Digestive enzyme supplements are popular for treating many ailments, from digestive issues to heartburn and even gut irritation. These strong proteins are essential for breaking down the meals we eat. However, enzyme production and activity can be influenced by various circumstances, including aging, stress, and nutritional imbalances.

These supplements promote the natural digestive processes by breaking down food into important nutrients, allowing our systems to absorb and use them effectively. With so many options on the market, understanding the fundamentals of digestive enzyme supplements is critical for making sound decisions regarding our digestive health.

In this blog, we’ll examine how digestive enzyme supplements can help your digestive system, increase nutrient absorption, and improve overall health. Join us as we discuss the benefits of these supplements, how to select the best ones for your needs, and how to include them in your daily routine for a healthier, happier gut.

Naturally Occurring Digestive Enzymes

Your body makes digestive enzymes, proteins that aid digestion by breaking down food. The pancreas, liver, gallbladder, stomach, and small intestine all produce these enzymes, which are then released at various stages of digestion. Your saliva includes enzymes, and many digestive enzymes are housed in the cells that line the intestine’s surface.

However, situations and conditions may compromise the natural production of digestive enzymes, which may cause an array of issues, and digestive enzyme supplements are required.

Digestive Enzyme Deficiency

As people age, their natural production of digestive enzymes decreases, causing problems with proper meal breakdown. Conditions such as pancreatitis, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease can all impact the activity of this enzyme. In such circumstances, digestive enzyme supplements can assist.

Digestive Disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can all impact how well the body digests food. Digestive enzyme supplements can help relieve symptoms such as bloating, gas, and pain by assisting in the breakdown of meal components that would otherwise go undigested.

Improved Nutrient Absorption

Even if a person has not been diagnosed with a specific digestive issue, poor digestion can contribute to ineffective nutrient absorption. Individuals with low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) or those who have regular digestive difficulties, for example, may benefit from enzyme supplements to ensure proper nutrient absorption.

Dietary Choices

A diet high in processed foods, poor in fiber, or deficient in natural digestive enzymes (found in raw fruits and vegetables) can tax the digestive system. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can help digestion when the diet’s natural enzyme content is insufficient.

Recovery and Wellness

Digestive enzyme supplements can help in recovery from sickness or surgery, when digestive function may be temporarily impaired. They can also help with overall health by promoting normal digestion and minimizing symptoms of digestive pain.

Types of Digestive Enzymes

The pancreas creates the most important digestive enzymes:

• Protease – breaks down proteins into amino acids

• Lipase – breaks down fats (triglycerides) into fatty acids. 

The small intestine creates the following digestive enzymes:

• Sucrase to break down sucrose

• Lactase to break down lactose.

Amylase is made in the mouth to break down complex carbohydrates and starches into sugars.

Digestive Enzyme Deficiencies

Digestive enzyme shortages arise when the body does not create enough enzymes to breakdown and absorb nutrients. This can result in a variety of digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies. Let’s take a closer look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of digestive enzyme deficiency.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs when health issues induce damage to the pancreas, resulting in a shortage of pancreatic enzymes. As a result, the pancreas lacks the necessary enzymes to digest lipids, proteins, and carbs.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary condition that affects both the respiratory and digestive systems. Thick, sticky mucus can block the pancreatic ducts, preventing digesting enzymes from reaching the small intestine.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune illness.  Gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. This injury may impede the generation and function of digestive enzymes.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel illness that affects any region of the digestive tract, causing inflammation and ulceration. This can disrupt enzyme synthesis and function.

Pancreatic Cancer

This type of cancer can impair the pancreas’ ability to create digesting enzymes. Pancreatic cancer tumors and treatments can cause pancreas damage.

Common Symptoms of Digestive Enzyme Deficiency

• Heartburn

• Unexplained weight loss

• Cramps or stomach pain

• Oily or fatty stools with each bowel movement

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Slow digestion

• Fatigue

• Excessive gas

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

Causes of Digestive Enzyme Deficiencies

Family History

As a result of an abnormal gene, your body can’t make enough digestive enzymes. This is a genetic condition passed down from parent to child.

