Gas, Bloating, and Beyond: The Role of Digestive Enzymes

March 05, 2021

When you’re hungry, you eat. When you’re thirsty, you hydrate. Those basics are easy.
But what happens after the food enters your mouth?

That’s where digestion comes in and where digestive enzymes quietly do some of their most important work.

If you’ve ever dealt with occasional gas, bloating, constipation, or that uncomfortable “why did I eat that?” feeling, enzymes may already be on your radar. And you’re not alone. According to the NIH, up to 70 million Americans experience occasional digestive issues.

Let’s break down what enzymes are, why they matter, and how they fit into a well-rounded gut health routine.

What Are Enzymes, Exactly?

The National Institutes of Health defines enzymes as “a substance that speeds up chemical reactions in your body.”

Digestive enzymes are a specialized group that help break food down into smaller, absorbable components, so your body can actually use the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in your meals.

Where Do Digestive Enzymes Come From?

Your body naturally produces digestive enzymes in several places, including:

Salivary glands
Stomach
Intestines
Pancreas
Liver
Gallbladder

But here’s the catch: your enzyme production may decline with age, and research suggests that only about 25% of the enzymes we need come from the body, while the remaining 75% come from food.

That means digestion can become less efficient over time, especially when enzyme-rich foods aren’t regularly on the menu.

What Do Digestive Enzymes Do?

Think of enzymes like keys and food like locks. Each enzyme is designed to unlock a specific type of food. Without the right key, digestion can feel… stuck.

Some of the most common digestive enzymes include:

Amylase & Glucoamylase – Break down carbohydrates and starches
Protease, Papain & Bromelain – Help digest proteins
Lipase – Breaks fats into fatty acids
Lactase – Helps digest lactose in dairy
Cellulase – Breaks down plant fiber your body can’t digest on its own
Invertase – Breaks table sugar into glucose and fructose

When enzyme levels are low or meals are especially hard to digest, your gut may let you know.

Common Foods That Can Be Hard to Digest

You might assume only beans or spicy foods cause digestive trouble, but many everyday foods can challenge digestion.

Meat
Fried foods
Dairy
Raw vegetables
Alcohol

Even plant-based diets can come with digestive hiccups. Some people experience more gas or difficulty absorbing nutrients when increasing fiber intake, especially early on.

Foods That Naturally Contain Digestive Enzymes

The good news? Some foods offer enzyme support of their own, including:

Pineapple, papaya, mango, kiwi, bananas, and avocados
Raw honey
Fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso
Ginger

Still, modern diets, cooking methods, and lifestyle factors can make it hard to rely on food alone for consistent enzyme intake.

Why Probiotics Alone Aren’t Always Enough

Probiotics are a great way to support a healthy gut microbiome and it’s what most people starting their wellness journey are familiar with, but, they’re only part of the equation.

Digestive enzymes and probiotics work best together:

Enzymes help break down food and improve nutrient absorption
Probiotics help maintain healthy gut flora

It’s a complementary approach that supports digestion from start to finish.

When Might a Digestive Enzyme Supplement Help?

You don’t have to experience daily discomfort to benefit from enzyme support. Some signs your body may need help include:

Increased sensitivity to foods you used to tolerate
Occasional gas, bloating, or heaviness after meals
Difficulty digesting dairy, protein, or high-fiber foods
Age-related changes in digestion

If this sounds familiar, it may be worth discussing digestive enzyme supplements with your healthcare provider.

What to Look for in a Digestive Enzyme Supplement

Not all enzyme supplements are created equal. When choosing one, look for:

Clearly labeled enzyme activity levels
Manufacturing under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
A thoughtfully designed formula that supports real digestion—not just trends

Doing your homework helps ensure you’re choosing quality you can trust.

Zenwise® Digestive Enzymes: Complete Pre-Meal Support

At Zenwise®, we believe effective digestion support should check all the boxes.

That’s why Zenwise® Digestive Enzymes are:

Plant-based
Designed to support digestion of proteins, carbs, fats, fiber, and dairy
Paired with Bacillus subtilis, and 9 other clinically proven probiotic strains

Digestion doesn’t have to be complicated, but understanding it makes all the difference. If you’re just starting your gut health journey, our trained Zenwise® experts are always here to help you find the right support for your digestive needs.

Have questions? We’ve got answers! Contact us seven days a week at support@zenwise.com or (800) 940-2972, M-F, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Your gut deserves better—and honestly, so do you.