Digestive Enzymes

Enzymes are usually a very useful addition for people with GI complaints such as gas and bloating or people undertaking an elimination diet. For one, they ensure that the digestive complaints are not due to the improper digestion of macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates). 

Since enzymes help your body break down macronutrients, they therefore help the absorption of the nutrients we’re consuming. We want our food to be broken down into the tiny building blocks from which they’re composed. 

I’ve spoken in my article on hypochlorhydria about the prevalence of low stomach acid, and the knock-on effects this can have. People who have a history of taking acid-suppressing drugs, or chronically overconsuming alcohol may not be secreting enough stomach acid to produce the necessary digestive factors that are required to properly break down the food. These large food fragments become more likely to catch the attention of the immune system, as well as being more fermentable and gas-producing to the gut flora. 

So supplementary enzymes can improve digestive functionality. 

Effective enzymes are available from both animal and plant sources. They are generally well-tolerated and without side effects. Look for a formula with about 500 mg of enzymes per tablet and containing

-        Amylase: 100,000 USP units

-        Protease: 100,000 USP units

-        Lipase: 100,000 USP units

-        Lactase: 1600 Lace

Performing a routine functional stool test will report how effective your digestive enzyme secretion is, and therefore how relevant digestive enzyme supplementation may be. However, if you have long-standing gut dysfunction, it may be worth giving digestive enzymes a try.

Feel free to comment below for further clarification or schedule in an appointment , and i’'ll be happy to help you overcome your health issues.

Kind regards,

Brady