inulin or acacia fiber.
Postbiotics: The Byproducts That Actually Do the Work
Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced when probiotics break down prebiotics. Think of them as the final product of a healthy gut microbiome.
You don’t need to supplement these directly (yet—some products exist), but they’re worth mentioning because they’re what actually help regulate inflammation, boost immune response, and improve gut barrier function.
A healthy mix of prebiotics and probiotics leads to postbiotic production naturally.
WHAT IS A SYNBIOTIC? A synbiotic is a supplement or food that combines probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (the fiber that feeds them) to support gut health.
Digestive Enzymes: Breaking Down Food, Fast
Digestive enzymes are totally different from probiotics. They're not alive. Instead, enzymes are proteins your body makes (or supplements can provide) that break down food into absorbable nutrients.
If you feel like food just sits in your stomach since starting a GLP-1, or you get heartburn or bloating after certain meals, a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme can help.
Where to get them: Your body makes some naturally, but supplemental blends with enzymes like amylase, lipase, protease, and lactase can be useful with meals—especially higher-fat or high-protein ones.
Enzymes vs. Probiotics: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to confuse them, but here’s the distinction:
Probiotics are living organisms that support your gut health over time. They help maintain a balanced microbiome, improve digestion, and even play a role in immunity and mood. These are best taken daily, like a multivitamin for your gut, to keep your internal ecosystem running smoothly.
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down your food right now. They’re designed to kick in immediately after you eat—especially helpful with meals that are heavy in fat, carbs, or protein. You don’t need them every day, but when you do, timing matters: take them right before or with your meal.
Think of enzymes as the “frontline workers” helping you digest lunch, while probiotics are like the long-term community managers keeping your gut ecosystem healthy.
Do You REALLY Need a Probiotic or Digestive Enzyme on a GLP-1 Diet?
While probiotics and digestive enzymes are not strictly required for everyone on a GLP-1 agonist medication or diet, they can offer meaningful benefits—especially for those experiencing digestive side effects or changes in gut health. Some studies show that taking probiotics can also increase natural GLP-1 levels.
I knew going into my Zepbound lifestyle that I was prone to GI effects from poor eating habits and I couldn't afford days glued to the toilet. I started a probiotic from Day 1 and haven't had any GI side effects of GLP-1s out of the ordinary. The more I realized how hard it was to eat, the more I knew I needed the gut balance. I also worked in a lot of Greek yogurt with protein powder to my daily food intake (protein AND probiotics!).
If your gut is feeling fine, you don’t necessarily need to fix what isn’t broken. But if you’re on GLP-1s and noticing digestive shifts, a targeted, research-backed probiotic can be helpful. Just don’t grab the cheapest bottle on the shelf and hope for the best.
As for the enzymes, I have some on tap in case I have a meal or a day when I eat a lot or eat poorly (though it hasn't happened yet 🤞🏼). Because GLP-1 medications slow gut transit, food can ferment longer in your GI tract, increasing gas, bloating, and those dreaded sulfur burps. Digestive enzyme supplements may reduce these symptoms by aiding in the breakdown of food.
Be Label-Smart: What to Look for in GLP-1 Probiotics and Enzymes
Our goal is to make you label smart—because just because something says “GLP-1 friendly” doesn’t mean it actually does anything helpful. If you’re adding a probiotic or digestive enzyme to your routine, here’s what actually matters:
Probiotics: Go for clinically studied strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Akkermansia—they’re linked to gut health and GLP-1 production. Multi-strain blends are usually better, and you want billions (not millions) of CFUs. Prebiotics like inulin are a bonus, and clean formulas with no sketchy fillers are a must.
Digestive Enzymes: Look for a broad-spectrum blend that covers protein, fat, carbs, fiber, and dairy. Enzymes that work in multiple pH levels = more effective digestion. If bloating is a problem, go for one with extras like alpha-galactosidase or calming herbs like ginger.
And when you see “third-party tested” on the label, that’s a good thing—especially since supplements aren’t FDA-approved. It means an independent lab (not the company selling it) verified what’s actually in the bottle. It confirms the product contains what it claims (in the right amounts), doesn’t have contaminants, and meets safety standards.
Basically, it’s how you know the supplement isn’t all marketing and mystery.
The Best GLP-1 Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes
I'm a big fan of "don't mess with a good thing," and from the start I used Physician's Choice 60 Billion Probiotic and Digestive Enzymes. While a lot of other things fact into my health, I can tell you I haven't had more than one or two days of GI upset.
Another popular option is Ritual's 3 in 1 formula, with prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to support a balanced gut microbiome. Plus, if it doesn't work, you can get your money back!
Codeage GLP-1 Probiotic+ is a once-daily supplement combining clinically relevant strains like Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis with prebiotic chicory inulin for gut and GLP-1 support. It’s vegan, allergen-friendly, and made in a cGMP-certified U.S. facility, offering a 90-day supply per bottle.
Thorne’s Digestive Enzymes blend hydrochloric acid, pepsin, pancreatin, and ox bile to support digestion—especially after heavy meals, gas-inducing foods, or if you’ve had your gallbladder removed. It's designed to ease discomfort and improve nutrient absorption, and it’s made by a brand trusted by pro athletes and healthcare practitioners alike.
Relesium GLP-1 Digestive Support is a newer product that is getting rave reviews. It’s not a probiotic or enzyme, but a unique gut-health solution that supports both immediate relief and long-term gut integrity, backed by clinical research and developed with input from leading medical experts.
Relesium™ is a patented, all-natural supplement specifically designed to ease the most common GLP-1 side effects—like nausea, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea—without interfering with the medication’s benefits.
Feel free to visit our product store to find out about more GLP-1 supplements, vitamins, and support tools that can maximize your experience and minimize side effects.
Bottom Line
Adding GLP-1 probiotics, enzymes, and fiber-based prebiotics to your daily routine can make a big difference in how your gut handles these meds. A smoother digestive process can mean fewer side effects and better nutrient absorption—both of which help you feel more like yourself again.
Just remember: not everyone needs every supplement. Start small, check labels, and talk to your provider about what makes sense for you.
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