Enzymes for better digestion -
Full Spectrum Plant Enzymes can greatly increase your ability to maximize the benefits of your food and your health. Enzymes speed up reactions. There are thousands of enzymes filling thousands of roles throughout the body. In digestion, enzymes are required to help break bigger molecules down into smaller components, making nutrients easier to absorb into the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Plant enzymes are a type of digesting enzyme that is naturally found in the foods you eat. Plant enzymes are part of your digestive team, along with digestive juices like stomach acid, bile and pancreatic enzymes, and microbes that live all throughout your digestive system. When any of these players are deficient, it can greatly affect the quality of digestion and absorption.
If these nutrients are not broken down, all sorts of digestive upset can occur. A feeling of fullness, excess burping, bloating or flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea can all be connected to improperly digested foods.
Undigested foods can also feed undesirable microbes, contributing to overgrowth of bacteria or fungi. We are also not absorbing the nutrients into the body, contributing to nutritional deficiencies. Not really the point of eating great food!
All these digestive players can become deficient for many reasons. Chronic stress or eating while stressed or multitasking, dehydration, liver overload, excess refined carbohydrates, certain medications or treatments, antibiotics and gallbladder removal can all contribute. Parasites, food allergies or intolerances, white sugar, or undigested foods can all contribute to damage of the intestinal lining, which greatly affects digestion and absorption.
Digestive strength also naturally decrease with age. Your diet may be deficient in plant enzymes, as they are destroyed with cooking or heating over ° F. While on one hand cooking can make foods easier to digest, on the other it can deplete the innate enzymes that help us break down the nutrients.
A diet high in cooked, processed, or not-fresh raw foods does not provide the plant enzymes required to help your own digestive juices break down nutrients for absorption. Taking plant enzymes with meals can support your digestive capacity, increase absorption and decrease digestive symptoms.
Unlike conventional digestive aids, plant enzymes not only ease unpleasant digestive symptoms — such as nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach and inflammation — but they also help our bodies absorb nutrients better.
The result is improved digestion, higher nutrient absorption and a healthier body that is less susceptible to infection, fatigue and degenerative diseases.
A: Plant enzymes are naturally found in plants, and start working as soon as you start chewing your food.
In supplement form, they are produced by various types of fungi. Supplemental pancreatic enzymes are sourced from pigs, therefore not compatible with vegan or vegetarian diets. A: Antacids can provide temporary symptomatic relief, but are actually negatively affecting your digestive function by bringing up the pH in your stomach.
This decreases your absorption, without addressing the reason for the discomfort. Taking plant enzymes actually increases digestion, getting rid of the cause of the pain. Q: What turns on the plant enzymes in my body? A: Heat, proper pH, and moisture.
Body temperature is ideal for turning on enzymes but they are destroyed at temperatures over oF, which includes most of our cooking. Plant enzymes can be active with pH levels from 3 to 7, which corresponds with most areas of your digestive tract. And water from chewing and saliva provides H2O for adding to the new smaller molecules.
Ideally, all those are the norm when you eat, turning on the plant enzymes well. Q: What does the pH range signify? Why is it so broad? A: pH is the measurement of acid strength.
Throughout your digestive tract, the pH varies, from pH of 2 in the stomach to pH of 8 in the duodenum. Q: How else can I increase my nutrient absorption? A: Eat mindfully. Stop and pay attention to the smells, get your mouth salivating. Chew, chew, chew. Eat slowly. Eat meals or snacks, but avoid grazing.
Avoid eating at least 2 hours before bed, and take 12 hours off without food overnight. These are all simple techniques to help our digestive system turn on more effectively. However, on a recent trip to France, I was running out of lactose pills and the pharmacist told me to take their French digestive enzymes instead.
So very happy I did! This was the first natural health product I was ever introduced to and it improved my digestion so much that it made me open up to many of their other supplements to improve other areas of health.
