Decreasing body inflammation and improving the digestive process are essential issues for keeping the body operating at its best. Many have found that supplementing their diet with digestive enzymes can be a healthy step toward achieving some good long-term health goals. This article will take a closer look at these enzymes along with the possible risk and benefits.
What are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down the food we eat so the body can absorb the nutrients. These enzymes are secreted by the salivary glands in our mouths and throughout the digestive tract and start working before any food is even put in our mouths. Reactions from our bodies’ digestive enzymes can begin when we smell or even think about eating food. Increasing the natural absorption of our food is one of the most significant benefits of digestive enzymes.
What is Their Function in the Body?
A lack of digestive enzymes leads to many common digestive issues with the body, like gas or bloating. These deficiencies can be caused by diabetes, pancreatitis, and celiac disease, which affects the body’s ability to digest wheat. When long-term damage to the pancreas occurs, this can lead to a condition known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. With EPI, the individual can no longer process fats properly.
Inadequate digestive enzymes can lead to severe issues with the digestive system, but the specific problem will often depend on the enzyme affected. For example, lactase, an enzyme that the body uses to break down the sugar in dairy products, can cause lactose intolerance when low amounts of the enzyme are found in the digestive system. This means that the body will struggle to properly digest the natural sugars found in dairy products.
Is Supplementing with Digestive Enzymes a Good Idea?
Supplementing the body with digestive enzymes can reduce heartburn, minimize irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and can even help decrease anxiety. After beginning a digestive enzyme supplementation program, many people report increased energy and reduced pain caused by inflammation. These fantastic benefits are believed to be caused by the body’s ability to process nutrients more efficiently.
Supplementing Enzymes with Foods
Those looking to increase the efficiency of their body’s digestive process can supplement their intake of digestive enzymes in different ways. Most people begin the task by supplementing with specific foods. Adding things like sauerkraut and other fermented foods to the diet can benefit the gut’s microbiome since these foods contain beneficial bacteria that aid the body in digestion and metabolism across many diverse body systems.
Supplementing Enzymes with Products
Others choose to supplement digestive enzymes with pills, powders, or liquids. These can be purchased at most natural food or health food stores. Since these products are entirely unregulated by the FDA, it is wise to proceed with caution. The consumer has no guarantee of the efficacy of any of these supplements. Be sure to research both the company thoroughly before consuming their products or supplements.
The human digestive system is an incredibly complex machine capable of powering the rest of the body in the form of food energy. Ensuring the body’s systems are operating properly will go a long way toward living a healthier and happier life. Be sure to check with your doctor before using any digestive enzymes or other supplements.
