She was right! Chewing food for longer periods of time breaks it down into smaller particles and mixes it with enzyme-laden saliva to help initiate the digestion process. Pure Essentials has a variety of supplements dedicated to digestion, enzymes, and gut health.

Pure Essentials' Ultra Digestive Enzyme contains three enzymes that specifically assist with the digestion of animal proteins.

Proteolytic helps with the digestion of proteins, Lipolytic encourages digestion of fats, and Polysaccharolyctic for complex carbohydrates and relief of bloating and indigestion. IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder - or a collective group of various gut health issues - and affects the large intestine and digestive system.

Irritable bowel often presents as recurring abdominal pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. It's considered a functional disorder, which means there are no structural or biochemical abnormalities that can be detected through routine medical tests. The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood yet, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development.

These include abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines, increased sensitivity to pain in the digestive system, and disturbances in the communication between the brain and the gut. Factors such as genetics, and certain triggers like stress or foods that can cause intestinal inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome may also play a role.

Managing IBS typically involves a combination of approaches tailored to each individual. This can include diet modification and paying close attention to which foods trigger symptoms. Dietary changes may involve identifying and avoiding trigger foods, such as certain types of carbohydrates, caffeine, and alcohol.

Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga can help. Lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise, reducing alcohol consumption, and getting enough rest to activate the body's "rest and digest" state have also been shown as potentially helpful in reducing gut discomfort.

Want to learn more about the current state of your gut health? Whichever the case, every body has different needs. Could boosting enzyme activity help?

Our Gut Health Quiz is a great place to start your journey to optimal digestive wellness. Give your gut the support it needs with a unique blend of highly active digestive enzymes designed to handle all food preferences. Optimal digestion depends on effective digestive enzymes.

A quick cheek swab is all it takes to learn about your genetic disposition for diet and wellness. Step one to taking a proactive approach to your health and wellness by learning exactly what your body needs.

Close menu. Blood Sugar Regulation. It helps to digest the whole meal and eliminate gas, bloating and other symptoms of indigestion.

By improving the digestion of proteins, taking a digestive enzyme also helps to enhance muscle mass. Optimized Enzymes contains a special enzyme, which specifically targets the proteins that can cause sensitivity to the gluten in wheat. This special enzyme also digests milk proteins.

Take one capsule three times a day with a meal. Two capsules can also be taken on an empty stomach before bed for additional benefits. Ingredients: Protease, Amylase, Alpha-galactosidase, Cellulase, DPP-IV, Glucoamylase, Invertase, Lactase, Lipase, Phytase, Xylanase, Bromelain, Hypromellose capsule.

Amounts per servi ng 1 capsule :. Digestive enzyme supplements are available over-the-counter, and may also be prescribed for specific conditions that can create enzyme insufficiency. Conditions that affect your pancreas, such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis , or pancreatic cancer , can all reduce the number of important enzymes your body produces.

As a result, you may not get enough enzymes to thoroughly digest your food and obtain the nutritional value from what you eat. If you have these conditions — or others in which your enzyme levels are below a normal or healthy range — talk with your doctor about treatment options.

For example, individuals living with cystic fibrosis may have to take enzymes with every meal. The only FDA-regulated enzyme replacement therapy is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy PERT.

Many digestive enzymes are sold over-the-counter OTC to help people treat various digestive issues on their own, such as :. Lifestyle changes, including focusing on your diet and physical activity level, are typically the best bet for improving digestive enzyme function.

Enzymes create chemical reactions in the body, and are crucial for a variety of processes, including digestion. Digestive enzymes are mostly produced in the pancreas, and help your body break down foods and extract nutrients.

For individuals living with a health condition that may cause pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, or type 1 diabetes, digestive enzyme supplementation may be necessary.

Your doctor will help you decide if enzyme supplementation is right for you. If you are having recurring digestive issues, talk to a doctor. There could be an underlying cause that needs more than digestive enzyme treatment.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Without sufficient digestive enzymes, your body is unable to break down food properly, potentially leading to digestive disorders and unpleasant….

Chemical digestion helps to break down food into individual nutrients that your body can absorb. Learn more about chemical digestion, including how it…. Proteolytic enzymes perform many functions in your body.

This article explains their potential health benefits, where to find them and how to use them. The pancreas makes and releases an enzyme called lipase into the digestive tract when you eat. Blind loop syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when food stops moving through or slows down through part of your small intestines.

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One of the top digestive enzymes benefits is its ability to support digestive health by keeping your gastrointestinal system running smoothly. It may also aid in the treatment of common issues like leaky gut. Leaky gut is a condition characterized by decreased intestinal permeability, resulting in increased inflammation as particles and toxins flow from the intestines into the bloodstream.

Supplementing with some of the best digestive enzymes for leaky gut could help optimize nutrient digestion to decrease inflammation and irritation of the gut lining. This can preserve intestinal permeability to prevent symptoms.

Certain enzymes like alpha-galactosidase, lactase and cellulase are often considered some of the best digestive enzymes for IBS as well as the best digestive enzymes for gas, bloating and stomach pain. All three types help break down specific foods that are difficult for many to digest, including legumes, fiber-rich veggies and dairy products.

If you commonly experience adverse side effects after consuming these foods, taking a digestive enzyme may be a good option to decrease bloating and gas. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD , is a common condition that often causes symptoms like acid reflux , heartburn and regurgitation.

