You might be wondering, how does taking a digestive enzyme supplement help digestion? Well, it can help you enjoy your food more. It can even help with fatty or lactose-sensitive meals. Digestive enzymes include papain, protease, and bromelain. Depending on the food you enjoy, these enzymes will help you break down the protein. If you want to know what they are, read on.
Side effects
In some cases, people with gastrointestinal issues take dietary supplements to treat the symptoms of the problem. However, there are also possible side effects of digestive enzyme supplements. For example, some people experience uncomfortable digestion after using them, which may be due to the underlying cause, which may be related to stopping certain medications, such as antacids. In such cases, people taking these supplements should consult a doctor before taking them.
Because digestive enzymes replace pancreatic enzymes, they must be taken before eating. Otherwise, they won’t work as well. However, they can work as soon as food reaches the stomach and small intestine. Your doctor may suggest dividing up the dose depending on the individual. Slow eaters, for example, may start with half the dose and finish with the full amount halfway through the meal. Unfortunately, digestive enzyme pills won’t work without meals. If this happens, you could experience diarrhea.
Allergic reactions
There are many potential side effects of digestive enzymes, but most are mild and easily treatable. However, depending on the dosage, they may not work. Some products may cause upset stomach, diarrhea, or even gastrointestinal issues. While most products are safe and effective, digestive enzymes may cause an allergic reaction or stomach or gastroesophageal problems.
Allergies are a faulty immune system response that results in extreme sensitivity to harmless substances. Unlike healthy individuals, people with allergies cannot properly break down the allergen, resulting in an allergic response. An allergic reaction results in the release of a chemical called histamine, which causes tissue swelling and inflammation. In a healthy body, this chemical response is minimal. But in allergic individuals, the body produces too much histamine and cannot break down the allergen.
Prescription-strength
Digestive enzyme supplements come from microbial and animal sources. However, the enzymes’ potency may vary from brand to brand. Besides, some brands have slightly different ratios of the three types of digestive enzymes. Therefore, consult with a doctor before taking any digestive enzyme supplement. It’s also best not to increase the dosage or stop taking the supplements altogether without consulting your doctor. Generally, digestive enzyme supplements are safe and effective when used as directed by a health care provider.
Digestive enzyme supplements are available over-the-counter in drugstores and health food stores. However, they are not FDA-approved and are largely unregulated. Because of this, they can contain impurities and vary in the number of active ingredients. If you’re considering starting an OTC regimen, speak to your physician first. However, prescription digestive enzyme supplements contain a specific blend of enzymes and are not bio-equivalent to OTC products.
Vegan
How do vegan digestive enzyme supplements work? Digestive enzymes are proteins found naturally in the body. But they can be lacking if you’re vegan. But with the help of these supplements, you can restore your digestive efficiency. In addition to aiding digestion, they can improve your immune system and help you stay healthy.
When choosing the best vegan digestive enzyme supplement, it is important to find one formulated with a combination of different enzymes. Some of these are not vegan and have high-potency ingredients. Other brands may contain small amounts of a single enzyme or several. Whether you’re vegetarian or not, you’ll want to look for a brand with a good reputation and third-party testing. If you have a specific problem, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking any supplement.
Gluten-free
There are a few different types of gluten-free digestive enzyme supplements available today, and you should consider the claims of each one carefully. The digestive enzyme Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV, for example, helps break down gluten proteins and is widely available. While these supplements do not replace a gluten-free diet, they can help alleviate symptoms of celiac disease. In general, digestive enzyme supplements aid in digestion. Some are designed for specific conditions, while others are suitable for all. The best ones are those that address common health problems and are effective for various digestive problems.
Non-dairy
If you have trouble digesting dairy products, digestive enzyme supplements may be helpful. Digestive enzymes are made from a variety of different substances and are targeted at particular nutrients. When choosing a digestive enzyme supplement, choosing the type that works best for your specific problem is important. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, look for one that targets lactose rather than fructose, as it can worsen the condition. Also, be aware of additives or prebiotics, which can further worsen the issue.
In addition to helping with digestion, these supplements can also relieve gas and bloating. It is because they break down foods that can be difficult to digest, like wheat, and are found naturally in many foods. Raw fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods are good sources of digestive enzymes, and you can find them in many different supplements. You should always read the label carefully when choosing a digestive enzyme supplement. Check for hidden additives and fillers.
