Digestive health isn’t always glamorous to talk about, but it’s one of the most important pillars of wellness. When your gut is off balance, everything from your energy levels to your mood can take a hit. One of the clearest signals that your digestive system is in distress is diarrhea—a common but disruptive condition that affects millions of Americans each year.
While many people turn to over-the-counter medications for quick relief, science increasingly points to probiotics and probiotic-derived enzymes as a powerful, natural way to help restore gut balance and combat diarrhea. Certain probiotic strains don’t just replace beneficial bacteria lost during digestive upset—they also produce enzymes that help regulate digestion and strengthen the intestinal barrier, two key defenses against recurring symptoms.
In this guide, we’ll break down what probiotic enzymes are, how they work, and which specific strains have been shown to support digestive balance and reduce diarrhea severity.
Understanding Probiotics and Gut Health
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits to the host. They are most often bacteria, though some beneficial yeasts also qualify. Probiotics naturally occur in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, but they’re also available as concentrated supplements.
The gut is home to 100 trillions of microorganisms, collectively called the gut microbiome. This diverse ecosystem helps regulate digestion, immune function, and even the nervous system. When the microbiome becomes imbalanced—a condition called dysbiosis—digestive symptoms such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea can occur.
Diarrhea, specifically, is often triggered by gut flora disruption. This can happen after a viral or bacterial infection, antibiotic use, food intolerances, or chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What Are Probiotic Enzymes?
Probiotic enzymes are specialized proteins produced by probiotic bacteria that help break down nutrients into smaller, more absorbable forms. These enzymes support digestion by splitting complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into simpler molecules that the body can use more efficiently.
When the digestive system is under stress—such as during or after diarrhea—these enzymes help restore normal function by:
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Improving nutrient absorption so the body can recover faster.
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Reducing undigested food that might otherwise ferment and cause gas or further irritation.
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Supporting the intestinal barrier, helping to prevent “leaky gut,” a condition where harmful substances pass into the bloodstream.
Some probiotic strains are particularly skilled at producing these beneficial enzymes, making them especially effective for gut recovery after diarrhea.
How Probiotics Help with Diarrhea
The link between probiotics and diarrhea relief is well-documented. According to a 2017 Cochrane Review that analyzed 63 randomized controlled trials involving over 8,000 participants, probiotics were found to reduce the duration of infectious diarrhea by about one day on average compared to a placebo. The review also noted that probiotics lowered the risk of persistent diarrhea lasting more than four days.
So, how do they work?
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Restoring Microbial Balance: Probiotics help replenish beneficial bacteria wiped out by infection, antibiotics, or poor diet, reestablishing equilibrium in the gut microbiome.
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Enhancing the Gut Barrier: A stronger gut lining prevents harmful bacteria and toxins from leaking into the bloodstream.
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Modulating the Immune Response: Probiotics can regulate immune signaling in the intestinal wall, reducing inflammation that often accompanies diarrhea.
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Producing Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): These compounds nourish intestinal cells and promote water reabsorption, firming stool consistency.
The Best Probiotic Strains and Enzymes for Diarrhea
When selecting a probiotic for digestive relief, not all strains are equal. Specific species and strains have been studied for their targeted effects on gut function and diarrhea management. Below are some of the most effective, research-supported probiotics for fighting diarrhea.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is one of the most studied probiotic strains in the world—and for good reason. It has a long history of clinical use in preventing and reducing the severity of both infectious and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
A study found that children treated with LGG during acute infectious diarrhea experienced significantly shorter illness duration than those given a placebo. Later studies confirmed that LGG also helps prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in both children and adults.
LGG works by:
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Attaching to intestinal cells and preventing harmful bacteria from binding.
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Strengthening the mucosal barrier, which keeps pathogens from entering the bloodstream.
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Reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining.
Recent research has also shown that L. rhamnosus GG helps improve intestinal motility (movement of the intestines) and may reduce small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) risk by supporting a healthier gut environment.
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium bifidum is another probiotic powerhouse for diarrhea relief. It’s commonly found in the colon and is one of the first beneficial bacteria to colonize the intestines after birth.
