[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Your body uses enzymes to
break down the food you eat and release its nutrients. But lifestyle factors, diet, and illness can reduce enzyme production and lead to symptoms like:
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Stool changes
- Food intolerances
If you struggle with these symptoms and have been diagnosed with low enzymes,
supplementing with enzymes can help. Here’s what to expect when you take
digestive enzymes—and how to avoid potential side effects for best results.
5 Benefits of Enzymes for Digestive Symptoms
1. You won't feel as bloated
High-fiber foods like beans and cruciferous vegetables (think broccoli and cauliflower) can leave you feeling bloated, especially if you’re not used to eating them. Bloating
can also occur when partially digested food passes from your stomach to your intestines. Taking digestive enzymes can combat bloating by breaking down food and helping your body process sugars and fibers.
Some research shows that digestive enzymes may reduce the inflammation, pain and bloating associated with IBS and IBD.
2. You’ll have less gas
Gas is a common cause of bloating that often results from intolerance to sugars in milk (lactose) or fruit (fructose). But beans, veggies and grains can also be the culprits.
Discomfort from excess gas may make you want to avoid healthy plant foods, but you don’t have to. An enzyme called alpha-galactosidase—sold under the brand name
Beano—effectively reduces gas from eating plant-strong meals. If the fructose in fruit gives you a problem, the enzyme
xylose isomerase could help.
3. You’ll be more regular
When you don’t have enough enzymes to digest fat, it can lead to diarrhea and greasy or discolored stools. Supplementing with lipase, the enzyme that breaks down fat, can increase fat absorption and the uptake of fat-soluble nutrients—including antioxidant polyphenols and vitamins A, D, E and K.
†
IBS may also cause diarrhea. Studies show that a supplement containing a combination of digestive enzymes
may reduce the symptoms.†
4. You might stop reacting to certain foods
Partially digested proteins may be the cause of some food allergies. The immune system mistakes these large protein fragments for invaders and launches an attack that results in allergy symptoms. Supplementing with the protein-digesting enzyme protease may relieve symptoms in people with confirmed digestive enzyme deficiencies.
†
Histamine intolerance, a condition where histamine builds up in your body, may also cause symptoms similar to allergies or a cold. Eating foods that contain histamine, like spinach and avocados, can make symptoms worse. Some people find relief from
supplementing with diamine oxidase (DAO), an enzyme that breaks down histamine to reduce it to normal levels.
†
However, enzymes aren’t a cure for allergies. Never try to treat a life-threatening food allergy without help from a doctor or allergist.
5. You might absorb more nutrients
In a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), your pancreas doesn’t produce enough enzymes to fully digest what you eat. Because enzymes are required for your body to absorb nutrients from food, EPI can lead to nutrient deficiencies and unwanted weight loss. Restoring enzyme levels with prescription-strength supplements can
correct absorption problems and restore healthy weight in people with EPI.
†
How long does it take digestive enzymes to work?
You should begin to feel better right away when you start taking enzymes. For maximum benefits, follow the supplement manufacturer’s timing and dosage instructions. Most brands advise supplementing a few minutes before the start of a meal or with your first bite of food.
If symptoms persist, talk with your doctor. You may need a higher dose or a different combination of digestive enzymes to see results.
Side effects of digestive enzymes
You should only take a digestive enzyme supplement if your doctor has confirmed or has good reason to suspect that low enzymes are causing your symptoms. Taking digestive enzymes when you don’t need them can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea or worsen existing symptoms.
Some people may react to digestive enzyme supplements, which can cause itching, a rash or trouble swallowing. Stop taking enzymes immediately and call your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Other
side effects of digestive enzymes may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Changes in blood sugar
- Changes in bowel movements
- Cold-like symptoms
- Swelling
- Ear pain
- Neck pain
- Stomach pain
- Cramping
Some enzymes may
reduce the effectiveness of certain diabetes medications or increase the risk of bleeding if you take blood thinners. Don’t supplement with digestive enzymes if you have stomach ulcers or gallbladder disease.
Your doctor can run tests to determine if enzymes are the right treatment for your digestive symptoms and recommend the best supplement for fast relief.
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Author's Product Picks" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="162678" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1664498110761{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/pure-encapsulations-digestive-enzymes-ultra-180-capsules-1"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="162679" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1664498133853{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/pure-synergy-enzyme-power#recipes"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="162677" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1664498234886{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/plantfusion-vegan-complete-digestive-enzymes"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
