Do You Need Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are extremely important for proper digestion and nutrition. We all need them, and most of us have them. But a lack of digestive enzymes can leave us feeling lousy. Let's take a closer look at why they’re so essential and how to determine if you need them.

Where do Digestive Enzymes Come From?

Digestive enzymes normally occur naturally in the body for most people and are an essential part of the digestive system. Some foods even have them, naturally. But if we don't have them, and the food we're eating doesn't have them, then our bodies can't break down food so that nutrients can be used for bodily functions.

What Are Digestive Enzymes Exactly?

Our bodies produce several enzymes to break down the food we eat. They are located in the mouth, small intestines, gallbladder, stomach, and pancreas. We need these enzymes to absorb nutrients properly. The three main types are:

• Protease
• Amylase
• Lipase

Protease is the enzyme that breaks down proteins. If we don't have enough protease, we could end up with toxicity or allergies in the intestines. Amylase breaks down carbs and starches. A lack of amylase can lead to problems like diarrhea. Lipase breaks down fats. Without lipase, our bodies can't absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, D, and K.

The Importance of Digestive Enzymes

Without digestive enzymes, we may end up with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss—which sounds good but it isn't. A lack of enzymes could also lead to malnutrition. Some people have issues producing these enzymes naturally and need to take digestive enzyme supplements before eating. Are you one of them?

It is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) when a lack of these enzymes leads to malnutrition and poor digestion. If this is the case, enzyme supplements may be needed. Supplements are available with a doctor’s prescription. Some are also sold over the counter.

Who Could Benefit from Taking Digestive Enzyme Supplements?

People with health conditions like low stomach acid, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may benefit from taking a digestive enzyme replacement. People who’ve had their gallbladders removed might also be helped by supplements.

Other conditions that may lead to digestive enzyme deficiencies include:

• Diabetes
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Benign tumors or pancreatic cysts
• Pancreatic cancer
• Narrowing or blockage of the pancreatic duct

Those with digestive symptoms should at least consider whether enzymes might help them. Symptoms to pay attention to that could indicate a need for digestive enzyme supplements include:

• Weight loss
• Bloating
• Bad-smelling stools
• Excessive gas
• greasy, yellow floating stools
• Cramping after you eat
• Diarrhea

Healthcare providers can confirm deficiencies by testing stool samples though some have been advised to try enzymes and see if they help before going for expensive tests—though we at Wellness always suggest checking in with a doctor before taking anything new. Some people skip supplements altogether in favor of removing problem foods. Common foods that cause digestive issues include dairy, grains, sugars, and industrial seed oils.

Still others focus on foods with naturally occurring enzymes. Some of these include:

• Papaya
• Honey
• Ginger
• Avocado
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Miso
• Pineapple

What Are the Side Effects of Digestive Enzymes?

Some people have no ill effects and in fact, see a great improvement in their existing problems. But others do face challenges, some for a short while in the early stages, and others never seem to be able to take them. This is why we strongly recommend being under the care of a physician when considering whether or not to implement enzymes into your diet. The most common side effects of taking digestive enzyme supplements are:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea

It’s worth noting that if we take digestive enzymes if they aren’t needed, we could end up with the same symptoms we're trying to avoid and we may even tip our systems into a state of imbalance. Allergic reactions are another problem to watch for. People who have a reaction to the enzymes should stop taking them immediately, and contact a healthcare provider. 

For proper digestion, our bodies must strike a delicate balance—and supplements can help to restore that balance when it's been disrupted. But they may not work well if we have too much acid in our small intestines. People could also run into trouble if they're not taking the right dose so it can be tricky. 

In addition, antacids and some diabetic medication may interfere with digestive enzyme supplements or they may interfere with medications so they're not to be taken lightly. It's always a good idea to talk with your healthcare team about adding new supplements or medications. A doctor can help identify any potential problems that might occur, and help you decide whether prescription or over the counter enzymes might work best as well. 

All of us need digestive enzymes for overall good health whether our bodies produce them naturally or we take supplements, we need them to absorb nutrients from food. Some GI disorders can lead to enzyme deficiencies. In these cases, supplements can help us get back on track and may even help us to effect long-term healing.

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