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Digestive enzymes are substances that serve to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

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Digestive enzymes are substances produced by the body that serve to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats, allowing the absorption of nutrients needed by the body. Lack of digestive enzymes can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and malnutrition, even if you have a healthy diet.

Certain health conditions can interfere with the production of digestive enzymes. In this case, it is possible to supplement digestive enzymes before meals to help the body process food efficiently.

What are digestive enzymes for

The body produces enzymes in the digestive system, including the mouth, stomach and small intestine. But most of it is the work of the pancreas. Digestive enzymes help the body break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. This is necessary to allow for the absorption of nutrients and keep your health up to date. Without these enzymes, the nutrients present in food are wasted.

When a lack of digestive enzymes leads to poor digestion and malnutrition, it is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). When this happens, digestive enzyme replacement may be an option. Some digestive enzymes require a prescription and others are over-the-counter.

How do digestive enzymes work?

Artificial digestive enzymes replace natural enzymes, helping to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. When food is broken down, nutrients are absorbed into the body through the wall of the small intestine and distributed into the bloodstream. Artificial-type enzymes should be taken before a meal. In this way, they can act when food reaches the stomach and small intestine.

Types of digestive enzymes

The main types of enzymes are:

• Amylase: breaks down carbohydrates or starches into sugar molecules. Insufficient amylase can lead to diarrhea.

• Lipase: Works with liver bile to break down fats. If you don't have enough lipase, you're missing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

• Protease: breaks down proteins into amino acids. It also helps keep bacteria, yeasts and protozoa out of the intestine. Lack of protease can lead to allergies or gut toxicity.

Drugs and enzyme supplements come in various forms, with varying ingredients and dosages.

Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (TREP) is available upon prescription. These medications are usually made from the pancreas of pigs.

Some enzymes contain pancrelipase, which is made up of amylase, lipase and protease. These medications are usually coated to prevent stomach acids from digesting the medication before it reaches the intestines.

Dosage varies from person to person based on weight and eating habits. Your doctor or doctor will likely start with the lowest possible dose, making any necessary adjustments.

Who needs digestive enzymes?

You may need digestive enzymes if you are deficient in their production. Some of the conditions that can leave you low on digestive enzymes are:

• chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic cysts or benign tumors
• Blockage or narrowing of the pancreatic or biliary duct
• pancreatic cancer
• pancreatic surgery
• Cystic fibrosis
• Diabetes

In case of low digestive enzyme production, digestion can be slow and uncomfortable. It can also make you malnourished. Symptoms may include:

• Swelling
• excessive gases
• Cramps after meals
• Diarrhea
• Yellow and oily stools that float
• fetid feces
• Weight Loss Even If You Are Eating Well

Even if you are not deficient in the production of digestive enzymes, you may still have problems with certain foods. Lactose intolerance is a good example of this. A lactase supplement can help you digest foods that contain lactose. Or if you have trouble digesting beans, you might benefit from an alpha-galactosidase supplement.

Side effects

The most common side effect of digestive enzymes is constipation. Others may include:

• Nausea
• abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea

If you have signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical advice immediately.

The digestive system requires a delicate balance. Enzymes may not work well if the small intestine has a very acidic pH due to a lack of bicarbonate. Another issue may be that you are not taking the right dose or proportion of enzymes.

Certain medications can interact with digestive enzymes, so it is important to inform your doctor about any medications and supplements you are currently taking.

If you are taking enzymes and have problems, seek medical advice.

Natural sources of enzymes

Certain foods contain digestive enzymes, including:

• Avocado
• Banana
• Ginger
• kefir
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Sauerkraut

Supplementing your diet with some of these foods can help with digestion.