The Role of Enzymes in Post-Holiday Recovery

After a holiday season filled with festive meals and heavier-than-normal fare, January becomes a popular time to press “reset” on our eating habits. Clients come to us for support with occasional digestive discomfort, feelings of heaviness after meals and reduced energy or focus. Seasonal indulgence, changes in routine and travel can all influence digestive function and gut microbiome balance. Fortunately, the digestive system is highly responsive to gentle, consistent support.

This post-holiday period provides practitioners with an opportunity to guide clients back to balance using foundational strategies that support normal digestion, nutrient breakdown and the body’s natural elimination processes — without extreme dietary restriction or harsh cleansing protocols.

Digestive Enzymes and Post-Holiday Digestive Balance

Digestive enzymes play an essential role in breaking down macronutrients and problem foods into smaller components the body can absorb and utilize. Holiday meals are often larger and richer, which may place additional demand on digestive capacity.

Supplemental digestive enzymes are commonly used to support normal digestive processes and promote comfort following meals. Taking an enzyme supplement with meals can help support digestive comfort in individuals experiencing occasional gas, bloating or fullness after eating.* For clients who are taking a renewed interest in their nutrition, an enzyme supplement helps them get the most from every bite, while also increasing energy.*

Practitioner takeaway: January is a great time to reinforce foundational digestion support before adding more complex interventions.

Digestion, Energy and Mental Clarity

As we like to say, great health starts with healthy digestion – it’s foundational to overall wellness. When macronutrients are adequately broken down, nutrient availability supports normal metabolic processes throughout the body. Additionally, the gut microbiome plays a key role in producing short-chain fatty acids from dietary fiber, to support gut barrier function and normal immune signaling.

We know that the gut–brain axis maintains communication pathways between the digestive system, nervous system and immune system. Supporting digestive and microbiome balance – by including a probiotic supplement – may help clients feel more comfortable and resilient as they return to their usual routine.*

Practitioner takeaway: Pairing enzymes with probiotics reinforces both digestive comfort and whole-body resilience. Choosing a formula that combines the two helps maintain healthy digestion now and in the future, since enzymes get to work quickly while probiotics support long-term digestive health.* 

Gentle Daily Detox Support: A Foundation-First Approach

Rather than aggressive cleanses, a post-holiday reset is best approached by supporting the body’s natural detoxification systems. The liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and lymphatic system work continuously to process and eliminate metabolic waste.

Daily habits like staying hydrated, having regular bowel movements and promoting a healthy microbial balance can help maintain these natural processes. Research shows that dietary pattern changes can influence the gut microbiome in a relatively short period of time, reinforcing the value of consistent, sustainable nutrition strategies.

Habits to Support Balance After the Holidays

• Start with hydration to support digestion and regularity.
• Avoid extreme dietary swings; focus on small, sustainable shifts.
• Support digestion with enzymes to help break down meals efficiently.
• Promote microbiome balance with probiotic-containing foods or supplements.
• Increase dietary fiber intake to support regular bowel movements and digestive comfort.
• Encourage clients to identify their “why” to stay on track – and avoid drastic changes they can’t maintain. This article can help clients reframe goal-setting. 

Product Protocol Considerations

Critical Digestion®

• With our highest-potency Thera-blend® enzymes and 8 diverse strains of shelf-stable probiotics (1.25 billion CFU per capsule).*
• Provides a combination of digestive enzymes and probiotics to support normal digestion and gut microbiome balance. 
• Take with meals as part of a daily digestive support routine.

Complete Digestion™ 

• With Thera-blend® enzymes and 8 diverse strains of shelf-stable probiotics (125 million CFU per capsule).*
• Offers gentle yet comprehensive enzyme and probiotic support for individuals seeking everyday digestive assistance, particularly for mild to moderate digestive discomforts.*
• Take with meals as part of a daily digestive support routine.

Let’s Go Fiber+ 

• 95% of adults don’t consume adequate amounts of daily fiber. A fiber supplement helps bridge the gap. 
• Includes clinically studied Solnul®, an upcycled resistant starch for gut health* 
• With  inavea™ Pure Acacia, a sustainably sourced acacia fiber known for its gentle prebiotic activity* 
• Including a fiber drink mix in a client’s daily routine can also help them stay hydrated. 
• Available in Tropical or Strawberry Kiwi