Maintaining gut health is important for overall well-being, and digestive enzyme supplements are one way of improving a sluggish gut. But how do these supplements work, exactly, and how do you know if you should take them? Please keep reading to learn more about how digestive enzymes help to support and repair the digestive system and when you should consider adding them to your routine.
What Are Digestive Enzyme Supplements Used For?
Digestive enzyme supplements are designed to help your body break down and absorb nutrients from food more efficiently. Naturally produced in the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine, enzymes like proteases, lipases, and amylases are responsible for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
However, if your body doesn’t produce enough of these enzymes, you can experience uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and undigested food in your stool. Digestive enzyme supplements are particularly useful for people with conditions like lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or pancreatic insufficiency. They can also benefit those who struggle with occasional indigestion due to diet or stress.
How Do Digestive Enzyme Supplements Work?
Digestive enzyme supplements work by supplementing your body’s natural enzymes to assist in breaking down food into smaller, more absorbable nutrients. When you eat, your digestive system releases these enzymes to initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into their basic components, such as glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids.
For those lacking sufficient enzymes, supplements provide a boost, ensuring that food is digested more completely and efficiently, which may relieve symptoms like bloating and gas. By enhancing nutrient absorption, these supplements can improve overall gut health which can, in turn, result in increased energy levels, improved mood, weight stabilization, and more.
What Are the Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements to Take?
There are a fair few options on the market when it comes to digestive enzyme supplements, and not all are created equal. How can you be sure you are getting the highest quality product? And how can one brand be $20 while another is $65?
The wild discrepancy in price has to do with the product itself. The cheaper varieties contain a good deal of filler, which means they will be much less effective (unless you take more of them, which means you’ll be spending more money anyway).
This is why we always recommend consulting with your provider prior to beginning any new supplement, including digestive enzymes. Firstly, this ensures they will not interfere with current medications, health conditions, or dietary restrictions. Secondly, your provider may be able to recommend a quality brand for your digestive enzyme supplements.
Vegetarian Digestive Enzyme Supplements
At Balanced Body, we recommend a product called “Digestzyme V.” It contains no animal products and 17 separate digestive enzymes, including amylase, lipase, pectinase, and protease. Many products have five or fewer ingredients, some or all of which are animal-derived. Pepsin and pancreatin, for example, are popular in some proprietary blends of digestive enzyme supplements. These come from pigs and are seen on the label as “porcine-derived”. Ox bile is another ingredient often found in these products, extracted from the gallbladders of oxen.
In addition to its long list of enzymes, Digestzyme V includes a few other natural ingredients as well that set it apart from other supplements and make it more efficacious:
- Cynarin, a chemical constituent found in artichoke globe leaves, stimulates production of bile in the liver and promotes emptying of the gallbladder
- Bromelain, a potent protein digesting enzyme sourced naturally from the stems of pineapples
- Gentian root extract, which supports saliva and stomach acid production and may also have liver protecting properties.
How Do You Know if You Need Digestive Enzymes?
If you frequently experience symptoms like bloating, gas, indigestion, or undigested food in your stool, you might benefit from digestive enzyme supplements. Testing through a healthcare provider can confirm whether you have low enzyme levels.
At Balanced Body Health and Wellness, we recommend a comprehensive approach to gut health that includes evaluating your symptoms, diet, and lifestyle. Consulting with our specialists in Omaha can determine whether enzyme supplements are suitable for you.
What Happens When You Start Taking Digestive Enzyme Supplements?
When you begin taking digestive enzyme supplements, you might notice immediate relief from symptoms like bloating and indigestion after meals. The improved breakdown of food can also help nutrient absorption, leading to better energy and less discomfort. However, it’s important to start with the right dosage and type of enzyme supplement suited to your needs.
Some people may also experience mild side effects like gas or nausea as their digestive system adjusts. Gradually introducing the supplement and following dosing recommendations is key to minimizing any discomfort.
Can You Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements With Probiotics?
While digestive enzymes aid in the breakdown of food, probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive function and immune health. Many people find that combining both helps to address multiple aspects of gut health, from food breakdown to maintaining a balanced microbiome.
Who Should Not Take Enzyme Supplements?
While enzyme supplements are generally safe for most people, there are a few groups who should exercise caution:
- Individuals with allergies to certain enzymes, such as those derived from animal or plant sources, should avoid these supplements.
- Those with conditions such as ulcers or gastritis should consult a healthcare provider before use, because certain enzymes may irritate the stomach lining.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
If you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications, it’s always wise to seek advice from a healthcare professional before beginning enzyme supplements.
Weight Loss Clinic Omaha
Digestive enzyme supplements like Digestzyme V offer a safe and effective way to enhance digestion and promote gut health. Whether you’re dealing with specific conditions like IBS or pancreatic insufficiency or just want to improve your digestion, adding enzyme supplements to your daily routine could make a difference.
At Balanced Body Health and Wellness, we encourage you to explore enzyme supplementation as part of a broader strategy for gut health. For personalized recommendations and more information, schedule a free Discovery Call with us today!