Congenital

You could be born with this condition that gradually develops over time. Commonly the body’s ability to create salivary or pancreatitis amylase is diminished.

Gastrointestinal Surgery

Any type of gastrointestinal surgery can affect the production of digestive enzymes. For example, a gastric bypass whereby a part of the digestive tract is removed.

Well of Life’s Digestive Enzyme Supplement

The Well of Life Digestive Enzymes with Makzyme-Pro Blend supplement is a natural enzyme supplement that supports gut health and digestion as well as efficient nutrient absorption.

It contains vital natural digestive enzymes for a complete blend that will tend to a variety of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It offers an overall, comprehensive approach to a healthier gut!

Let’s dive into the comprehensive list of ingredients in the Well of Life Digestive Enzymes with Makzyme-Pro Blend:

Fungal Protease from Aspergillus oryzae

Aspergillus oryzae fungal protease is an enzyme that has become popular in food due to its ability to degrade proteins.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Although lactobacillus acidophilus is predominately a probiotic, it does aid in the production of the digestive enzyme lactase. Fermented foods accumulate digestive enzymes throughout the fermentation process. This includes L. acidophilus in sauerkraut. Lactobacillus acidophilus enhances the overall efficiency of digestion and nutrient absorption, which in turn leads to better overall health and well-being, especially for individuals suffering from lactose intolerance.

Bromelain

Bromelain, a protease enzyme commonly found in pineapples, helps break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which aids in the digestion of protein-rich foods and makes them easier for the body to absorb and utilize.

Fungal Lipase

This enzyme is derived from fungi, plays a key role in the digestion and processing of fats by catalyzing the hydrolysis of triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, which enhances fat digestion and allows for better absorption of these components in the intestines.

Fungal Lactase

Fungal lactase catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose into its simpler sugars, glucose, and galactose, which aids in the digestion of lactose and makes it easier for the body to absorb these sugars.

Papain

Papain is a digestive enzyme from the papaya fruit (Carica papaya), specifically from the latex. It has proteolytic capabilities, which help break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids.

According to a study published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters, papaya is an effective treatment for gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.

Alpha Galactosidase

Alpha-galactosidase is a digestive enzyme that helps break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, particularly oligosaccharides found in beans, vegetables, and whole grains. Studies have shown that the digestive enzyme can help with carbohydrate digestion, therefore decreasing gas and bloating induced by these foods.

Additional Digestive Enzyme Sources

Prescription Digestive Enzymes

A doctor may prescribe digestive enzyme supplements as part of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). This digestive enzyme supplement is a combination of protease, amylase, and lipase. These help your body break down food, particularly protein, carbohydrates, and fats. These foods can then be processed and the nutrients absorbed.

Prescription digestive enzymes include pancrelipase – Zenpep and Creon medication. These can also be used for digestive and kidney diseases.

Over the Counter (OTC) Digestive Enzyme Supplements

OTC digestive enzymes come in many forms, including liquids and powder pills, and are available at pharmacies and health stores. 

Recommendations for Safe Use

While digestive enzyme supplements can improve digestion and health, it is critical to be aware of potential hazards and use them appropriately under the supervision of a healthcare expert.

Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always visit a healthcare provider before beginning enzyme supplements, especially if you have underlying health concerns or are taking other medications.
Follow the Dosage Instructions: Follow the specified dosages and directions to avoid side effects and guarantee proper use.
Choose Reputable Brands: Choose supplements from well-known brands with excellent quality standards to reduce the danger of contamination and assure proper labeling.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, digestive enzyme supplements can be an effective tool for achieving optimal digestive health and boosting overall well-being. These supplements can help with typical digestive disorders like bloating, gas, and indigestion by assisting in the breakdown of proteins, lipids, and carbs while also promoting efficient nutrient absorption.

However, it is critical to approach enzyme supplements with information and caution, selecting high-quality goods, following prescribed dosages, and checking with a healthcare practitioner to ensure they are appropriate for your specific requirements. With the appropriate technique, digestive enzyme supplements can improve your digestive function, resulting in a more pleasant and balanced lifestyle.

So why wait? Empower your gut and embrace the freedom of effortless digestion. A happier, healthier you starts with a well-functioning digestive system!