Digestive Enzymes: The Key to Gut Health and Cellular Wealth
Do you suffer from chronic issues with digestion such as bloating, gas, indigestion, or constipation? Do you experience acid reflux after eating a meal? Do you suspect “leaky gut” syndrome?
Some or all of these symptoms may indicate that you would benefit from adding digestive enzymes to your daily regimen. You may be putting the most clean, green, and pristine food in your body, but if you don’t digest and absorb it the right way, you won’t reap its benefits or full healing potential!
On the other hand, if you love your greasy burgers, cheesy nachos, and chicken wings you might want to give your tummy a hand, and simultaneously minimize the negative side effects of your favorite munchies. Give yourself some digestive enzymes with each meal to make sure you get the most out of your food.
What are digestive enzymes and what do they do?
Digestive enzymes are small proteins created by your body to help break down food into micro and macronutrients, which can then be absorbed and utilized by every system in the body.
Digestion starts in the mouth where amylase in saliva begins to break down your food. It then travels to your stomach where stomach acid, mostly hydrochloric acid (HCl), breaks down proteins. The enzymes released from the pancreas continue to break down food in the small intestine. Amylase breaks down starches, lipase breaks down fats, and protease breaks down proteins. Plus, there are also some enzymes present on the brush border of the intestines.
Now you can see what a delicate and complex process your everyday digestion can be! If any part of this system is compromised by stress or poor diet, you can get yourself into a world of digestive trouble.
Why should I take digestive enzymes?
The food you eat is very important! It literally helps create every cell in your body. You are what you eat, or more accurately, you are what you digest and absorb.
The undigested food is not only a missed opportunity for cell growth and rejuvenation, it is also a burden on the body and may incite more inflammation in the gut sending a ripple effect into the whole body.
Often, digestive issues are seen in patients with chronic disease and inflammatory issues. Whether your body is not producing enough enzymes anymore or your enzymes are just not working as well as they used to, a digestive aid with meals may be one simple remedy to your tummy ailments.
Which digestive enzymes to take?
I use Digest by Premier Research Labs. It is a high potency formula with a broad spectrum profile of vegetarian enzymes to support the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber and dairy. Premier digest is easy on the stomach and an easy-swallow size for most customers. I also like Panplex 2-Phase by Integrative Therapeutics for a comprehensive digestive support.
If you need help with digestion in both the stomach and your intestinal tract, Panplex 2-Phase is what you need to consider. It combines pancreatic enzymes with hydrochloric acid and pepsin for healthy digestion support.
Come in to Dripping Springs Pharmacy to speak with our wellness consultants about digestive support for your health today.
-Lauren Meyer, CNS, MS