Research found that Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation significantly improved stool consistency and reduced diarrhea severity in patients with IBS. It’s also been shown to reduce inflammation and restore the microbial balance after antibiotic use.
This strain supports the production of acetate, a short-chain fatty acid that helps regulate water absorption in the intestines—key to reducing watery stools.
Saccharomyces boulardii
Unlike most probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast rather than a bacterium. It’s been widely used for decades in Europe to prevent and treat diarrhea, especially when caused by antibiotics or infections.
A meta-analysis concluded that S. boulardii is effective in reducing both the duration and recurrence of antibiotic-associated and traveler’s diarrhea. It works by secreting enzymes that neutralize toxins from harmful bacteria like Clostridium difficile and by supporting the immune defense of the intestinal wall.
Because it’s a yeast, it can also survive antibiotic therapy that kills bacterial probiotics—making it an ideal companion during or after antibiotic treatment.
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum is another versatile strain known for its ability to regulate inflammation and support gut barrier integrity. A study found that supplementation with L. plantarum significantly improved gut comfort and reduced symptoms of bloating and loose stools in IBS patients.
This strain produces enzymes like proteases and amylases, which assist in breaking down food more efficiently and reducing fermentation in the intestines—a common trigger of gas and diarrhea.
Bacillus coagulans
While lesser known than Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, Bacillus coagulans is a spore-forming probiotic that survives extreme conditions, including stomach acid. Studies show it can reduce diarrhea frequency and improve stool consistency, especially in athletes and individuals under physical stress.
Its resilience allows it to reach the intestines intact, where it can produce lactic acid and enzymes that help digest carbohydrates and proteins more effectively.
How to Incorporate Probiotics and Enzymes Into Your Routine
1. Through Food
Fermented foods are natural sources of probiotics and enzymes. Incorporate:
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Yogurt or kefir for Lactobacillus strains.
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Sauerkraut, kimchi, or miso for gut-supporting bacteria.
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Kombucha or fermented vegetables for added diversity.
However, food-based probiotics vary in potency and strain concentration, so consistency can be challenging.
2. Through Supplements
For therapeutic purposes, probiotic supplements are often more reliable. Look for:
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Strain-specific labeling, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Bifidobacterium bifidum.
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A CFU count (colony-forming units) between 10 billion and 50 billion per serving for optimal effectiveness.
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Multi-strain formulas that combine bacteria and beneficial yeasts for broad-spectrum support.
Consider pairing probiotics with digestive enzyme supplements that contain amylase, protease, and lipase to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce digestive discomfort.
3. Timing and Consistency
Take probiotics daily, ideally with food, to maximize survival through the stomach’s acidic environment. During or after antibiotic treatment, continue probiotics for at least two weeks to help repopulate beneficial bacteria.
Additional Strategies to Manage Diarrhea Naturally
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Stay Hydrated: Replenish electrolytes lost during diarrhea with water, coconut water, or electrolyte solutions.
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Avoid Triggers: Limit caffeine, alcohol, and greasy foods, which can worsen diarrhea.
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Eat Soothing Foods: Stick to easily digestible options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast until symptoms improve.
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Rest: The gut’s immune system is energy-intensive. Give your body time to recover.
Final Thoughts
Probiotics and probiotic enzymes play an essential role in maintaining gut balance and managing digestive issues like diarrhea. Strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Lactobacillus plantarum have been clinically shown to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea while supporting intestinal integrity and nutrient absorption.
Whether through food or supplementation, incorporating these beneficial microbes into your routine can help you recover faster and build long-term resilience in your digestive system.
Primal Harvest Tips
For those managing recurring digestive issues or occasional diarrhea, choose a multi-strain probiotic with clinically backed species like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Consistency matters more than timing—take your probiotic daily with food to maximize absorption.
If you’re rebuilding gut health after antibiotics, combine probiotics with prebiotic fibers (found in foods like garlic, oats, and bananas) to nourish good bacteria. Consider pairing probiotics with digestive enzymes to improve nutrient absorption and reduce stress on the intestines.
Finally, hydrate consistently and eat mindfully. Supporting your gut with balanced nutrition and scientifically supported supplements is the foundation of lasting digestive wellness.