Digestive enzymes can help speed up the emptying of the stomach, which could prevent the backsplash of acid into the esophagus to reduce acid reflux. Although there is limited research available on the effectiveness of digestive enzymes for acid reflux, it may be a beneficial addition to your routine alongside diet and lifestyle modifications.

People who experience symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain and fatigue due to undigested foods may benefit from a digestive enzymes supplement. Other signs that you might lack digestive enzymes include:. People with the following health conditions can likely experience some relief from taking a digestive enzyme supplement:.

They can help take stress off of the digestive organs and decrease symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating that are associated with gastrointestinal disease.

As we age, the acidity of our stomach acid becomes more alkaline, and this can prevent enough pancreatic secretions from being released. Anyone with liver disease should be suspected as having a concurrent enzyme insufficiency.

One of the more common conditions is known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder that affects roughly one in 1, people worldwide.

S ymptoms that may be experienced include unintentional weight loss, recurring respiratory infections, fatigue and rapid heartbeats. There illnesses that may at first diagnosis appear unrelated to low digestive enzymes production include:.

Pancreatic insufficiency is the inability of the pancreas to secrete the enzymes needed for digestion. This is a common problem among people with pancreatic cancer.

Prescription pancreatic enzyme products also called called replacement therapy may be used in patients with pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and after surgery on the gut to help promote healing.

Raw fruits and vegetables grown in nutrient-rich soils are the best natural sources of digestive enzymes, so make sure to buy more of these when you shop for groceries:.

Many experts feel that the best digestive enzymes in supplement form are those that contain a full-spectrum blend intended for general digestive improvement. Look for a supplement that includes a variety of enzymes, including some of the following price may vary depending on the supplement you purchase :.

Here are some tips for purchasing digestive enzymes based on your symptoms and current health:. Some products contain only plant-based enzymes, which are aimed at vegetarians and vegans. These usually at least contain bromelain derived from the pineapple, and many include papain enzyme from the papaya.

Products designed specifically for vegans usually contain pancreatin derived from Aspergillus niger. This is a fungus-based, fermented product rather than an enzyme sourced from ox or hog bile, which is the usual source.

In addition, some have complementary herbs and spices. For optimal results, take digestive enzymes about 10 minutes before each meal or with your first bite. Protease supplements can be taken in between meals in addition to digestive enzymes with meals. Start by taking enzymes with about two meals per day, and adjust your dosage as needed as the days move on.

Probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome and further aid in digestion, while also curbing symptoms like gas and bloating.

Can digestive enzymes be harmful? Depending on your health condition, your healthcare professional can determine which are the safest and best digestive enzymes for you to take. If you have a history of liver or gallbladder disease, or ulcers , then consult your healthcare professional before taking supplements.

What are potential digestive enzymes side effects? While they are generally well-tolerated and helpful, side effects can sometimes include:. This can lead to malnutrition as well as symptoms such as bloating, cramping, gassiness, and diarrhea. Replacement digestive enzymes take the place of natural enzymes, helping to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from the foods you eat.

Then the nutrients are absorbed into your body through the wall of the small intestine and distributed through the bloodstream. As a result, replacement digestive enzymes can help prevent malabsorption and related digestive discomforts. That way, they can do their work as food hits your stomach and small intestine.

In some cases, you may break up the dose. Certain foods contain digestive enzymes , including:. You may need digestive enzymes if you have EPI. Some other conditions that can leave you short on digestive enzymes are:. If you have EPI, digestion can be slow and uncomfortable. It can also leave you malnourished.

Symptoms may include:. Lactose intolerance is a good example of this. A nonprescription lactase supplement can help you digest foods that contain lactose. The most common side effect of replacement digestive enzymes is constipation.

Other less common symptoms may include:. The environment in the digestive system requires a delicate balance. Replacement digestive enzymes may not work well if the environment in your small intestine is too acidic due to a lack of bicarbonate.

You may not be getting all the nutrients you need to maintain good health. There are many GI disorders that may be causing your symptoms. Trying to guess which enzymes you need and in what dose can lead to problems. If you need digestive enzyme replacement, you can discuss the pros and cons of prescription versus OTC products.

Digestive enzymes are essential to nutrition and overall good health. They help your body absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. Without them, certain foods can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, food intolerances, or nutritional deficiencies.

Certain GI disorders can lead to a lack of enzymes, but enzyme replacement therapy may be an effective option. Talk with your doctor about your GI symptoms, potential causes, and whether digestive enzyme replacement is a good choice for you.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a rare and relatively unknown condition that affects the pancreas and its enzymes.

Up to 90 percent of those with cystic fibrosis also have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. See why these two conditions are closely related. Your doctor will order diagnostic tests, such as a fecal fat test and a blood test, to diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Find out what you…. Most of the symptoms associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI are related to the digestive system.

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Are Digestive Enzymes and How Do They Work? Medically reviewed by Youssef Joe Soliman, MD — By Ann Pietrangelo and Kerry Weiss — Updated on January 22, What they are Types How they work Natural sources Who needs digestive enzymes?

Side effects When to see a doctor Takeaway Your body makes digestive enzymes to help you break down food and absorb nutrients. What are digestive enzymes? Types of digestive enzymes. How do digestive enzymes work? Natural sources of enzymes.