Digestive Enzymes: A Guide to Better Digestion

Enzymes and their function in digestive health

Our body develops enzymes that split food into an even more elementary part so that it can be absorbed as necessary nutrients by the body. The natural sources of such enzymes were considered to be the oral cavity, stomach, and small intestine. Low levels of digestive enzymes can create a lot of health issues in human beings.

Role of digestive enzymes in the human body

Digestive enzymes determine the health of the body and nutrient uptake in a body. Most digestive problems, like bloating, and even some forms of constipation, often happen when the function of digestive enzymes is weak.

Digestive enzymes are also employed to bring about a variety of activities including energy generation, followed by the immune system. Finally they facilitate effortless uptake of nutrients from the ingested food.

Natural sources of digestive enzymes

Although our bodies create their own enzymes, outside supplies found in foods can also help to correct enzyme deficits. Some great natural sources consist of:

• Pineapple has a protease called bromelain.

• Rich in another protease, papaya also boasts papain.

• Mango contains amylase.

• Avocados contain lipase.

• Ginger has zingibain to modulate muscular and joint discomfort.

What can cause digestive enzyme deficiencies?

Digestive enzyme deficiencies are uncommon. They occur mostly in the presence of any other medical condition. Many diseases, like pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis, can cause lower pancreatic enzyme production.

Other problems possibly leading to enzyme deficits include:

• Diabetes

• Cysts in the pancreas, non-cancerous growths

• Narrow or blocked pancreatic or bile ducts

Doctors sometimes write prescriptions for enzyme supplements if someone lacks sufficient of them. Combining many enzymes (amylase, protease, and lipase), these supplements aid in food breakdown. One can change the quantity of these enzymes to fit individual demands. People with these problems would find great benefit from these enzyme supplements, which are available from any drugstore.

What are some adverse effects of supplementing enzymes?

Constipation is the most often occurring adverse effect of replacement digestive enzymes. Less often occurring symptoms could include:

• Nausea

• Abdominal cramps

• Diarrhea

See your doctor immediately if you have indications of an allergic reaction. The digestive system always calls for balance. If a deficiency of bicarbonate causes your small intestine's environment to be excessively acidic, replacement digestive enzymes might not be as effective. Not using the correct enzyme dosage or ratio might also be a problem.

Tell your doctor about any drugs and supplements you now take, as some can interact with digestive enzymes.

Selecting the correct supplement for digestive enzyme needs

When choosing a supplement, think about a broad-spectrum enzyme product that promotes the digestion of different macronutrients and may include specialized enzymes for particular dietary needs, like lactase for lactose intolerance.

To evaluate the efficacy, verify the enzyme activity levels (USP units); always choose goods from reliable companies that follow acceptable production standards and are free of pointless additives.

To prevent possible negative effects or interactions with supplements, it's advisable to see a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement. For this, you can talk to the practitioners at Curated Wellness. Click here to schedule a consultation and start feeling better!

Top recommended Digestive Enzymes

Enzyme Science Enzyme Defense Pro 60 Capsules

Supports the immune system.

Enzyme Defense™ Pro is Enzyme Science®’s highest potency proteolytic formula. In combination with Vitamin D3 & lysine, this unique powerful enzyme formulation is designed to support immune health thru the proteolytic, fibrinolytic and mucolytic actions of these catalysts.

Proteases are capable of breaking down proteins that are dead, damaged or don’t belong in the blood to encourage optimal health and wellness. The mucolytic properties of Mucolase™ may reduce excess mucus to ease congestion and promote easy breathing. Scientific evidence demonstrates that the proteolytic enzymes Nattokinase and Serrapeptase can support healthy circulation and speed the body’s natural recovery process from compromised tissue.

Enzyme Defense Pro was honored with the 2018 Immunity Essentials Award by Taste for Life.

• Proteolytic, Fibrinolytic & Mucolytic enzyme combination formula
• With Vitamin D3
• 2018 Award Winning Immunity Product

Dr. Mercola Full Spectrum Enzymes

If you suffer with occasional bloating, gas, constipation, heartburn, upset stomach or other digestive concerns after eating, you’re not alone. A national survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 74 percent of Americans live with these types of common digestive concerns.

Digestive enzymes are essential for supplementing your body’s own enzyme production to help break down food molecules, and digest and absorb the nutrients in your food. Several factors decrease your own enzyme production, including aging.

Dr. Mercola's Full Spectrum Enzymes is our one-of-a-kind flagship digestive enzyme blend. It is scientifically formulated based on USDA data to contain a broad range of enzymes to help digest different types of food.* The formula:

• Is designed for what real people actually eat, and includes an appropriate allowance for enzyme deficiencies and loss of enzymes due to age to ensure effective digestion without waste
• Contains a total of 22 different digestive enzymes, including four special blends, to help completely digest carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fibers, and more
• Works at a wide range of different pHs throughout your digestive tract to cover various phases of digestion, helping to digest food rapidly and relieve occasional bloating, gas, and intestinal discomfort
• Is designed for speed to break down food fast and reduce digestive discomfort*
• Includes adenosine-5’-triphosphate, or ATP, that’s missing from processed and cooked foods to help initiate your digestive processes
• Contains potent plant- , bacterial- and fungal-derived enzymes, instead of animal sources
• Contains no genetically engineered ingredients

Smidge Digestive Enzymes

Smidge® Digestive Enzymes (formerly GutZyme®) is a clean, comprehensive supplement to help digest food comfortably and absorb more nutrients without cramping, bloating, gas or constipation. It has three types of lipase to digest fats, plus eight beneficial, targeted enzymes to break down complex carbs, vegetables, proteins and sugars. It helps break down gassy foods like beans, cabbage and broccoli, and starchy foods like oats and rice. Also contains DPP-IV enzymes to support digestion of casein and gluten. Perfect for travel, the holidays, or outings where you don’t have control of the ingredients in your food. Vegetarian, gluten-free and free of common allergens, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Keep your digestion on track with Digestive Enzymes — no matter where you are!


Nature's Way Lactase Enzyme

Helps support the digestion of dairy.

Biospec Nutritionals Bio-Enzyme Daily

Biozyme is a high potency, comprehensive blend of stomach acidifiers and enzymes that promote optimum digestive function and nutrient uptake.