Such a game changing product. Hi there! Thank you so much for the feedback! Happy to hear that the product has helped you with digestion : Thank you!
I had so much hope for digestion support but unfortunately the side effects of stomach pain were worse than the issue I was avoiding.
Hi there, Thank you for your feedback! We are sorry to hear that this product did not support you. Although many products are marketed as improving digestion, there is no evidence for general health or for those who are symptom-free.
Some medical conditions require treatment beyond over-the-counter products. Additionally, certain digestive enzyme supplements may not be safe for:. Some conditions require prescription enzyme replacement therapy.
If you have any of the following conditions, work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option:. In addition, there is no evidence of digestive enzymes to help with the following:. Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.
We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products.
It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.
To help develop this list, we also spoke with experts about digestive enzyme supplements. The experts we talked to included:. Digestive enzyme supplements can be formulas containing:. Over-the-counter digestive enzymes typically come in one of the following physical forms:.
There is no research suggesting greater efficacy of one form of the supplement over another; however, keep in mind that some chewable and flavored products may contain additional ingredients, such as sugar alcohols, that can cause extra symptoms. It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient.
Please bring the supplement label to your healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking. Digestive enzymes may be derived from plant or animal sources.
If you are vegan, vegetarian, or avoid certain animal products for religious reasons, read product labels carefully. Key ingredients to be aware of:. Some digestive enzyme products may also contain added ingredients such as prebiotics , which can worsen gas and bloating in digestively sensitive people, or sugar alcohols, which can worsen diarrhea.
Chewable supplements are more likely to contain one of these ingredients as a sweetener. Prebiotics avoid for gas and bloating include:.
Sugar alcohols avoid for diarrhea include:. Digestive enzyme dosage is not standardized across products, and many enzymes do not have research-based guidelines. However, of the enzymes that have been studied in human digestion, the following dosages have been shown to improve symptoms:.
Note that products that contain enzyme blends may contain lower amounts of each enzyme compared to products that contain only one type of enzyme. If you have poor digestion of a single nutrient, such as lactose or fructose, you may benefit most from a product that contains only the necessary enzyme.
If you have multiple intolerances e. There are generally no established upper limits for over-the-counter enzymes. Unlike prescription enzymes, there is no standard dosing for commercially available digestive enzymes, and guidelines may vary across different products.
Additionally, many products contain ingredients that have not been studied in human digestion and therefore have unknown health risks. Of the most researched enzyme products, documented side effects include gastrointestinal upset, such as gas, bloating, and nausea.
Products should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of excessive use. High-dose lipase intake, in particular, has been shown to cause damage to the colon walls. Numerous digestive products advertise enzymes derived from raw fruits and vegetables, as well as some from animal sources, for digestion enhancement.
Although these ingredients may facilitate a chemical reaction breakdown outside of the human body, the following enzymes lack evidence as digestive remedies in humans:. The supplement company NOW released the results from a recent study looking at the potency of 19 different bromelain supplements sold on Amazon.
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple plants, in particular, has become expensive to source, which may be leading to companies cutting corners. While there are some biases to consider in this study, given NOW is a market competitor of other brands sold on Amazon, it raises the warning that the limited regulation of the supplement industry can lead to misrepresentations of what the product actually contains.
For this reason, Verywell Health recommends supplements that have proven efficacy from science-backed research and products from reputable brands that do internal and third-party testing. Digestive enzymes require specific conditions to do their job.
A product is most likely to be effective with the following considerations:. Probiotics are live microorganisms that live in the human gut and can offer specific health benefits. Digestive enzymes are nonliving proteins made by the body to break down food components into digestible building blocks.
Probiotics and enzymes are both found in our digestive tract and can be taken in supplement form. While consuming probiotics through food or supplements can help to support a healthy gut microbiome which may improve digestion , they are not directly involved in the chemical breakdown of food like digestive enzymes.
