Digestive enzymes are essential for health. The digestive system has an intricate relationship with all other systems in the body, including the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems.
If your digestive system cannot properly digest food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste products from the body, then it becomes very difficult to maintain optimal health. Even if you eat an ideal diet, if you experience a great deal of stress, have an underlying medical condition, or are taking medications that affect digestive processes, you can experience digestive difficulties and have problems absorbing nutrients.
THE ROLE OF DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
Digestive enzymes are proteins that facilitate specific chemical reactions to break down food (e.g., carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) into smaller, absorbable components. Digestive Enzyme Supplements (DES) are a natural remedy for many conditions that have a root cause in the digestive system, including food sensitivity, allergies, behavioral disorders, and other health conditions that may be related to a nutrient deficiency.
Your health practitioner may suggest taking a plant-based DES with meals. These are usually derived from pineapple (bromelain) or papaya (papain). Animal-Based DES, derived from the pancreas of an animal, may also be recommended. Another source of DES is derived from microbes and includes varieties of lipase, amylase, protease, and lactase, which all have unique effects in the digestive process.
The medical premise for a DES is to facilitate thorough digestion of food and to prevent foodstuffs from lingering in the gut where they can generate unfavorable bacteria and yeast (at the expense of healthy gut bacteria). Digestive enzyme supplements may also enhance the nutrition received from the foods you eat, which is good for the whole body. Research shows that taking a DES can promote bowel movement regularity, reduce or eliminate other gastric disturbances such as reflux or gas, and ease the symptoms of food intolerance (e.g., lactose).
Digestive enzymes can be used by adults and children alike, but consult your practitioner for proper dosage. Do not take digestive enzymes without the input of your doctor if you have active stomach or duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the bowels, bleeding disorders, or are scheduled for surgery.
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Do you take digestive enzymes? Share in the comments below!
References
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American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. “The Naturopathic Approach to Digestive Disorders.” November 1, 2012. http://www.naturopathic.org/article_content.asp?article=784
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Fieker, A., J. Philpott, and M. Armand. “Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Pancreatic Insufficiency: Present and Future.” Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology 4 (2011): 55–73.
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Quinten, T., et al. “Can the Supplementation of a Digestive Enzyme Complex Offer a Solution for Common Digestive Problems?” Archives of Public Health 72, Suppl 1 (2014): 7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4094108/
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Roxas, M. “The Role of Enzyme Supplementation in Digestive Disorders.” Alternative Medicine Review 13, no. 4 (December 2008): 307-14. http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/13/4/307.pdf
Photo Credit
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Maridav/bigstockphoto.com
I am working with a Functional Medical Center due to Adrenal fatigue. They did a # of tests and my Saliva test came back with 10 deficiencies. I noticed I have put on some weight around my midriff and some other areas. I have weighed 137 for many years and now I am 143. I eat very healthy, no gluten, dairy and I try my best to avoid the fast foods, etc. Is this normal for weight gain . . How long does this problem take to heal. They will be testing me in a month again for the saliva results, to see the progress of the adrenal glands. Also I have some Fecal leakage, and I am at my wits end with that. I am 73 but in other wise good health. It all depends how my bowels are working when this happens. . I am wondering if IBS could be the issue. Is it associated with Adrenal fatigue?. I am going to make an appt with a collectoral Dr, Any suggestions. Your ans would be so helpful to try to understand all this. I know what I cannot eat.
Hi Helen,
It sounds like you’re taking great steps to help with your issues. Imbalanced hormones can manifest in various ways in our bodies, including weight gain. As you work to restore balance in your body and correct nutritional deficiencies, your weight will likely normalize. And you’ll be more capable of physical movement to help with your weight goals once the Adrenal Fatigue is healed.
There are multiple causes of fecal leakage, so it’s important to understand the root cause. Females are more prone to fecal leakage as well. Other considerations are nerve and muscle damage, and bowel movement history. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects many people worldwide. It is a “diagnosis of exclusion,” meaning that it is a diagnosis typically given when other diseases have been ruled out. Again, understanding the root cause will be most beneficial. Some things you might consider are gut dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), increased intestinal permeability, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), gastrointestinal tract infections, and food intolerances/sensitivities. I suggest using a journal to carefully track all aspects of your daily living as there may be something you’re overlooking. If you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll receive a comprehensive template).
Thanks so much for reaching out. Hang in there and be persistent until you discover the root cause of your issue(s).
I wish you much health!
Warmly,
Christine