Enzymes are catalytic molecules that assist with breaking down food in the digestive system. Without them, our bodies would not be able to break down complex molecules into smaller ones that are needed for absorption.

These enzymes are present in your saliva and throughout your digestive tract. Now, you can also find them get them in a bottle at your local health food store. Supplements have gained popularity recently because of metabolic benefits, as well as a host of additional, lesser known benefits.

Assistance with High Fiber Diets

We all know that a diet high in fiber is a healthy diet, delivering regularity and a good balance of nutrients. For some people, too much fiber causes unpleasant symptoms such as bloating and cramping. Certain supplemental enzymes specifically target this need and help with those diets rich in vegetables and other fibrous foods.  

| Related: The Perfect Diet to Complement Your Probiotics Regimen |

Assistance with High Protein Diets

Athletes tend to follow high protein diets because of the benefits to their muscles. The downside to this diet is that our bodies actually find it very challenging to break down proteins. Papaya enzyme is actually very effective at breaking down proteins, so much so that it is used as a meat tenderizer.

The natural state of this enzyme brings little chance of any side effects. Papaya enzymes also work to prevent water retention, which helps solve another common health problem, bloating.

Reduction of Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

Those who lack the natural enzyme to break down lactose experience lactose intolerance. These individuals can benefit from a lactase supplement to properly digest dairy foods. This means that small amounts of dairy foods can be enjoyed without discomfort. Additionally, the adverse symptoms associated with lactose intolerance such as cramping and upset stomach can also be reduced.

Relief from Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

Different from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease, gluten intolerance is a more common health problem. The inability to properly digest gluten causes an immune response in the intestines.

If left untreated, more serious conditions can develop. For individuals with gluten intolerance, uncomfortable symptoms may be experienced each time gluten is eaten. The ability of enzymes to speed up the digestive process has therefore been associated with reducing the symptoms.

| Related: Celiac Sufferers Find Relief with Active Proteolytic Enzymes |

Reduced Gas

One of the major byproducts to digestion is gas, which can make even the healthiest person uncomfortable. The slower your digestive system works, as with a damaged or injured gut, the more gas is produced, causing increased bloating and flatulence. Digestive enzymes help to speed up the processes in the stomach and gut, reducing gas. It is ideal to take these supplements before any meal containing gas-inducing foods.

Reduced Bloating

Because of the ability to reduce gas production, enzymes may also reduce bloating. Many people suffer from this uncomfortable side effect to poor digestion. Enzymes also control water retention, which can cause the same discomfort. Even if you are unsure of the cause of your bloating, chances are enzyme supplements will help you.

Managing Pancreatic Insufficiency

Enzymes have been used in conventional medicine as a treatment for pancreatic insufficiency.  The pancreas plays a pivotal role in digestion so when performance is less than optimal, the overall process suffers. Supplemental enzymes have been known to benefit the pancreas perform its role in digestion.

Constipation Relief

Irritable bowel syndrome can be characterized by various symptoms, one of which is constipation. Enzymes can speed up digestive processes meaning that food matter can move through much more quickly.

When waste is allowed to accumulate in the gut due to slow removal, bad bacteria can take over and our risk for infection increases. Enzymes are able to help with constipation, as well as most of the symptoms of irritable bowel diseases.

Potential Disease Prevention

Heart disease and autoimmune diseases have both been associated with lack of sufficient enzymes.Some attribute this to a highly processed diet. In the long term, this leaves us vulnerable to disease because our body has to spend so much energy breaking down these foods. With the support of supplemental enzymes, digestive processes run more efficiently, conserving energy for where it really matters.

The Importance of Diet

There is some truth to the phrase “you are what you eat”.  If we continue to consume processed foods, our digestive systems are bound to take a hit.  Additionally, specialized diets, such as high fiber or high protein, as well as those addressing an intolerance, are likely to disrupt the balance that our system needs. Illness or chronic conditions  and even aging can cause our natural sources of enzymes to become depleted. As a result, we cannot efficiently handle our diets.  

Teamwork with Probiotics

Along with enzymes, probiotics can impact digestive and immune support. Research has shown their ability to prevent ailments such as eczema, allergies and to help keep our body free from toxins. By combining the powers of enzymes with probiotics, we experience a more dynamic impact on our overall health. Not only does digestion improve but health gut flora is maintained and our immune systems get a nice boost.  

The Bottom Line

The consumption of supplemental enzymes can help repair any damage done to the digestive system from these harsh diets, as well as get things running efficiently again. Our gut health has a tremendous impact on our overall health, hence the truth behind being what we eat. Plant-based digestive enzymes can restore balance and the benefits are felt all throughout the body.

Sources

1. http://stomachbloating.net/digestive-enzymes-benefits/

2. https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/digestive-enzymes-for-ibs

3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-ways-to-reduce-bloating