Have you ever wondered why you sometimes feel sluggish, bloated, cramped, or tired after a meal?
A lot of that has to do with how your body breaks down the food you eat.
That’s where digestive enzymes come in.
Let’s dive into this fascinating world of enzymes and their role in our digestive health.
What are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are proteins the body produces to help break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized. You can also get digestive enzymes through external sources like food and supplements.
Enzymes are essential for the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Many digestive enzymes are naturally produced by various parts of our digestive systems, including the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
From the moment a piece of food touches your tongue until it leaves your body, enzymes work to help us absorb all the nutrients we can from it.
The 3 Main Types of Digestive Enzymes
Let’s briefly get into the science to shed some light on how digestive enzymes work and where they come from.
1. Amylase
Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into sugars. These sugars are the primary source of energy for our cells, fueling various physical and mental activities. Amylase is found in saliva and pancreatic juice.
2. Protease
Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. Amino acids are essential for repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and facilitating numerous metabolic processes in the body. Protease is found in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
3. Lipase
Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Glycerol is essential for energy production, metabolism, hydration, and various physiological functions contributing to overall health. Lipase is produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine.
When all your digestive enzymes function properly, you get several real-life benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and better gut health.
Digestive enzymes help reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion by properly breaking down food. They also enhance the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients from food, contributing to overall health.
Additionally, digestive enzymes support a healthy gut microbiome by preventing undigested food particles from causing inflammation or bacterial overgrowth.
Sometimes, however, the enzymes in our bodies don’t work correctly; we simply lack enough of them, or our bodies may slow down their production as we age.
And this leads to problems.
How Can You Tell if You’re Enzyme Deficient?
Early detection of enzyme deficiency is key to maintaining your digestive health. A deficiency involves recognizing specific symptoms and sometimes undergoing medical testing.
Common symptoms of enzyme deficiency include:
• Frequent digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain
• Malabsorption, a condition that prevents the absorption of nutrients through the small intestine and could include frequent diarrhea
• Unintentional weight loss is also an indicator
Additionally, nutritional deficiencies caused by poor digestion may produce symptoms like fatigue, weakness, hair loss, and skin issues.
Specific food intolerances, such as difficulty digesting dairy products (lactose intolerance) or digestive issues when consuming gluten-containing foods, can also suggest enzyme deficiencies.
Additionally, medical tests can identify enzyme deficiencies through:
• Stool tests (measuring fat and undigested food)
• Blood tests (checking nutrient levels and antibodies)
• Breath tests (measuring hydrogen for lactose intolerance)
• Direct enzyme testing (assessing pancreatic function)
If enzyme deficiency is suspected, it is crucial to consult a gastroenterologist. They can evaluate your medical history, conduct exams, and order tests.
How to Manage an Enzyme Deficiency
If you’re showing signs of enzyme deficiency, there are a few steps you can take to get yourself back in tip-top shape.
Of course, it’s imperative that you speak with a healthcare professional first.
But in general, here’s how you can deal with this issue.
Manage Underlying Conditions
Sometimes, an enzyme deficiency might be due to underlying health issues. This is the #1 reason you should speak to your doctor.
Monitoring your symptoms and seeking professional guidance are essential steps in effectively managing and treating enzyme deficiencies.
If you’re diagnosed with an enzyme deficiency, your treatment options may include one or both of these additional measures.
Dietary Adjustments
One approach to managing digestive enzyme issues is to avoid certain foods that can exacerbate your symptoms. This might include dairy, gluten, or high-fat foods that your body struggles to break down effectively.
Avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms allows your digestive system to heal and function more efficiently. Over time, this can lead to fewer digestive issues, improved nutrient absorption, and overall better health.
However, while this can improve digestive health and reduce discomfort, it’s not always the most enjoyable path.
Let’s face it: Missing out on your favorite foods can feel like a real drag. Who wants to pass on an Italian dinner or a creamy ice cream sundae? Social gatherings, dining out, and even everyday meals can become a challenge when you have to think about what you can and can’t eat constantly.
But you’re in luck because there’s another step you can take.
Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Imagine savoring your favorite meals again, free from the fear of digestive distress. Digestive enzyme supplements—like Incredible Digestive Enzymes from Stonehenge Health—can help improve nutrient absorption, enhance gut health, and reduce bloating and indigestion.*
Incredible Digestive Enzymes is a blend of 18 multi-functioning enzymes specially formulated to help you digest your food the way your body was meant to.
Additionally, Incredible Digestive Enzymes addresses all food groups with one unique blend of enzymes to help put you back on track with ease and comfort.*
Don’t let enzyme deficiencies hold you back. Embrace the benefits of a healthy digestive system with Incredible Digestive Enzymes.
Take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.
