Digestive enzyme supplements can be great digestive aids, but they’re not for everyone; and not all enzyme supplements are created equal.
As a nutritionist, I find that many people with digestive issues want to jump straight into using a supplement. And many times, I would rather try other strategies first. If you’re in need of digestive support, chances are there’s something more going on in your body that needs to be addressed. Not to mention, some supplements can be harmful if used inappropriately.
So, let’s dive into a few of the common digestive enzymes, what they do, and who should not take them.
What are digestive enzymes?
Technically, “enzymes” are compounds that help critical biochemical reactions to happen in your body. These reactions can be anything, from making neurotransmitters like serotonin, to burning food for energy, to breaking down food we eat into smaller pieces that our guts can absorb.
They’re easy to spot on food labels because their names all end with “ase”.
As I just hinted, “digestive enzymes” are specifically those enzymes we use for digestion. They’re enzymes that our digestive system naturally makes and secretes when we eat.
All of the “macronutrients” we eat (carbs, protein & fat) need to be broken down into their individual (smaller) parts so that we can properly absorb and digest them. They’re just too big otherwise, and if we don’t absorb them properly, we can get symptoms of fatigue, malnutrition, digestive distress, or a host of other symptoms.
It is these individual (smaller) parts (our nutrients) that our body amazingly rearranges and uses to create other larger molecules that our body needs.
The most common digestive enzymes you’ll see on product labels are:
- Amylase – Helps to break down starch into its sugars.
- Alpha-Galactosidase – Helps to break down specific “fermentable carbohydrates” into its sugars.
- Lactase – Helps to break down lactose into its sugars.
- Protease – Helps to break down protein into its amino acids.
- Bromelain and/or Papain – Help to break down protein into its amino acids.
- Lipase – Helps to break down fats into its lipids.
In digestive enzyme supplements these enzymes are usually a mix of synthetic or food-sourced enzymes. That’s right – some foods naturally contain digestive enzymes. Pineapple and papaya for example contain bromelain and papain, which helps the body to break down protein.
Who should consider taking digestive enzymes?
I recommend that you see a qualified health care practitioner for an expert opinion on whether your issues can be related to digestion, and which, if any, supplements can help you.
In general, the most common digestive symptoms that enzymes may help with are bloating, cramping, and/or diarrhea. Particularly if it happens after eating certain foods (think lactose-intolerance symptoms after eating dairy).
One reason for these symptoms can be that food particles are not broken down properly, and the larger pieces travel further down the digestive tract to the microbiota where those little critters start breaking them down themselves. And this is troublesome for certain people, and not ideal for overall health.
Don’t get me wrong, a healthy gut microbiota is absolutely essential for good health. Research is continually showing just how it can affect not only our digestion, but also our immune system, and even our mood.
What do I need to know? – Medical conditions
Of course, you should read the label of any products you take, and take them as directed, especially if they’re not specifically recommended for you by your health care practitioner who knows your history.
Here are two critical things to be aware of:
1 – Digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugars are not recommended for diabetics, or pregnant/breastfeeding women.
This is because taking them breaks down more carbohydrates into sugars than your body normally would; so, anyone at risk of blood sugar issues should take caution.
2 – When it comes to enzymes that break down proteins into amino acids, there are a few people who should avoid them because of potential interactions. That is if you have an ulcer, or are taking blood-thinners or anti-inflammatories, or if you’re having surgery.
The reason is because the digestive enzymes that break down protein are thought to cause or worsen ulcers, as well as have the ability to “thin” the blood and prevent normal clotting.
What do I need to know? – Possible Side effects
Using digestive enzyme supplements for a prolonged period of time is a good sign that you’d benefit from an appointment with a knowledgeable practitioner. There may be strategies other than daily supplementation that can serve you better.
If you find that your symptoms get worse, or even if they don’t get better, you should probably stop using them.
Allergies are always a possibility, especially since some enzymes are sourced from food. Someone with a pineapple allergy, for example, would want to stay away from a food-sourced enzyme supplement with bromelain in it.
And, as always, keep supplements away from children.
Before considering a digestive enzyme supplement
Let’s not jump to supplementing with digestive enzymes without a more thorough understanding of what could be going on in your digestive system. I’d advise seeing a health care practitioner first, as there might be better options for you.
My first recommendation for digestive distress would be to eat mindfully– relax, take deep breaths before your meal, eat slowly, and chew more thoroughly. This helps to break down food and can put less stress on your digestive tract.
The second step would be to try eliminating certain troublesome foods from your diet (dairy & gluten, for example) and see if that helps.
Conclusion:
While many supplements are safe products, they’re not all for everyone.
I recommend that you:
- Read your labels carefully (who should take them, how to take them, when to stop taking them).
- If you have a medical condition or are taking medications speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you want expert advice on whether a specific supplement is for you, speak with a qualified health care practitioner.
Recipe: Enzyme-Rich Tropical (digestive) Drink
Serves 1
1 cup pineapple, diced
1 cup papaya, diced
1/2 banana, chopped
1 cup coconut milk
1 tsp chia seeds
ice if desired
Put all ingredients(except ice) into the blender and blend. Add ice if desired.
Serve & enjoy!
Tip: The levels of enzymes in whole pineapple and papaya aren’t as concentrated as taking them in a supplement; so, if you’re not allergic to these delicious fruits, try this smoothie.
References:
https://www.dietvsdisease.org/digestive-enzyme-supplements/
http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=514&lang=eng
http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=516&lang=eng
http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=196&lang=eng
http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=508&lang=eng
http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=515&lang=eng
Natural Medicines Database, Bromelain, Papain, Retrieved January 21, 2017 from https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com