Did you know that most of the digestive enzymes needed come from food and not your body? It’s true. As we age, our bodies produce fewer of the enzymes required for complete digestion, leaving us deficient in certain nutrients. But don’t worry—supplements are available to help your body make up for what it lacks. Let’s learn more about why digestive enzymes are essential and how they work. 

 

What Are Digestive Enzymes? 

Digestive enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions within the body. They help break down food into small molecules so the body can absorb them easier. These enzymes also aid in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. 

There are three main types of digestive enzymes: proteases which break down proteins; lipases which break down fats; and amylases which break down carbohydrates. When these processes aren’t working correctly, you may experience issues like bloating, indigestion, or acid reflux. 

Choosing the best digestive enzymes for gut health and wellness can be confusing, but the Zenwise® editorial team mapped out the perfect game plan.

 

The Benefits of Digestive Enzymes Supplements 

Most people think their bodies naturally produce enough digestive enzymes, but this is often not the case as we age or with certain health conditions. Taking digestive enzyme supplements can help ensure that your body breaks down food properly and absorbs all the necessary nutrients. 

These supplements can also reduce symptoms associated with digestion, such as gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, and even improve immune system function by helping your body get more out of what you eat. 

Wondering how and when to take digestive enzymes? We’ve rounded up all the answers in this blog. 

 

Dynamic Duo: Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics 

Many health-conscious people already support their gut health with probiotics, which can be great for maintaining healthy gut flora. But, as effective as probiotics are, taking them alone is only half the battle.

Probiotics are best paired with digestive enzymes, and here’s why.

With this dynamic duo, you’ll reap the potential gut health benefits of probiotics and the power of enzymes that will help break down food, absorb nutrition for energy, and reduce digestive issues.

Common foods, such as meat, fried foods, dairy, and raw veggies, may be tough to digest, and that’s where a supplement can help.

It's important to note that while our bodies produce some digestive enzymes naturally on their own, they may not be enough as we age or if we have certain health conditions like diabetes or Crohn's disease.

By taking a combination of probiotics and digestive enzyme supplements, you can maximize your nutrient absorption so that you get all the energy and health benefits from what you eat. Probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes all play a part in the orchestra of digestive health. For more info, head to our guide.  

Have questions about digestive supplements in the Zenwise® line? Our customer service team is ready can help at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972.

Zenwise. Then Eat.