Nov 18 , 2021
Health Benefits Of Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Health Benefits Of Digestive Enzyme Supplements
The typical Western diet — high in refined carbs, saturated fat, and food additives — has increased the risk of developing digestive disorders. In addition, food additives, including glucose, salt and other chemicals, have been suggested to contribute to increased gut inflammation, leading to a leaky gut condition.
These supplements help the body in producing digestive enzymes. So let us look at these digestive enzyme supplements, their benefits, and their side effects. Consult with a healthcare professional and test for digestive function Before taking these supplements.
BioCeuticalS MultiGest Enzymes
MultiGest® Enzymes combines plant-derived enzymes with lactase assisting in the digestion of lactose and bromelains, aiding in the digestion of proteins. Gentian has been traditionally used in western herbal medicine (WHM) to stimulate gastric secretions, relieve loss of appetite and promote healthy digestive system function. Gentian and fennel have been traditionally used in WHM to relieve digestive discomfort and the symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating. Fennel has also been traditionally used in WHM to ease flatulence.
Feature
- Lactase aids in the digestion of lactose.
- Bromelains aids in the digestion of proteins.
- Gentian has traditionally been used in western herbal medicine (WHM) to help promote healthy digestive system function and to stimulate gastric secretions.
- Gentian and fennel have traditionally been used in WHM to relieve digestive discomfort and symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating.
- Fennel has traditionally been used in WHM to relieve flatulence.
- Gentian has traditionally used WHM to alleviate the loss of appetite.
Dosage
Adults: Maximum of 3 capsules a day, or as professionally prescribed.
For digestion of lactose: Take 3 capsules with a lactose-containing meal.
For digestion of protein: Take 1 capsule with a protein-containing meal.
For all other indications: Take 1 capsule three times a day. Take with food.
Warnings
- Always read the label. Follow the directions for use.
- If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
- Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
- Use in children under 12 years is not recommended.
- Do not use if you are likely to become pregnant during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Contains benzoates.
- KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
- Contraindicated in people who are hypersensitive to pineapple (a source of bromelains).
- Contains phenylalanine and soya bean products.
- If you have any pre-existing conditions, are on any medications, always talk to your health professional before use.
- Some products should be ceased at least two weeks before any elective surgery. Please confirm with your health professional.
Eagle Vegie Digestaid
Eagle Vegie Digestaid is a comprehensive, vegan-friendly formula, providing enzymes and herbs used in traditional Western herbal medicine to support healthy digestion.
Feature
- Maintains healthy digestive system function
- Support digestion/assimilation of nutrients
Dandelion Root is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to:
- maintain healthy digestive system function
- support a healthy appetite
- maintains bile production
- support healthy liver function and liver health
Ginger root is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to:
- reduce flatulence/carminative
- relieve abdominal bloating/distention
- reduce abdominal cramping and spasms
- relieve symptoms of indigestion/dyspepsia
- relieve digestive discomfort
Dosage
ADULTS: Take 1 capsule three times daily with food. Or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Warnings
- If patient symptoms persist, seek additional professional advice.
Herbs Of Gold Digest-Zymes
Herbs of Gold Digest-Zymes contains 6 vegetarian-friendly digestive enzymes to support healthy digestion.
- Vegetarian-friendly enzymes
- With Gentian
- Aids digestion
- Digest-Zymes assists the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, including fibre and lactose. It contains microbial-derived enzymes amylase, protease, tilactase (lactase) and cellulose.
- Digest-Zymes contains enzymes that are highly stable and active throughout a wide pH range. This makes them more active and functional for a longer distance through the digestive tract when compared to pancreatic enzymes.
- Digest-Zymes contains protease to assist the digestion of proteins.
- Digest-Zymes contains amylase to assist the digestion of carbohydrates and cellulose in helping break down fibre.
- Digest-Zymes contains lipase to assist the digestion of fats.
- Digest-Zymes contains bromelains, proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapples, to assist the digestion of protein.
- Digest-Zymes contains lactase to assist the digestion of lactose, the primary sugar found in dairy products.
- Digest-Zymes contains Gentian, a herb traditionally used in Western herbal medicine as a bitter tonic and relieves indigestion symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and feelings of fullness.
- Gentian is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to improve digestive weakness, promote bile flow from the gall bladder and support healthy digestive function.
Dosage
Adults and children over 12 years -Take 1 capsule, three times a day, before each meal or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Children under 12 years -Take only as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Warning
- Always read the label.
- Follow the directions for use.
- If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
- It may contain benzoates.