If you have a digestive enzyme deficiency or dietary intolerance, probiotic supplements or probiotics added to digestive enzyme supplements are not known to be an effective remedy. Prescription enzymes differ from over-the-counter products in that they offer much higher doses of enzymes that are standardized precisely controlled and regulated by the FDA.
If you have a condition called pancreatic insufficiency, in which the pancreas doesn't produce enough of the key digestive enzymes lipase, protease, and amylase , a prescription enzyme regimen known as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy or PERT is advised.
Although some over-the-counter digestive enzymes offer the same enzymes found in the prescription formula, the dosage is significantly lower and typically insufficient for improving digestion.
Similarly, if your digestive symptoms stem from sucrose intolerance—a diagnosable condition known as a sucrase-isomaltase deficiency or CSID—enzymes bought at a store will not meet your needs. A digestive enzyme called sacrosidase Sucraid is available by prescription only.
It comes in a liquid form that needs to be refrigerated, and there is currently no over-the-counter substitute. Digestive enzymes are objectively important for good digestion, though the effect of an enzyme supplement depends on the ingredients it contains and whether it is appropriate for your digestive issue.
If you have digestive symptoms due to an enzyme deficiency or intolerance, supplementing with the particular enzyme responsible for the nutrient you are malabsorbing can improve symptoms. Digestive enzymes are not intended to treat constipation. However, if you have an enzyme deficiency or dietary intolerance, you may notice changes in your bowel movements.
Poor digestion of nutrients most often results in gas, bloating, or diarrhea, though constipation may be experienced in some cases as well.
Digestive enzymes are most effective when matched to the appropriate issue. A random blend of enzymes may not be an effective digestive aid. Although many products are marketed with broad claims for digestion and health, proven benefits are limited to certain conditions.
For those with lactase deficiency, fructose intolerance, or galacto-oligosaccharide sensitivity, supplementing with adequate doses and appropriate timing of the target enzyme has been clinically shown to improve symptoms.
There are few risks associated with enzyme supplementation. Known side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly with increased dosage. As with any commercially available supplement, digestive enzyme products are minimally regulated and can include contaminants and doses that do not match the label or vary across brands.
Products with ox and bovine ingredients may present risk of disease transition, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy aka mad cow disease. Additionally, some digestive enzymes can cause adverse side effects when taken in excess.
For example, papain can cause esophageal perforation at high doses. Those that are pregnant, lactating, have a preexisting medical condition or those taking any medications should consult a healthcare professional before taking any digestive enzymes.
Suzie Finkel, MS, RD, CDN , is a nutrition consultant specializing in the nutritional management of digestive problems. As a GI dietitian, she provides evidence-based nutrition services for a wide array of conditions, including enzyme deficiencies.
Her goal is to demystify nutrition mis information and facilitate digestive comfort. Tuck CJ, Taylor KM, Gibson PR, Barrett JB, Muir JG.
Increasing symptoms in irritable bowel symptoms with ingestion of galacto-oligosaccharides are mitigated by [alpha]-galactosidase treatment. Am J Gastroenterol. Sanders SW, Tolmac KG, Reitberg DP. Effect of a single dose of lactase on symptoms and expired hydrogen after lactose challenge in lactose-intolerant subjects.
Clin Pharm. Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G. Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases. Curr Drug Metab. Komericki P, Akkilic-Materna M, Strimitzer T, Weyermair K, Hammer HF, Aberer W. Oral xylose isomerase decreases breath hydrogen excretion and improves gastrointestinal symptoms in fructose malabsorption - a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. Gibson PR, Newnham E, Barrett JS, Shepherd SJ, Muir JG. Review article: Fructose malabsorption and the bigger picture.
Schnedl WJ, Schenk M, Lackner S, Enko D, Mangge H, Forster F. Diamine oxidase supplementation improves symptoms in patients with histamine intolerance. Food Sci. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Department of Health and Human Services. Treatment for Lactose Intolerance. Levine B, Weisman S. Enzyme replacement as an effective treatment for the common symptoms of complex carbohydrate intolerance.
