Digestive enzymes help in the breakdown of food particles and the absorption of nutrients from the meal. The process is essential because it utilizes food in new muscles building, energy production and protection of the biological system from toxins. However, sometimes the bodies can't produce enough digestive enzymes. Digestive enzyme deficiency can lead to numerous health problems which include bloating, gas, discomfort, allergic reactions to different types of foods, etc. In such a case, taking digestive enzyme supplements is necessary.
What Are the Benefits of Digestive Enzymes?
The benefits mainly fall into the three categories.
1. Protein Absorption
The absorption of the protein depends on the enzyme protease. Proteins are building blocks of cells, tissues, and hormones in the body. Protease works by digesting the peptide bonds, which leads to the release of amino acids which are then absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized for growth and development.
2. Carbohydrate Utilization
Amylase is an important enzyme which helps in the digestion of carbohydrates, without which carbohydrates can’t be absorbed properly. The enzyme breaks down carbohydrates into smaller sugar particles such as glucose for absorption in the bloodstream. Carbohydrates are the main energy source of the body.
3. Fat Breakdown
One of the benefits of digestive enzymes is fat breakdown. The enzyme lipase is important in the absorption of fats in the diet. When you ingest fats from a meal, the liver releases bile which filters the fat molecules and breaks them into tiny droplets. Thereafter, lipase breaks the tiny fat molecules into fatty acids and glycerol. These nutrients are then transported into cells for storage or use through blood stream.
Do You Need to Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements?
You may need to take digestive enzyme supplements under the following circumstances.
1. Digestive Diseases
If you experience any digestive disease like bloating, gas, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, constipation, malabsorption, or diarrhea, then the digestive enzymes will come in hand. Digestive enzymes will take stress off the liver, pancreas, stomach, small intestine and the gall bladder by aiding in the breakdown of fats, starches, and proteins.
2. Age-Related Enzyme Insufficiency
As people age, the acidity of the stomach becomes more alkaline. This means that there is a high chance that acidic trigger may fail. When the acidic trigger fails, then the signal is not transferred to the secretin and this, in turn, prevents the pancreatic secretions.
3. Liver Disease
Most patients with liver disease are suspected to have a concurrent enzyme deficiency. One of the common conditions is called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency which is a genetic disorder affecting one person in 1500 people across the world. Typically, the condition affects adults between the ages of 20-50 with respiratory complaints or breathing problems. Besides, if you are diagnosed with hypochlorhydria, you also need to take supplements.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Digestive Enzymes Supplements?
1. Reduce Lactose Intolerance Symptoms
Lactose intolerance exists among people who lack natural enzymes that digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. Supplementing the diet with lactase, a specific enzyme required in digesting dairy product, means that the person will enjoy dairy products with less discomfort.
2. Digest High Fiber Diets
A high fiber diet is very healthy, and it is good for bowel regularity and balance of nutrients. However, this diet can present a wide array of side effects such as stomach cramping and bloat. Beano is a famous product which uses the benefits of digestive enzymes to digest high fiber food. Taking Beano before high fiber diet will help reduce the onset of the symptoms.
3. Reduce Gassiness and Bloating
When digestion is slow, more gas will be produced. By speeding the breakdown of food, the enzymes can reduce bouts of embarrassing flatulence, especially when taken after ingesting gassy foods. Supplements also aid in reduce bloating.
4. Relieve Constipation
Digestive enzymes can benefit people suffering from constant constipation by speeding the digestion process. Faster digestion reduces time fecal matter spends in the bowel. Moreover, symptoms of indigestion associated with IBS are alleviated too.
5. Relieve Autoimmune and Immune Disorders
One of the main reasons why people consume digestive enzymes is immune and autoimmune disorders. Using the digestive enzymes will reinstate the balance of the good bacteria in the body, which helps in strengthening a compromised immune system and fighting autoimmune problems.
6. Fight Allergies
Studies by nutritionists and doctors reveal that digestive problems cause allergies. Once the digestive system is healed by the use of digestive enzymes, most of the allergies disappear completely.
7. Manage Pancreatic Insufficiency
Enzymes are essential in managing cases of pancreatic insufficiency. Conditions which involve the pancreas can utilize the benefits of digestive enzymes through aiding digestion and breakdown of food particles.
8. Treat Heartburn and Acid Reflux
One of the common reasons why people consume digestive enzymes is acid reflux and heartburn. In most cases, these problems work hand in hand, and it has been found that many people suffering from the two suffer from digestive problems. Digestive enzymes can help in stopping these symptoms and allow the digestive tract and the stomach to heal.
9. Combat Chronic Fatigue
Digestive enzymes can help in promoting the body to absorb more energy and nutrients. This helps you to gain strength.