Feature
- Milk Thistle seed and Rosemary leaf are traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support digestive system function
- Milk Thistle seed is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine as
a hepatoprotectant to support liver health
a cholagogue to promote bile production and secretion - Rosemary seed is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to reduce symptoms of indigestion, including relief of intestinal gas, flatulence, digestive spasms, bloating and feeling of fullness
Dosage
Adults:1 tablet 3-4 times daily.Warning
- In anaemia and cases where iron supplementation is required, do not take simultaneously with meals or iron supplements
- Caution is advised in patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, especially those with elevated liver enzymes, and do not take them simultaneously.
- As Schisandra may accelerate clearance of drugs from the body, caution is advised prescribing herbs for patients taking medications with a narrow therapeutic window, including warfarin and digoxin.
- Caution in patients taking metronidazole and ornidazole
- Discontinue 7 days prior to general anaesthesia
- If patient symptoms persist, seek additional professional advice.
Ethical Nutrients Digestion Plus
Ethical Nutrients Digestion Plus provides protein digestion assistance for symptoms of feeling full after meals.
Ethical Nutrients Digestion Plus contains Gentiana lutea root powder, a digestive enzyme to assist protein digestion in the stomach and for symptoms of feeling full after meals.
Dosage
Take 1 tablet after meals or as directed by a healthcare professional. Take each dose with a large glass of water.
Warning
- Do not take if you have a swallowing difficulty.
- Instead, take each dose with a large glass of water.
- Do not lie down during the 15 to 20 minutes period following each dose.
- If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional
Help Digest Food Better
Digestive enzyme supplements are plant-based and microbe-derived enzymes that help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. As a result, they keep the gastrointestinal system healthy and help manage multiple digestive disorders.
Boost Nutrient Absorption
Digestive enzyme supplements enhance nutrient absorption by breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from the food. The nutrients are transported from the small intestine into the bloodstream to increase energy levels.
The enzymes ensure that molecules like fats, carbs, and proteins are broken into smaller molecules to get absorbed quickly and improve immunity.
Decrease Bloating And Gas
Certain enzymes like alpha-galactosidase and cellulase break down complex carbohydrates like beans, vegetables, and grains. As these foods are difficult to digest, conditions like gas, bloating, and stomach pain are reduced when the enzymes help break them down.
Other enzymes like lipase and lactase help break down fibre-rich veggies, dairy products, and legumes. These foods commonly cause gas and bloating. Digestive enzymes supplements may help with any discomfort after consuming these foods,
Help Digest Dairy
Almost 68% of the world's population is lactose intolerant. Many people lack the essential enzyme lactase. Lactase helps digest lactose, a common type of sugar found in milk, ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products. Digestive enzyme supplements that contain lactase can help reduce symptoms of poor dairy digestion.
Reduce Gastrointestinal Disorders
According to a research project conducted on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, 98 adults with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder were asked to take probiotics and digestive enzymes for eight weeks. The results showed that the participants had improved gastrointestinal quality of life scores and underwent significant weight loss.
Reduce Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter. In other words, the stomach's contents travel back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Along with changes in lifestyle and diet, digestive enzyme supplements can help reverse the disorder. These supplements empty the stomach to reduce the reflux of stomach contents.
May Help Manage Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS)
IBS is a disorder that affects the large intestine. It causes bloating gas and constipation. Since digestive enzyme supplements help break down complex carbs, proteins, and fats, they can help reduce IBS symptoms. Furthermore, these supplements include essential components like lactobacilli and probiotics that help with indigestion.
May Give You Clearer Skin
A healthy digestive system is connected to various functions of the body. That includes the skin too! If the body is not absorbing essential nutrients, the effect shows on the skin. If there is much inflammation in the system, the body may experience breakouts and acne.
Before Taking Digestive Enzyme Supplements
- Digestive enzyme supplements only work when there is food in the stomach. Taking them on an empty stomach will not work.
- The idea behind these supplements is that they help the system cope with irregular digestion. Once the body heals, it continues to secrete the essential digestive enzymes naturally. Nevertheless, it takes up to six months for the digestive system to start functioning normally. Hence, taking these supplements daily may help.
- Different brands suggest different intakes. Some digestive supplements are to be taken with a meal, while some are recommended to be taken before eating. Check the directions on the label clearly before using it.
Side Effects
Since digestive enzyme supplements are sourced from plants, the side effects are negligible. However, they can cause mild allergic reactions to a specific enzyme in some cases, resulting in continuous diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps.
Read the label thoroughly to check for allergies to any of the ingredients. If experiencing inflammation or heartburn, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Conclusion
These digestive enzyme supplements may work wonders if experiencing gas, bloating, and indigestion after every meal. However, the symptoms differ from person to person. Therefore, before using these supplements, consult a healthcare professional to avoid any complications. In addition, although there are many benefits of these supplements, research shows limited results. Hence, exercise caution.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as health or medical advice. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923703/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19152478/
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/definition-facts
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5848117/
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/definition-facts
https://kb.gcsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&&context=dnp
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5848117/