Nutr Clin Care. Park SY, Rew JS. Is lipase supplementation before a high fat meal helpful to patients with functional dyspepsia?
Gut Liver. Levine ME, Koch SY, Koch KL. Lipase supplementation before a high-fat meal reduces perceptions of fullness in healthy subjects. Increasing Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Symptoms With Ingestion of Galacto-Oligosaccharides Are Mitigated by [alpha]-Galactosidase Treatment. Money ME, Walkowiak J, Virgilio C, et al.
Pilot study: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial of pancrealipase for the treatment of postprandial irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhoea. Frontline Gastroenterology. Achufusi TGO, Sharma A, Zamora EA, Manocha D. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: Comprehensive review of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment methods.
Lin MY, Dipalma JA, Martini MC, Gross CJ, Harlander SK, Savaiano DA. Comparative effects of exogenous lactase beta-galactosidase in preparations on in vivo lactose digestion. Dig Dis Sci. Edakkanambeth Varayil J, Bauer BA, Hurt RT.
Over-the-counter enzyme supplements: what a clinician needs to know. Mayo Clinic Proc;89 9 doi: Majeed M, Majeed S, Nagabhushanam K, et al. Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of a Multienzyme Complex in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
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Fact checked by Autumn Rauchwerk, MS, RDN, E-RYT. Editor's Note Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology.
Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Best for Fructose Intolerance:. Best for Histamine Intolerance:. Best for Lactose Intolerance:.
Best for Gas from Vegetables:. Best for Chronic Indigestion:. In This Article Expand. Our Picks. Will You Benefit from a Digestive Enzyme Supplement?
Who May Not Benefit from Over-the-Counter Digestive Enzymes. How We Select Supplements. What to Look For. Digestive Enzymes We Do Not Recommend. Tips for Using Digestive Enzymes Effectively. Why Trust Verywell Health.
Best Overall. Microbiome Labs FODMATE Digestive Enzymes. Pros For low-FODMAP diet, IBS, active SIBO Broad spectrum for multiple intolerances Convenient capsule form. Cons Less widely available More expensive. Best for Fructose Intolerance. Fructaid Enzyme Supplement. Pros For fructose intolerance associated with IBS and active SIBO Can be taken as a pill or mixed into liquid Adjustable dosage based on amount of fructose intake.
Cons More expensive Not appropriate for Hereditary Fructose Intolerance HFI. Best for Histamine Intolerance. Seeking Health Histamine Block. Pros Can help avoid large dietary restriction Convenient capsule form For histamine intolerance, histamine-blocking medications, MCAS, some cases of SIBO.
Cons More expensive May not fully alleviate symptoms. Best for Lactose Intolerance.
This full spectrum of digestive foe Breakfast for better nutrient absorption Enaymes protein, Natural vitamin sources and fats. Unique formula containing the enzymes papain, Breakfast for better nutrient absorption, lipase, Enzymew, lactase and cellulase. Each Caplet Contains: Alpha-Amylase Aspergillus flavus var. Cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, modified cellulose gum, vegetable magnesium stearate, peppermint leaf extract, silica, riboflavin, fennel seed extract foeniculum vulgarecalcium gluconate. NO salt NaClgluten, lactose, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Adults: Take 1 caplet 3 times daily with a meal. Some Enzmyes, including certain fruits like pineapple and fermented foods like Ennzymes, contain digestive enzymes that may benefit digestion. Many organs work together Overcoming cravings for late-night snacking make up your digestive Dark chocolate protein bars 1. These Ensymes take the food and liquids you eat and break them down into simpler forms, such as proteins, carbs, fats and vitamins. The nutrients are then transported across the small intestine and into the bloodstream, where they provide energy for growth and repair. Digestive enzymes are necessary for this process, as they break down molecules like fats, proteins and carbs into even smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed.
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