Unpacking Digestive Enzymes
What even are they? An explanation of these little protein catalysts.
Digestive Enzymes, oh boy! I don’t know when or how these became so mainstream, but I figured it was time to dive a little bit more into them.
They have come into the limelight in the last few years as a magical fix all tool for digestive issues. And look, I am not here to judge their use, but rather talk about them from a factual perspective so let’s dive in!
This post will not be to talk down to them, but rather give you a realistic and simple explanation of what they ACTUALLY do.
There is no magical fix for digestive issues, but the more you learn and the more tools at your disposal, the less mystifying stomach issues may seem.
But first, let’s define what an enzyme is. An enzyme can be described as a catalyst of sorts, they are proteins that help to jumpstart biological mechanisms within the body. They participate in both the building and breaking down of certain biological mechanisms.
So, what do Digestive Enzymes do? In laymen’s terms, Digestive Enzymes are meant to break down food and help with the digestion process. These enzymes can be naturally occurring such as lactase, which helps to break down products containing dairy (specifically lactose, the milk-sugar).
*lactose-intolerance is when this particular enzyme is not produced enough to support the breakdown of lactose*
Top Facts You Should Know about Digestive Enzymes:
1) For an adult with a nutrient-dense and diverse diet, they are not necessary to take.
With the culture of supplements growing, people are often quick to rush to take any supplement they think will reduce their bloating or stomach upset. Though digestive enzymes can help for people with intolerances, for the average person it may not be the fix you’re hoping for. Considering the body naturally makes the most common enzymes in the pancreas, which are amylase, protease, and lipase, taking additional enzymes if your body is ALREADY producing adequate amounts may not see the changes you’re hoping for.
All this to say, for my lactose-intolerant friends, or anyone who has been noted to have trouble digesting fats, carbohydrates, or proteins, these can be an excellent tool to have in your toolbox. As always, chat with a your primary care physician, GI doctor, or dietitian, if you have questions or want to start!
2) They are available over the counter, for the most part.
You’ve probably seen products like Lactaid or Beano over the counter once or twice, these are digestive enzymes! Respectively containing lactase and alpha-galactosidase, each helping to break down milk-sugars (lactase) and carbohydrates found in food likes beans (alpha-galactosidase). These are great tools! I absolutely do keep a lactaid around me, trust.
I cannot vouch for their effectiveness if you drink a whole gallon of milk, however, I will say when popping a lactaid before having a piece of pizza, it’s felt like it’s helped. I will say, could it be placebo effect, perhaps! But I’d rather use it and have peace of mind, then not.
3) They are different from Probiotics.
I think people sometimes think Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics are synonymous. This is incorrect. Though both may have some positive effects for your tummy and digestion, they are two very different things. As discussed, enzymes are a protein, while probiotics are a bacteria. Probiotics can be very helpful in maintaining your gut health, and are known as the “good” bacteria that you want to fight off bad things that come in contact with your digestive tract. They are another great tool for use after a run of antibiotics, stomach illness, or travel. (just like enzymes not a fix-all tool, but can’t hurt if you’re trying to reach a semblance of stomach normalcy).
Okay well Lauren, should I be taking them?
Bestie, I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this. There is NO magical tool fix all tool for stomach problems. I wish there was! I wish I could press a button and never have a digestive problem ever again!!
BUT do I support tools that help YOU and make you feel good and confident about your food choices, absolutely I do!!!
I just don’t want anyone to feel pressured by so many new supplements promising to fix your bloat and cure all of your ills, when in reality you may just need to eat on a more regimented schedule….
ANYWAY, that’s a post for another day.
Otherwise, I hope you have a lovely day, and found this mini-foray into enzyme talk interesting and/or helpful. :)